He's very knowledgeable. That's the one advantage that I see in Kobe Bryant's career compared to Michael Jordan. Ten years into Kobe Bryant's career, we're seeing a very polished 27-year-old player who's probably got another seven or eight great years ahead of him.

One of the hardest things for a ball player to do is to accept his role

I visualize the game. I think about who I am guarding, the things he likes to do.

I've always led by example and I'm not that vocal.

It [would have] been very difficult. As I said, the rules ... but if the rules were put in place back when Michael Jordan was in his prime - no hand-checking, the game was more geared toward offense, wanting to promote scoring in the game - he could have probably got close. He did score 69.

He's one of the best power forwards of all-time. I take my hands off to him.

Sometimes a player's greatest challenge is coming to grips with his role on the team.