The level of talent in the leage when jordan was playing was greater then what kobe is up against. Look at the players jordan had to play again, Larry Bird, Magic johnson, karl malone, john stockton, Penny hardaway(in his prime), Shaq, Charles barkey, Patrick ewing, john Starks, David Robinson, Dekimbe mutombo, dominique wilkins, Steve smith, brad dorhaty, Joe dumars, Charles Oakley, isiah thomas etc etc etc. their arent as many great players in the league now. thats why lebron and kobe stand out so much