VIDEO: Scottie Pippen Compares Kobe Bryant to Michael Jordan in Great Tribute

Kobe Bryant fans, grab the tissues. It still doesn't feel real that he isn't with us, but Scottie Pippen shared some incredibly touching words while Bryant to the great Michael Jordan that made us emotional all over again.

While the stats might tell a different story in the comparison of the two, there is no denying Kobe's passion for the game of basketball and the constant work he put into, as Pippen puts it, his craft. Jordan has Kobe beat in just about every per-game stat category, but Bryant's "Mamba Mentality" is what truly set him apart from every other player he faced. He refused to be beaten, and that shows in his performances over 20 seasons in the league. Jordan and Bryant were also good friends, which proves that game recognizes game.

No one is doubting the greatness of either Bryant or Jordan, and comparisons between them is nothing new. What is novel, however, is Scottie Pippen's take. Pippen simply cannot make up his mind when comparing his former teammate to the stars of today, and has publicly stated nearly every variation of which athlete is the true GOAT.

Bryant's love for the game of basketball and his drive to be the best will never be forgotten. His legacy is guaranteed whether or not he quite reached the heights of MJ. In any event, it's truly meaningful to hear Pippen give the Mamba the highest possible praise.