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Reggie Miller’s NBA career spanned from 1987 to 2005, making him one of the few to play against both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant while each was in or near the prime of their career. Bryant recently passed Jordan for third on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, and Miller shared his unique perspective on the moment during an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show Tuesday.

After explaining that the triangle offense isn’t working for the Knicks because they don’t have players the caliber of Phil Jackson’s title-winning Bulls or Lakers squads, Patrick asked Miller if Bryant or Jordan was tougher to guard – and Miller didn’t even have to think about it.

“Who was tougher to guard, Kobe or Mike?

No question. Michael Jordan on his worst day is 10 times better than Kobe Bryant on his best day, and that is not short-changing Kobe Bryant because he gave me my lunchpail too…. Michael Jordan on his worst day I will take over Kobe Bryant on his best day.

So what does it mean that Kobe’s now third on the all-time scoring list?

Truly a special career. Everyone wants to say ‘hey it only took Michael 15 years and it took Kobe 18 or 19.’ I don’t care. What I care about is the work in the lab. That is a heck of a lot of points, and a heck of a lot of longevity and a lot of miles and a lot of tread on all those tires by Kobe Bryant. Congratulations. I mean, to pass your idol and a guy that’s won six rings, six Finals MVPs. And Kobe Bryant – five rings and two MVPs in the Finals. Look, two of the best to ever do it. Congratulations.”

Jeff Haynes/AFP