Dallas Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki sits six spots behind Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant on the NBA's all-time points leaders list and the native of Germany heaped praise on the five-time NBA champion surpassing Michael Jordan for the third position.
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Bryant currently sits in third place on the list with 32,331 points in his career, which eclipsed Jordan's 32,292 total and Nowitzki currently has 27,257 points to rank ninth.
When asked about Bryant's accomplishment in passing one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA, Nowitzki had high praise for the L.A. star.
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"He's probably the greatest player in my generation that I played against," Nowitzki told ESPN Los Angeles. "Obviously [Shaquille O'Neal] was very dominant, Tim Duncan was great, but I just loved watching Kobe. I don't think there will ever be another MJ, but he's definitely as close as it gets that we'll ever see."
Nowitzki is currently closing in on Elvin Hayes (27,313 points) and Moses Malone (27,409) for the seventh spot on the list.
Nowitzki said he has enjoyed watching the legendary Lakers star etch himself into NBA history over the years.
"He had it all. He's a clutch player, can make shots from anywhere," Nowitzki said. "I've had a blast from watching him during his career very closely. That's a heck of an accomplishment for sure."
Bryant, who is rumored to retire at the end of the 2015-16 campaign once his two-year deal is up, is averaging 25.2 points per game this season thus far while Nowitzki is averaging 18.8.
Los Angeles sits at 8-17 and in last place in the Pacific Division thus far this season while Dallas has a solid 19-8 mark to rank third in the Southwest Division.
Nowitzki will be able to see Bryant up close when the Mavericks and Lakers clash on Dec. 26 in Dallas.
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