Dirk calls Kobe the Michael Jordan of his generation

Add Dirk Nowitzki to the long list of NBA greats who have referred to Kobe Bryant as the preeminent player of his era.

"Like I said, this entire time, he's our Michael Jordan, for our generation," Nowitzki said to ESPN's Baxter Holmes. "He's one of the best to ever lace 'em up. It's been a pleasure and an honor to compete against him basically almost my entire career."

In what would've marked their final matchup Tuesday night, Nowitzki got the best of Bryant's Lakers, nailing the eventual game-winner.

However, Bryant still expects they'll battle again after they both retire.

"When no cameras are around, I'm sure we'll get together and we'll have a beer or two and play against each other one-on-one," he said.

Nowitzki was never part of any of Bryant's epic playoff moments - the Mavericks swept Los Angeles in their lone postseason matchup - but does recognize the "Black Mamba" as a cold-blooded assassin.

"The league is going to miss one of the greatest to ever play. His competitiveness, his clutch shots, that's what I remember the most," Nowitzki said.