kobe is the best !!! what other 6 ft 6 guard can lead a team in today generation with lebron and dwde and durant... jordan was great but he played in a time when magic and bird were bout to retire.... his biggest threat was charles barkley..... now kobe is up against all younger players den him.... plz lets take 09-10 season for example.... it takes kobe a broken finger,meessed up knee, bad ankle and back spasms to be even in a league with dwade?? how many players do u noe that can just change their jumpshot form and still dominate.... how many other players can make baskets with a hand in their face.... wen u can get any player who goes through all those injuries dominates and gets finals mvp against the celtics tema of romdo pierce garnett perkins rasheed and etc. den u can talk if kobe is the best player or not..
notalakersfan - 14 years ago
I don't know about being the greatest Laker, but I'm sure we can all agree that he's the best rapist of all time! Huh, amirite? ;)
Lazaro Estevez - 14 years ago
For those saying that Magic was a "people person,"had a great personality, etc. This is not a personality poll. It is a greatness on the floor matter. Magic might of had a great smile and an infectious personality, but other than his great passing ability Magic had nothing else on Kobe Bryant. Kobe has rewritten the NBA history books on his way to five rings and two Bill Russel awards. Remember, Johnson never won without Kareem and he had Worthy for a couple of those titles as well. That's three of the top-50 NBA players of all time on one team. Bryant has won consecutive titles, and owns the NBA, with a team that has no other HOF. Paul Gasol has a chance, but that is an outside shot if he continues to play at that high level he's been playing the past few seasons. Kobe will be one of the top-3 players of all time when his career is done. I have him at 5 right now. He is definitely number one, when your talking about the purple and gold. Appreciate him while he's here and stop taking him for granted people!
Billi - 14 years ago
Kobe 81 points. Kobe 17 points in 6 minutes. Kobe 12 3s in one game. Kobe 5 rings. Obviously Kobe is the greatest laker of all time. who cares if he was positive? the NBA is about winning. Jerry West even said that Kobe was the best laker of all time. People love to say how Kobe doesn't dominate and put up a show like mj or magic. How come opposing coaches tell their players, that theres nothing they can do, because its kobe bryant. the shots he pulled against phoenix were insane. i cant imagine anyone in the history of basketball, including mj, make a fadeaway falling jumper like that, defended so tightly, with a fractured finger and a bum knee. kobes 31with 5 rings. mj didnt get number 5 until he was 35. Kobe's gonna heal up this summer and come back healthy and shut up all the critics.his shooting is unparalleled, he makes the hardest shots, most ridiculous shots. i've seen all the greats plauy, and not one of them takes and makes shots like kobe. So you haters keep talking about how he isnt even top 10 when he surpasses all the guys on your list by the end of his career.
Billi - 14 years ago
Kobe 81 points. Kobe 17 points in 6 minutes. Kobe 12 3s in one game. Kobe 5 rings. Obviously Kobe is the greatest laker of all time. who cares if he was positive? the NBA is about winning. Jerry West even said that Kobe was the best laker of all time. People love to say how Kobe doesn't dominate and put up a show like mj or magic. How come opposing coaches tell their players, that theres nothing they can do, because its kobe bryant. the shots he pulled against phoenix were insane. i cant imagine anyone in the history of basketball, including mj, make a fadeaway falling jumper like that, defended so tightly, with a fractured finger and a bum knee. kobes 31with 5 rings. mj didnt get number 5 until he was 35. Kobe's gonna heal up this summer and come back healthy and shut up all the critics.his shooting is unparalleled, he makes the hardest shots, most ridiculous shots. i've seen all the greats plauy, and not one of them takes and makes shots like kobe. So you haters keep talking about how he isnt even top 10 when he surpasses all the guys on your list by the end of his career.
David Aguilar - 14 years ago
What everyone forgets is the system of play that the "show time" ran, it was clearly beneficial to magic, the way I see it is that it was easier, run and pass the ball because that's what magic was better to, that was his style. His style was not to create his own shots or moves...
Kobe also has a different style, he is able to create their own moves and shots but is a different story with the system used by the coach P. Jacksond (triangle) at its 14-year career in the NBA is the only offense that Bryant knows and is not exactly easy, is not to run fast and pass the ball, you have to set-up the offensive. For me that makes a difference in the two players, in conclusion: they are completely different players but Kobe by far more athletic talent and more resources, I feel that Kobe should be considered the Greatest Laker of all time!
David Aguilar - 14 years ago
What everyone forgets is the system of play that the "show time" ran, it was clearly beneficial to magic, the way I see it is that it was easier, run and pass the ball because that's what magic was better to, that was his style.
Kobe also has a different style but is a different story with the system used by the coach P. Jacksond (triangle) at its 14-year career in the NBA is the only offense that Bryant knows and is not exactly easy, is not to run fast and pass the ball, you have to set-up the offensive. For me that makes a difference in the two players, but I feel that Kobe should be considered the Greatest Laker of all time!
this is my opinion ...
Zach - 14 years ago
Has everyone forgot about Wilt Chamberlain? Hey may have only played for a little over 4 years for LA, but he has a Laker and he is better than Kobe could dream to be. He is the second greatest basketball player of all time.
Biggdogg250 - 14 years ago
You can't compare Kobe & Magic. Both were the best in their era's. MJ was the same in his era. Great players for everyone to see. If you were old enough to see Magic run Showtime. You know he was the total team player from day one. After one game, Magic ran up and jumped into Kareem's arms. And Kareem had to tell him that was only one victory. We still had 81 games to play. But Magic's love for the game captivated the whole city. He didn't care who got the credit for the win. Kobe never learned that. However Kobe has grown into a complete team player now. And he is now the best in the world. Has been for a couple of years running. That's what can happen to a player when he stay's put. Anybody listening in Cleveland? Peace. One of 10,000 Laker Fans in Phoenix , AZ.
Tony Cooper - 14 years ago
Kareem would be No.1. His Sky Hook was the most unstoppable force in the history of the sport, even if everyone knew it was coming. Magic would be next, brought style and substance to plate, but the team was always first, maybe the most enjoyable athlete in any sport to watch. West, Baylor and Wilt (as a Laker) would round out the list.
Jon - 14 years ago
Plzzzzzzz stop hattn Kobe is the best laker 4 sure just chech the records give him 3 more years and he'll be GOAT ppl got to realize he's only 31 Jordan was 34 when he got his fith so Kobe gonna add to his already superior resume so were talkn 7 rings when he's done all this stupd shit these old heads are sayng can just stop If u were to put magic and Kareem in today's game they ain't coming close to what they did n the 80 s so start useing ur brain a liitle could u imagne Kobe n the 80z were talkn 40 a game so yes already greatest laker of all tme and soon to be the best ever already is in my eyes but ull see soon enough 5 and counting
Laker Fan Van - 14 years ago
Magic is still the man, for his game 6 in '80. What was he, 21? When Kobe gets us another, it's all his!
geon - 14 years ago
I think Kobe is #1 for the younger fans, but Magic & Kareem would be tops for when the NBA was a decent game.
frmkt - 14 years ago
Not ready to concede Magic & Kareem... No doubt, Kobe is the greatest 2 ever to put on the P&G and although Kobe had an opportunity to surpass Magic at this point in his career, he has chosen to remain a pure shooting guard and that's why Magic has the upperhand...for now. Can't discount the fact that Magic was a 1 and passing was part of the job description. At 6'9", it was a freak show to watch what he can do with the "rock." Kobe has that same ability and I suspect that as his body begins to age, passing more often will allow him to extend his career - if he so desires - and rack up several more 'Chips. That was the long answer... Short answer: No.
reallaker - 14 years ago
magic had a better team then kobe ever has. In they are to different type of players one pass the other scores. keep real it magic had way better player around him check the stats.
Paul - 14 years ago
Nothing against Kobe. I just remember "the days", when Magic ran show time, Kareem had the middle, Silk was smooth, Coop had the lock down D, and Byron Scott was the upstart kid. I recall how Magic played Center when Kareem was out with a migraine and the Lakers still won. So no, I think Magic was the greatest Laker of all time. Then we can discuss Kobe, Wilt & Kareem for second greatest.
reallaker - 14 years ago
stop it kobe just magic as the greatest laker ever
johnnicks - 14 years ago
Kobe is in the conversation, but this was addressed well last night by Michael Wilbon. A minimum of half the people voting in this poll never saw West or Baylor play. They were kids when Magic and Kareem played. We are always trying to latch onto "the next great thing." Numbers don't lie. Magic shot 52% lifetime, Kobe 45.5. Rebounds: Magic 7.2, Kobe 5.3. Assists: Magic 11.2, Kobe 4.7. Free throws: Magic .848, Kobe .838, True shooting percentage (includes 3 pointers, free throws etc.): Magic .610, Kobe .557. Kobe takes a higher volume of shots, often to his teams detriment, so his scoring average is minimally higher, but put together their total games and Magic was more efficient, a better floor general, a better leader, much less selfish and tempemental, and made everyone better. Anyone really think Worthy would be a Hall of Famer without Magic? Nail in Kobe's coffin: Game 6 1980. It's really not even close.
Heath - 14 years ago
I am not a Laker fan, and I did not get to see Magic play, but from what I have seen, read, and heard, there is NO question in my mind that Magic Johnson is the greatest Laker of all-time. What's funny is that I have Kareem ranked 2nd as a Laker (Kobe third, now DEFINITIVELY ahead of the great Jerry West who, even with one title I had above Kobe before this last title due to his contributions both as a player and an amazing GM) I have him ranked ahead of Magic all-time. I consider Magic the 4th greatest player ever, and Kareem 3rd (behind 1 Jordan and 2 Russell), and you could argue that Kareem is the greatest player to ever play the game at ALL levels...I really only accept that argument for three players, Kareem, Russell, and Jordan. But as for the greatest Laker ever, I still say Magic Johnson, the man who (with Larry Bird) MADE the NBA (Jordan did not, he rode their coat tails, no matter that he was the better player). Here's how I see the top 10 Lakers ever:
1.) Magic 2.) Kareem 3.) Kobe 4.) West 5.) Elgin 6.) Shaq 7.) Worthy 8.) Wilt 9.) Goodrich 10.) Mikan....Mikan may be higher if he'd played for the LA Lakers, but never playing in LA, he can't be higher than 10th.
As for the greatest players of all-time, here's how I see it after last night:
1.) Jordan 2.) Russell 3.) Kareem 4.) Magic 5.) Bird 6.) Wilt 7.) Kobe 8.) Duncan 9.) West 10.) Oscar Robertson 11.) Shaq
Obviously lists are subjective, but I don't believe there is really anything Kobe can do to crack the top 3 (and probably not the top 5) because they weren't just great on the court, but made the game. I believe he can (and with another title WILL) pass Wilt...but I don't know what he could do to pass the top 5 in the game. Still, being 7th (now) and 6th (possibly) of all players to ever pick up a basketball is pretty amazing for anyone...I don't think Lebron will ever equal that, as great as he is and has the chance to be...he'll be lucky to make the top 10.
Lastly, I think Shaq would have been higher if he'd cared more...he won 4 titles (and made it to 6 NBA finals) without giving anywhere near the 100% that Kobe (and Jordan, Magic, Bird, Kareem, and Russell) did. If he had CARED, ESPECIALLY considering he had Kobe (and then Wade) as teammates, he could have been the only player ever to give Russ a shot for his money with those 11 titles. As it is, his 4 is incredible, but short of what he could have done. I don't see Kobe winning more than 6, though I do believe he'll win that last one to equal MJ and Kareem before his time is over...however, having the same # of titles (and more than Magic...and then, with one more, double Bird) will not, in my opinion, make him better than those players.
Derek Jeter has won 5 WS rings while Willie Mays won 1...As much as I love Jeter (and I do as I'm a New Yorker and a die-hard Yankees fan) you don't see many people saying Jeter is equal to or better than Willie....Ted Williams won NONE, and he's considered better too. So winning isn't the ONLY thing...afterall, Jordan is usually acknowledged as the best player in history, and he has just over HALF the titles that Russell has....AND in again in baseball, Yogi Berra has 10, but no one believes he's quite Babe Ruth (who won 7).
Kobe is one of the 10 best players ever, and has a shot at top 5...but he will never be the best, and never be better than Magic or Kareem.
Kathy - 14 years ago
Not everyone is cut out to be a people person like Magic. A lot of people are only capable of a sort of discipline like personality to excell. If only the people who are out going are recognized there will be trouble. Why don't you popularity poll people move over a bit and let some who like this perfectionist discipline type stuff have just a couple of seconds in the sun to feel like they too are people and not just some well controlled mean machine. Have a heart Laker's fans. Five wins and he did that like a machine? He and the coach and his teammates knew who he was. He was the best. Wake up and smell the coffee, old folks.
Jay - 14 years ago
Kobe ,to me, has shown that he is a perfetionist player. He wants to be the best He focouses and works hard at it. We all try to learn things from other but don't work hard enough to excel, Kobe does. This is in his personality. The intense desire in him to excel makes him the greatest. But I agree that Magic was indeed of all.
peter - 14 years ago
As far as pure Laker,after watching the worst coverage of basketball finals by ABC (All Boston comments) it still reminds me how much I miss the greatest Laker of all time Chic Hern. As far as player I've been blessed to watch from the West, Walt years,Kareem,Magic,Kobe and each era has given us the best of the best We are truly blessed to have the best player be a Laker in each era
Marques Fondren - 14 years ago
I love Kobe and think he's the third best player in NBA history but I can't say he's the best Laker ever not because Magic, but Kareem. Kareem is argueably the best basketball player of all time so I gotta say he's the best Laker of all time
dave - 14 years ago
No. Jerry West is the greatest Laker and would have been even better if there where three point shots. Yes, he couldn't beat the Celtics...but Bill Russell is the greatest player ever and that made it difficult even for Jerry
KristinaP - 14 years ago
yes, Kobe Bryant is the best Lakerof all time. Modern basketball has way more athletic competition than it did back in the day. Not to mention more teams with better players.
greg - 14 years ago
No way! The greatest lakers of all-time are as follows: 1. Jerry Buss 2. Jerry West 3. Magic 4. Kareem 5. Shaq 6. Elgin Baylor 7. Phil Jackson 8. Jack Nickolson (no rings but is a great of Laker fan) 9. Kobe. 10. D Fisher (he also has 5 rings).
Note: Basketball is a team sport and Kobe did not win those 5 rings all by himself. I believe shaq was on some of those championship teams and may have won several NBA finals MVPs while Kobe was on those teams. Kobe is an overblown hype and to compare him to any of the former NBA super basketball players ( Bill Russell, Oscar Robinson, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlin, Elgin Baylor, MJ, Bird and Magic) is an insult to those player's greatness! After that group, Kobe may fall in one of the next tiers of very good basketball players (Doc, Gervin, Moses etc) but Kobe is certainly not great!
Sandy - 14 years ago
Magic was great in his on era and Kobe is great now. We should not compare them, they both are great players. Magic created something and now Kobe is following that. Winning 5 championship means Kobe hasd some thing. Pl donot compare them.
rayal hill - 14 years ago
kobe is and will be the greatest laker
Gene - 14 years ago
Kobe is great. MAGIC was given that name for a good reason!! Magic invented a lot of the moves that Kobe uses.
Robert M. Dohrmann - 14 years ago
In each era of Laker dominance there have been outstanding leaders: West and Baylor,. Kareem and Magic. Kobe and Shaq, Kobe. In the history if the franchise its not correct to single any one player as the "best' They have all been "the best."
meLu - 14 years ago
No 1 is still Magic. Why? 1980 Finals Game 6 - that's why. Simply as that.
margaret - 14 years ago
how could one ever think that Kobe is half the player that magic was MAGIC IS A PEOPLE PERSON do you think Kobe know about that?
Mark G. - 14 years ago
Magic had more triple doubles than Kobe could dream about and his personality was as positively infectious to his teammates as his basketball smarts.
MichaelRyerson - 14 years ago
As much as I enjoy watching him play (and he can be a wonder) I don't believe he has the same effect on those around him that Magic did. Magic simply made it a better team.
kobe is the best !!! what other 6 ft 6 guard can lead a team in today generation with lebron and dwde and durant... jordan was great but he played in a time when magic and bird were bout to retire.... his biggest threat was charles barkley..... now kobe is up against all younger players den him.... plz lets take 09-10 season for example.... it takes kobe a broken finger,meessed up knee, bad ankle and back spasms to be even in a league with dwade?? how many players do u noe that can just change their jumpshot form and still dominate.... how many other players can make baskets with a hand in their face.... wen u can get any player who goes through all those injuries dominates and gets finals mvp against the celtics tema of romdo pierce garnett perkins rasheed and etc. den u can talk if kobe is the best player or not..
I don't know about being the greatest Laker, but I'm sure we can all agree that he's the best rapist of all time! Huh, amirite? ;)
For those saying that Magic was a "people person,"had a great personality, etc. This is not a personality poll. It is a greatness on the floor matter. Magic might of had a great smile and an infectious personality, but other than his great passing ability Magic had nothing else on Kobe Bryant. Kobe has rewritten the NBA history books on his way to five rings and two Bill Russel awards. Remember, Johnson never won without Kareem and he had Worthy for a couple of those titles as well. That's three of the top-50 NBA players of all time on one team. Bryant has won consecutive titles, and owns the NBA, with a team that has no other HOF. Paul Gasol has a chance, but that is an outside shot if he continues to play at that high level he's been playing the past few seasons. Kobe will be one of the top-3 players of all time when his career is done. I have him at 5 right now. He is definitely number one, when your talking about the purple and gold. Appreciate him while he's here and stop taking him for granted people!
Kobe 81 points. Kobe 17 points in 6 minutes. Kobe 12 3s in one game. Kobe 5 rings. Obviously Kobe is the greatest laker of all time. who cares if he was positive? the NBA is about winning. Jerry West even said that Kobe was the best laker of all time. People love to say how Kobe doesn't dominate and put up a show like mj or magic. How come opposing coaches tell their players, that theres nothing they can do, because its kobe bryant. the shots he pulled against phoenix were insane. i cant imagine anyone in the history of basketball, including mj, make a fadeaway falling jumper like that, defended so tightly, with a fractured finger and a bum knee. kobes 31with 5 rings. mj didnt get number 5 until he was 35. Kobe's gonna heal up this summer and come back healthy and shut up all the critics.his shooting is unparalleled, he makes the hardest shots, most ridiculous shots. i've seen all the greats plauy, and not one of them takes and makes shots like kobe. So you haters keep talking about how he isnt even top 10 when he surpasses all the guys on your list by the end of his career.
Kobe 81 points. Kobe 17 points in 6 minutes. Kobe 12 3s in one game. Kobe 5 rings. Obviously Kobe is the greatest laker of all time. who cares if he was positive? the NBA is about winning. Jerry West even said that Kobe was the best laker of all time. People love to say how Kobe doesn't dominate and put up a show like mj or magic. How come opposing coaches tell their players, that theres nothing they can do, because its kobe bryant. the shots he pulled against phoenix were insane. i cant imagine anyone in the history of basketball, including mj, make a fadeaway falling jumper like that, defended so tightly, with a fractured finger and a bum knee. kobes 31with 5 rings. mj didnt get number 5 until he was 35. Kobe's gonna heal up this summer and come back healthy and shut up all the critics.his shooting is unparalleled, he makes the hardest shots, most ridiculous shots. i've seen all the greats plauy, and not one of them takes and makes shots like kobe. So you haters keep talking about how he isnt even top 10 when he surpasses all the guys on your list by the end of his career.
What everyone forgets is the system of play that the "show time" ran, it was clearly beneficial to magic, the way I see it is that it was easier, run and pass the ball because that's what magic was better to, that was his style. His style was not to create his own shots or moves...
Kobe also has a different style, he is able to create their own moves and shots but is a different story with the system used by the coach P. Jacksond (triangle) at its 14-year career in the NBA is the only offense that Bryant knows and is not exactly easy, is not to run fast and pass the ball, you have to set-up the offensive. For me that makes a difference in the two players, in conclusion: they are completely different players but Kobe by far more athletic talent and more resources, I feel that Kobe should be considered the Greatest Laker of all time!
What everyone forgets is the system of play that the "show time" ran, it was clearly beneficial to magic, the way I see it is that it was easier, run and pass the ball because that's what magic was better to, that was his style.
Kobe also has a different style but is a different story with the system used by the coach P. Jacksond (triangle) at its 14-year career in the NBA is the only offense that Bryant knows and is not exactly easy, is not to run fast and pass the ball, you have to set-up the offensive. For me that makes a difference in the two players, but I feel that Kobe should be considered the Greatest Laker of all time!
this is my opinion ...
Has everyone forgot about Wilt Chamberlain? Hey may have only played for a little over 4 years for LA, but he has a Laker and he is better than Kobe could dream to be. He is the second greatest basketball player of all time.
You can't compare Kobe & Magic. Both were the best in their era's. MJ was the same in his era. Great players for everyone to see. If you were old enough to see Magic run Showtime. You know he was the total team player from day one. After one game, Magic ran up and jumped into Kareem's arms. And Kareem had to tell him that was only one victory. We still had 81 games to play. But Magic's love for the game captivated the whole city. He didn't care who got the credit for the win. Kobe never learned that. However Kobe has grown into a complete team player now. And he is now the best in the world. Has been for a couple of years running. That's what can happen to a player when he stay's put. Anybody listening in Cleveland? Peace. One of 10,000 Laker Fans in Phoenix , AZ.
Kareem would be No.1. His Sky Hook was the most unstoppable force in the history of the sport, even if everyone knew it was coming. Magic would be next, brought style and substance to plate, but the team was always first, maybe the most enjoyable athlete in any sport to watch. West, Baylor and Wilt (as a Laker) would round out the list.
Plzzzzzzz stop hattn Kobe is the best laker 4 sure just chech the records give him 3 more years and he'll be GOAT ppl got to realize he's only 31 Jordan was 34 when he got his fith so Kobe gonna add to his already superior resume so were talkn 7 rings when he's done all this stupd shit these old heads are sayng can just stop If u were to put magic and Kareem in today's game they ain't coming close to what they did n the 80 s so start useing ur brain a liitle could u imagne Kobe n the 80z were talkn 40 a game so yes already greatest laker of all tme and soon to be the best ever already is in my eyes but ull see soon enough 5 and counting
Magic is still the man, for his game 6 in '80. What was he, 21? When Kobe gets us another, it's all his!
I think Kobe is #1 for the younger fans, but Magic & Kareem would be tops for when the NBA was a decent game.
Not ready to concede Magic & Kareem... No doubt, Kobe is the greatest 2 ever to put on the P&G and although Kobe had an opportunity to surpass Magic at this point in his career, he has chosen to remain a pure shooting guard and that's why Magic has the upperhand...for now. Can't discount the fact that Magic was a 1 and passing was part of the job description. At 6'9", it was a freak show to watch what he can do with the "rock." Kobe has that same ability and I suspect that as his body begins to age, passing more often will allow him to extend his career - if he so desires - and rack up several more 'Chips. That was the long answer... Short answer: No.
magic had a better team then kobe ever has. In they are to different type of players one pass the other scores. keep real it magic had way better player around him check the stats.
Nothing against Kobe. I just remember "the days", when Magic ran show time, Kareem had the middle, Silk was smooth, Coop had the lock down D, and Byron Scott was the upstart kid. I recall how Magic played Center when Kareem was out with a migraine and the Lakers still won. So no, I think Magic was the greatest Laker of all time. Then we can discuss Kobe, Wilt & Kareem for second greatest.
stop it kobe just magic as the greatest laker ever
Kobe is in the conversation, but this was addressed well last night by Michael Wilbon. A minimum of half the people voting in this poll never saw West or Baylor play. They were kids when Magic and Kareem played. We are always trying to latch onto "the next great thing." Numbers don't lie. Magic shot 52% lifetime, Kobe 45.5. Rebounds: Magic 7.2, Kobe 5.3. Assists: Magic 11.2, Kobe 4.7. Free throws: Magic .848, Kobe .838, True shooting percentage (includes 3 pointers, free throws etc.): Magic .610, Kobe .557. Kobe takes a higher volume of shots, often to his teams detriment, so his scoring average is minimally higher, but put together their total games and Magic was more efficient, a better floor general, a better leader, much less selfish and tempemental, and made everyone better. Anyone really think Worthy would be a Hall of Famer without Magic? Nail in Kobe's coffin: Game 6 1980. It's really not even close.
I am not a Laker fan, and I did not get to see Magic play, but from what I have seen, read, and heard, there is NO question in my mind that Magic Johnson is the greatest Laker of all-time. What's funny is that I have Kareem ranked 2nd as a Laker (Kobe third, now DEFINITIVELY ahead of the great Jerry West who, even with one title I had above Kobe before this last title due to his contributions both as a player and an amazing GM) I have him ranked ahead of Magic all-time. I consider Magic the 4th greatest player ever, and Kareem 3rd (behind 1 Jordan and 2 Russell), and you could argue that Kareem is the greatest player to ever play the game at ALL levels...I really only accept that argument for three players, Kareem, Russell, and Jordan. But as for the greatest Laker ever, I still say Magic Johnson, the man who (with Larry Bird) MADE the NBA (Jordan did not, he rode their coat tails, no matter that he was the better player). Here's how I see the top 10 Lakers ever:
1.) Magic 2.) Kareem 3.) Kobe 4.) West 5.) Elgin 6.) Shaq 7.) Worthy 8.) Wilt 9.) Goodrich 10.) Mikan....Mikan may be higher if he'd played for the LA Lakers, but never playing in LA, he can't be higher than 10th.
As for the greatest players of all-time, here's how I see it after last night:
1.) Jordan 2.) Russell 3.) Kareem 4.) Magic 5.) Bird 6.) Wilt 7.) Kobe 8.) Duncan 9.) West 10.) Oscar Robertson 11.) Shaq
Obviously lists are subjective, but I don't believe there is really anything Kobe can do to crack the top 3 (and probably not the top 5) because they weren't just great on the court, but made the game. I believe he can (and with another title WILL) pass Wilt...but I don't know what he could do to pass the top 5 in the game. Still, being 7th (now) and 6th (possibly) of all players to ever pick up a basketball is pretty amazing for anyone...I don't think Lebron will ever equal that, as great as he is and has the chance to be...he'll be lucky to make the top 10.
Lastly, I think Shaq would have been higher if he'd cared more...he won 4 titles (and made it to 6 NBA finals) without giving anywhere near the 100% that Kobe (and Jordan, Magic, Bird, Kareem, and Russell) did. If he had CARED, ESPECIALLY considering he had Kobe (and then Wade) as teammates, he could have been the only player ever to give Russ a shot for his money with those 11 titles. As it is, his 4 is incredible, but short of what he could have done. I don't see Kobe winning more than 6, though I do believe he'll win that last one to equal MJ and Kareem before his time is over...however, having the same # of titles (and more than Magic...and then, with one more, double Bird) will not, in my opinion, make him better than those players.
Derek Jeter has won 5 WS rings while Willie Mays won 1...As much as I love Jeter (and I do as I'm a New Yorker and a die-hard Yankees fan) you don't see many people saying Jeter is equal to or better than Willie....Ted Williams won NONE, and he's considered better too. So winning isn't the ONLY thing...afterall, Jordan is usually acknowledged as the best player in history, and he has just over HALF the titles that Russell has....AND in again in baseball, Yogi Berra has 10, but no one believes he's quite Babe Ruth (who won 7).
Kobe is one of the 10 best players ever, and has a shot at top 5...but he will never be the best, and never be better than Magic or Kareem.
Not everyone is cut out to be a people person like Magic. A lot of people are only capable of a sort of discipline like personality to excell. If only the people who are out going are recognized there will be trouble. Why don't you popularity poll people move over a bit and let some who like this perfectionist discipline type stuff have just a couple of seconds in the sun to feel like they too are people and not just some well controlled mean machine. Have a heart Laker's fans. Five wins and he did that like a machine? He and the coach and his teammates knew who he was. He was the best. Wake up and smell the coffee, old folks.
Kobe ,to me, has shown that he is a perfetionist player. He wants to be the best He focouses and works hard at it. We all try to learn things from other but don't work hard enough to excel, Kobe does. This is in his personality. The intense desire in him to excel makes him the greatest. But I agree that Magic was indeed of all.
As far as pure Laker,after watching the worst coverage of basketball finals by ABC (All Boston comments) it still reminds me how much I miss the greatest Laker of all time Chic Hern. As far as player I've been blessed to watch from the West, Walt years,Kareem,Magic,Kobe and each era has given us the best of the best We are truly blessed to have the best player be a Laker in each era
I love Kobe and think he's the third best player in NBA history but I can't say he's the best Laker ever not because Magic, but Kareem. Kareem is argueably the best basketball player of all time so I gotta say he's the best Laker of all time
No. Jerry West is the greatest Laker and would have been even better if there where three point shots. Yes, he couldn't beat the Celtics...but Bill Russell is the greatest player ever and that made it difficult even for Jerry
yes, Kobe Bryant is the best Lakerof all time. Modern basketball has way more athletic competition than it did back in the day. Not to mention more teams with better players.
No way! The greatest lakers of all-time are as follows: 1. Jerry Buss 2. Jerry West 3. Magic 4. Kareem 5. Shaq 6. Elgin Baylor 7. Phil Jackson 8. Jack Nickolson (no rings but is a great of Laker fan) 9. Kobe. 10. D Fisher (he also has 5 rings).
Note: Basketball is a team sport and Kobe did not win those 5 rings all by himself. I believe shaq was on some of those championship teams and may have won several NBA finals MVPs while Kobe was on those teams. Kobe is an overblown hype and to compare him to any of the former NBA super basketball players ( Bill Russell, Oscar Robinson, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlin, Elgin Baylor, MJ, Bird and Magic) is an insult to those player's greatness! After that group, Kobe may fall in one of the next tiers of very good basketball players (Doc, Gervin, Moses etc) but Kobe is certainly not great!
Magic was great in his on era and Kobe is great now. We should not compare them, they both are great players. Magic created something and now Kobe is following that. Winning 5 championship means Kobe hasd some thing. Pl donot compare them.
kobe is and will be the greatest laker
Kobe is great. MAGIC was given that name for a good reason!! Magic invented a lot of the moves that Kobe uses.
In each era of Laker dominance there have been outstanding leaders: West and Baylor,. Kareem and Magic. Kobe and Shaq, Kobe. In the history if the franchise its not correct to single any one player as the "best' They have all been "the best."
No 1 is still Magic. Why? 1980 Finals Game 6 - that's why. Simply as that.
how could one ever think that Kobe is half the player that magic was MAGIC IS A PEOPLE PERSON do you think Kobe know about that?
Magic had more triple doubles than Kobe could dream about and his personality was as positively infectious to his teammates as his basketball smarts.
As much as I enjoy watching him play (and he can be a wonder) I don't believe he has the same effect on those around him that Magic did. Magic simply made it a better team.
1st magic
2nd magic
3rd magic
Sorry...Still Magic.