Kobe Bryant’s natural talent helped him win five NBA championships.
His relentless “Black Mamba” mentality set him apart, earning him eleven All-NBA First Team selections and two Finals MVPs. He scored 33,643 career points, including a legendary 81-point game against the Raptors in 2006.
Thanks to his achievements, Kobe is always in the GOAT debate, often ranked among legends like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Wilt Chamberlain.
Kobe is Ahead of LeBron, According to Matt Barnes
Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas discussed this debate on his podcast with ex-player Matt Barnes, who played both with and against Kobe Bryant. Barnes, having firsthand experience with Kobe’s greatness, emphasized how his mentality and drive set him apart.
Barnes named Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James as the top three players ever but had no hesitation ranking Kobe ahead of LeBron in pure basketball skill.
He found it surprising that many in the media leave Kobe out of the top five, while those who played against him understood his relentless competitiveness and killer instinct.
He clarified that ranking Kobe higher wasn’t a slight against LeBron, praising his longevity, impact, and future as a franchise owner. However, when it came strictly to basketball ability, Barnes stood by his ranking—Jordan first, Kobe second, and LeBron third.
Kobe’s Numbers Speak for Themselves
Kobe Bryant earned 18 All-Star selections and led the NBA in scoring for four seasons while also being named to the All-Defensive First Team nine times, solidifying his status as one of the greatest two-way players ever.
His decision to spend his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers showcased his unwavering loyalty to the franchise.
Bryant’s determination was unmatched, and when he teamed up with dominant center Shaquille O’Neal—one of the most overpowering forces in NBA history—in 1996, it reignited the belief that wearing the Lakers jersey meant competing for championships.
Together, Bryant and O’Neal kicked off the 21st century with three consecutive titles. Bryant later proved his greatness once again, leading the Lakers to back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010, alongside key teammates like Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, and Ron Artest.
