This feels like one of those things that has gotten twisted and misconstrued by the media. I'm guessing Kobe simply listed off the top of his head the top 5 great players that he had a chance to play against, not necessarily the toughest for him or his teams to defend at the time.
What's crazy to me is that Kobe played in the league with Hakeem for like 6 years. The last links to the past era are dying off. : (
I think he just gets asked these questions on the spot and says whatever is on his mind at the time. It's not like he forms a list, ponders it, edits it then sends it back to the reporter. Don't put so much stock in it.