Agree with this post. Kobe was not the best player on the Lakers for at least 6 years. Couldn't get past the first round without 3 7footers putting up 50-60 PPG and grabbing 30 rebounds. Kobe might be "2nd-best" SG this year only because there is little competition (if Wade is healthy, he's 2nd), but his years as a productive player are over. He'll be living off of reputation now. Maybe something like 22-5-4 (43-45% FG) with no defense whatsoever. Would be interesting to see how top players perform vs Lakers/Kobe. If you want to see competitive LA basketball, watch Clippers games. LA has a new king in town, and he ain't that tall.
in the last 6 years (08-13), they won 2 out of 3 Finals. who would have been the best player on the Lakers during that stretch? Kobe and the Lakers downfall began in the 2010-2011 season
I meant to say Kobe wasn't the best player on the Lakers for 6 years of his career 1998-2004. Sorry if it was confusing The comment is a bit out of place, but my point is who in the top-10 all-time list can share this same claim? Kobe is a great player, but I always felt he is the most fortunate star in NBA history
Because he played with a guy named Shaq? Ever heard of him? Did Kobe put up peanuts during that 3peat? I dare you to look at the numbers/playoff numbers of Bryant during those years.
That's exactly the point. He won 3 championships because of a guy name Shaq. So when he chased Shaq out of town, what did he accomplish then? Until 3 7footers came, nothing. Who said Kobe put up peanuts? Many players have put up great players and still lose
Sure will be hilarious watching a worn out Kobe jack shots for the next four years trying to catch Kareem, and there is no way a top ten player wants to join that circus, none.
The question is whether or not Kobe is worth max. Of course the guy still has game and we all know he is past his prime.
Kind of funny you say Kobe is most fortunate star in NBA History when it is actually Shaq. In Shaq's prime he was fortunate to play with Penny, Kobe, and Wade. When he was falling off he played with LeBron, Steve Nash, and the big 4 in Boston.
Guys, let's get Kirby back and into another uniform. I won't dislike him that much if he somehow lands with another team
He's been declining even before his injury. Rated the most overpaid player in the NBA by an economist basketball fan. I know Jeanie Buss said he'd be a Laker for life at presumably a max contract deal but I would play hardball with him in the next contract negotiations.
If he has been declining, the stats lie. 27-6-6 on 46% shooting last year... I hate Kobe as much as anyone, but I would NEVER, EVER doubt him.
Even at his worst, think he put's up 15 ppg. But I don't think this story is over yet. I think he's got a few high level years left.
Who did kobe learn his post game from? Hakeem... Idk ive been seening harden making a lot fancy spin moves this offseason. We good
Kobe is a competitor. He thinks he is the best therefore he successed at being the best. I dont mind the Lakers since LA is my 2nd home. But L.A is Laker town, always was always will be. It will be sad day when he goes as he is a great. Just like when Olajuwon played and retired.
