Kobe had one thing that MJ and Lebron didn't have.

What you fail to understand is that an all-star wing doesn't need to be at Kobe's level in order to win alongside a prime Shaq. That's how dominant Shaq was.

I think that if Kobe had been replaced with any of those guys, the Lakers would've still won multiple titles. In fact, with some of those guys (McGrady/Ray Allen), the Lakers would've won more titles b/c there wouldn't have been ego conflicts.

 

Duncan was clearly the best player on the Spurs in 1999, 2003, 2005, and 2007. And it's a toss-up between him and Parker for 2014.

 

Goodbug is that you? You trully think that in those years shaq was not clearly better?

Ofcourse the logic also applies to Duncan. Why would it not?
Duncan is seen as maybe the best at his position since there just are not that many trully great PF.

You think that Duncan is clearly not the best player on the spurs but kobe was the best? Wow you lack of basketball knowledge is trully amazing.

 

Not to mention Kobe/Shaq willed their team to the Finals in the WEST against a number of great teams, then stomped over the East.

The best team Lebron ever played in the East while at Miami was Chicago in 2011.

 

Lebron would not have won in the west with gasol and Odom. He's a great all round player, but not the closer and winner Kobe was up until his prime. That's why Kobe still has draw and lebron runs to wherever he can have a master to command him. Yall basketball noobs make yourselves real obvious in this debate.

 

Agreed. It is amazing how some people really forget what actualy happened.

 

Are you being intentionally dense? I was talking about playing alongside a prime Shaq...

 

What you fail to understand is that another all-star wing did play alongside Shaq and he didn't win. His name is Penny Hardaway.

 

Shaq also had a better supporting cast in Orlando after his star wing player, and still didn't win.

 

So? You're basically saying anyone would have won alongside him which adds nothing to the debate. I'm saying lebron couldn't win with the lesser options Kobe had. Fella is a vagrant drifter cuz he needs a daddy to close. That's why guys who actually saw prime Jordan and Kobe olay know lebron doesn't have that extraordinary ability. All time I would even take Duncan over him.

 

Yes since 1995 shaq was the same as the threepeat shaq. Brilliant statement thanks for joining this discussion.

 

When they went to the finals, Shaq was in his 3rd year, and Hardaway was in his 2nd. Do you consider a 3rd year Shaq to be a "prime" Shaq?

Also, in 1995, Hakeem Olajuwon was playing at a GOAT level...

 

You realize that shaq also won in Miami with Wade... Also, you are completely wrong about Kobe "filling up the box score" he played like complete S H I T during 3 of his first 4 finals. Look up my previous post comparing the stats between Kobe and Shaq during those 4 finals appearances and come tell me again Kobe was just as important. I don't care if Kobe went on to be an "alphadog" that doesn't mean that he was one at the time when Shaq carried his ass to 3 finals, it is that simple.

 

History will remember Lebron taking a garbage Cavs team to the finals. History will also remember Kobe taking a garbage Lakers teams to the playoffs and getting knocked out in the first round.

 

Look at Kobe's stats against the Spurs in the playoffs, he was the MVP in that series. Spurs and Lakers were the two best teams between 2001-2004.

 

These are the factors that ppl seem to skim over. Lebron's had the easiest path to the finals of any superstar in sports history. Destroying mostly below .500 teams doesn't really qualify for GOAT conversation IMO. People want prematurely put him in categories he doesn't belong in. If his career ended today he's nowhere NEAR top 5.

 

Bahahah.. When will you be ready to admt that attending the finals in the east is no accomplishment. Especially when the Celtics at the time were ravaged by injury. You can try to build it up, but the guy stil has it all to prove. We know he's mentally weak, but he still has time to put himself in the discussion. Unfortunately he doesn't have the drive and tenacity of Kobe and mj, so I see him fizzing out instead of aging like a fine wine

 

And Kobe was 22 when he averaged 28/game alongside Shaq for a title.

 

Agreed, a prime Shaq really did make the game easier for his teammates. Also, a 22 year old Kobe was in his 5th year in the league.

 

you are delusional man...

1999-2000 NBA Finals Los Angeles Lakers vs Indiana Pacers
Shaq 38ppg 16rpg 2apg 61%FG
Kobe 15ppg 4rpg 4apg 36%FG

Clearly NOT 28/game and he shot 36%. Get your head out of your ass Shaq was by far and away the best player on that team and if you say Kobe was as important than you are just insane. It is not even close how much better Shaq was than Kobe at that time.