Where Does Kobe Bryant Rank All-Time Now?

Monday Morning Point Guard

Juen 15, '09

Kobe Bryant may be one of the greatest, and by some, most hated, NBA great of all time. When the clock hit zero tonight, the Los Angeles Lakers franchise won the NBA Title for the 15th time, and Phil Jackson surpassed Red Auerbach with his 10th NBA Title as the only coach to ever win that many.

However, this title was all about Kobe Bryant, who now has been able to win an NBA Title for the naysayers and haters who said he could never win one without Shaq.

Bryant won the Finals MVP for the first time, adding to his incredible resume which has included 11 times All-NBA and All Star, nine times All-Defensive Player, three Time All-Star Game MVP, two Time Scoring Champion, and Regular Season MVP.

In the conclusion of one of the most exciting NBA postseasons in years, Kobe Bryant’s fourth NBA title will have him begin to be discussed among the All-Time greats. Even before this season, many would say Bryant was in the discussion of the Top 10-20 players who ever set foot on the court. Now, where does he stand?

I have heard many respected writers speak on where Kobe stands all time. The names that are usually brought up ahead of Bryant are (in no particular order):

Michael Jordan
Bill Russell
Wilt Chamberlain
Magic Johnson
Kareem Abdual Jabbar
Larry Bird
Oscar Robertson
Elgin Baylor
Dr. J
Jerry West

Usually after those names, you will see Kobe being inserted in the discussion. To place Bryant above any of the those right now would be a stretch, but after his playing days are over, it might be realistic.

In our current peoples poll, it seems our readers believe what I do, that Bryant is among one of the 10 best to ever play the game. At the age of 30 years old, he has four NBA titles, the same amount as the man many people have compared him too. He has appeared in six NBA Finals.

The core of his Lakers team are young enough, that with a few tweaks here and there, L.A should be good for at least the next couple years as well. There is no reason to think Bryant may win another one before it’s all done.

No matter what you personally think about the Black Mamba, one thing you can’t deny is his will to win, and a competitive spirit that is second to none. The Lakers were benefactors of having that will on their side, and for the 15th time in franchise history, they finished second to none as well.

Originally Posted on LayupDrill.com