Kobe Bryant: 5 Reasons He's Still the Best Choice To Take the Final Shot

Despite his aging body, Kobe Bryant is still one of the game's most dominating and clutch players.

Kobe has taken and made many clutch shots throughout his storied career. With that being said, don't be surprised if there are more on the horizon.

Here are five reasons why Kobe is still the best option to take the last shot at the end of the game.

5. Kobe Has Better Teammates

Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 17: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Ron Artest #37, Jordan Farmar #1, Pau Gasol #16 and Lamar Odom #7 huddle in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics at Staples Center on June 17, 2010 in Los An

This is something Kobe has been blessed with for the majority of his career.

Early on, he had Shaq. Now he is working with Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom. Not to mention he has always had a clutch sidekick in Derek Fisher.

Having quality teammates makes it somewhat easier to take the big shot at the end of games.

In comparison, look at LeBron when he was in Cleveland. The opposing defense really didn't have to worry about his supporting cast.

4. Remember The 2008 Olympics?

Harry How/Getty Images

BEIJING - AUGUST 24: (L-R) Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant and Chris Bosh of the United States hold their gold medals after defeating Spain 118-107 in the gold medal game during Day 16 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymn

In the 2008 gold medal game against Spain, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul knew exactly who to go to at the end of the big game. In case you forgot, the best players in the world deferred to Kobe at the end of the game.

In a way, they were respecting their elder's resume. I am sure a younger Kobe Bryant would have gone to Michael Jordan the same way back in the day.

3. Kobe Wants To Take The Last Shot, Just Like Michael Jordan and Larry Bird

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Undated: Forward Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics looks on. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial use

There is no mistaking that Kobe wants the ball in his hands at the end of the game.

There have been few players in the history of the league who want to have the ball in their hands at the end of the game more than Kobe does. Kobe is in the same league as Michael Jordan and Larry Bird in terms of embracing the pressure at the end of games.

If Kobe missed 100 game-winning shots in a row, he would take shot 101 with as much confidence as he shot the first. This is what makes Kobe a rare player.

2. Kobe Has Hit Clutch Shots In The Biggest Games

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 17: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes up for a shot over Rasheed Wallace #30 of the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 17, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User

Hitting clutch shots in the regular season is one thing. However, Kobe has shown the world he can be a stone cold assassin in the playoffs as well.

1. Kobe Has Played Longer and Made More Clutch Shots Than Other Players

Donald Miralle/Getty Images

5 Dec 1999: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the court during the game against the Orlando Magic at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Magic 117-100. Mandatory Credit: Donald Miralle /Allsport

This is not only true of his current teammates, but for the rest of the players in the league as well.

Kobe has a much heftier resume than his teammates and contemporaries when it comes to hitting clutch shots. LeBron, D-Wade and Derrick Rose have played less and hit less clutch shots.

Right now, Kobe is the man you want with the ball at the end of games.