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LOS ANGELES, CA, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014 – Lakers guard Kobe Bryant listens as the National Anthem is sung by Jeffey Osborne at the season opener against the Rockets at Staples Center. (Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014 – Lakers guard Kobe Bryant listens as the National Anthem is sung by Jeffey Osborne at the season opener against the Rockets at Staples Center. (Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
One of the greatest debates in the world of basketball is deciding on who is the greatest of all time. While many regard Michael Jordan or LeBron to be the GOAT, certain factions feel otherwise. Kobe Bryant is a name that features regularly on almost all Top 10 lists. While there might be players who have won more and have better stats, Kobe’s influence on the game is unmatched.
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The Los Angeles Lakers led by Kobe and Shaquille O’Neal were one of the greatest sides to exist and Kobe’s teammate from that era speaks out on Kobe. According to John Salley, Kobe is the greatest Laker of all time ahead of the likes of Magic Johnson and Shaq.
John Salley praises Kobe Bryant
There is no doubt Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest players of all time. He has 5 NBA titles to his name among a host of other individual awards and accolades. Apart from all that, the one thing that defined Kobe’s career was his influence.
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Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) drives to the basket and gets fouled by Phoenix Suns small forward P.J. Tucker (17) in the first half at Staples Center on December 10, 2013, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
He and his Mamba Mentality influenced millions around the world. The Mamba also influenced stars like DeMar DeRozan, Jayson Tatum, and Devin Booker.
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Speaking of Kobe, a teary-eyed John Salley put him above Shaquille O’Neal and Magic Johnson. He said, “Even though Jerry West was on the squad, the greatest Laker of all time is Kobe Bryant. He’s going to the games, he is not talking smack about anything. You know his agent becomes the general manager, I’m sure he has some say so.”
Salley praises Kobe and mentioned an interesting fact. Bryant has been selected an All-Star 18 times in his career, and the reason he didn’t make it the other 2 times was that he was injured.
Kobe’s stats for the Los Angeles Lakers
Kobe Bryant spent the entirety of his career in the Los Angeles Lakers. He was the 13th overall pick in the 1st round of drafting in 1996. The Charlotte Hornets drafted Kobe before trading him on draft night to the Lakers.
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LOS ANGELES, CA. JAN. 04, 2015. Lakers’ #24 Kobe Bryant all smiles after an assist from teammate Carlos Boozer in a game vs the Pacers in the 1st half of the game at Staple Center in Los Angeles on Jan. 04, 2015. LA Lakers play the Indiana Pacers in a regular NBA season game. (Photo by Lawrence K. Ho/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
His time in the Lakers is nothing short of legendary. Kobe won the scoring championship twice, was an 18-time All-Star, 2-time finals MVP, and has 5 rings to his name.
Bryant retired with an average of 25.0 points, 4.7 assists, and 5.2 rebounds. He ended his glorious career wearing the purple and gold of the Lakers, the team where he spent his entire career.
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What is your favorite memory of Kobe Bryant? Let us know in the comments below.
