NBA legend Magic Johnson recently stated that Kobe Bryant deserves to be included in the GOAT conversation alongside Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Bryant, who secured five championships, two Finals MVPs, and one MVP with the Los Angeles Lakers, was praised by Johnson in an interview with Nitecast Media. “Kobe definitely belongs in that discussion, even today,” Johnson said. “When you think about what Kobe brought to basketball worldwide, offensively, he’s second only to Michael Jordan among shooting guards and small forwards. Like Jordan, nobody could stop Kobe when it came to scoring.”
Kobe Bryant, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history, averaged 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.5 blocks across 1,346 regular-season games with the Lakers. His accolades include being an 18-time All-Star, five-time champion, four-time All-Star Game MVP, two-time Finals MVP, two-time scoring champion, 15-time All-NBA Team member, 12-time All-Defensive Team member, and the 2007-08 MVP.
Ranking fourth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 33,643 points, Kobe’s offensive prowess was highlighted by Johnson: “Kobe stands out as one of the greatest offensively, ranking just behind Michael Jordan at the shooting guard or small forward positions. His scoring ability, determination, and clutch performances made him one of the most unstoppable players in NBA history.”
Johnson emphasized that if you needed one player to take the final shot in a game, Kobe and Jordan would be top choices. “Both had the unique ability to either make the shot or draw the foul and calmly hit the free throws to secure the win. We saw Kobe do this countless times.”
Together, Jordan, Bryant, and LeBron James are among the greatest players in NBA history, with a combined 15 championships, 12 Finals MVPs, and 10 MVPs.
