The conversation about the NBA’s GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) will never end. Lately, current Lakers superstar LeBron James and Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan have been brought up in this conversation several times.
James and Jordan are arguably the two greatest basketball players to ever step on the court (other names include former Lakers center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and former Boston Celtics big man Bill Russell), and many certainly believe that. Their stats, accolades, and overall talent are impressive arguments. However, there is another player who has made a strong case for them: former Lakers legend and NBA Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant.
Bryant, with his undeniable legacy, is certainly one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His resume, filled with numerous accolades, speaks volumes. Yet, it is commonly accepted that he is often underestimated in the GOAT conversation.
Many have strong feelings about Bryant and his value, including NFL All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby. Crosby, a member of the Las Vegas Raiders, has said he would pick the five-time NBA champion.
During a recent appearance on The OGs podcast, Crosby said he prefers Bryant over James because of his style of play, his game-changing moments and the Mamba maturity we’ve witnessed over his 20-plus years of playing.
“My GOAT is Kobe over LeBron. I think LeBron, I respect his greatness, he’s in the top three without a doubt. But if it really comes down to it, in my opinion, there’s Game 7 on the line. I’ll take MJ, I’ll take Kobe, if I want to win a title. That’s just my opinion,” Crosby said.
Maxx Crosby prefers Kobe Bryant to LeBron James:
“Game 7 is on the line. I’ll take MJ, I’ll take Kobe, if I want to win a title. That’s just my opinion.”
(via @theOGsShow) pic.twitter.com/whXB8kNZU4
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 25, 2024
Bryant’s resume is second only to the best, and he ranks among the best players in basketball. He is a 15-time All-NBA selection, a two-time scoring champion, a 12-time All-Defense, a 2008 MVP, a two-time Finals MVP, an 18-time All-Star, a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, and an Academy Award winner.
Additionally, Bryant made many game-winning shots and is one of the greatest scorers of all time. Jordan and James had their moments, and there’s a reason they’re the subject of much conversation.
Bryant is an ambitious figure who has defied the odds on many occasions. His mentality, not only in basketball but also in life, has helped many people achieve their goals.
Although Bryant isn’t widely considered in the GOAT conversation, he left a lasting mark that many basketball players and athletes carry with them to this day.
More Lakers: Former Lakers point guard hopes for ‘total domination’ and title with new team
