Ranking the top 50 players in NBA history\u2026<\/p>\n
10. Kobe Bryant<\/p>\n
Kobe is the greatest Laker ever, even if he\u2019s not the best player to have worn the uniform.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a reason Magic Johnson himself said that Kobe is the greatest Laker. No one bled purple and gold quite like Kobe. No one was as fierce a competitor, either.<\/p>\n
Bryant spent his entire 20-year career with Los Angeles (1996-2016). He averaged 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game, picking up no less than 18 All-Star selections along the way.<\/p>\n
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He won five championships (2000-2002, 2009-2010), earning two Finals MVPs (2009, 2010). He secured NBA MVP in 2008, led the league in scoring twice (2006, 2007), and snagged 15 All-NBA selections (11 First Team). <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Kobe had the ability to reach a godly level on a basketball court that few have ever dreamed of reaching, even if it didn\u2019t happen often (how could it?). His 81-point game<\/a> in 2006 was one example of this, but even more so, his farewell 60-point game showed that Kobe was in touch with something divine.<\/p>\n Bryant emulated Michael Jordan like no one else ever has or ever will, perhaps to a fault at times. We wanted to see Kobe be Kobe, and by the end of his career (and all-too-brief post-career), we got that. <\/p>\n Story continues below advertisement<\/p>\n His dedication and \u201cBlack Mamba\u201d ethos not only elevated the Lakers dynasty but spread inspiration across the globe. His legacy extends to women\u2019s basketball advocacy and multi-sport influence, making him an enduring icon.<\/p>\n