Kobe Bryant sadly left this world a little more than four years ago. Had he been alive, he would have been 46 years old and still living his life as a father and basketball great. After playing unreal basketball for 20 years and winning five NBA titles in that span, his legacy still resonates with everyone. The number of talks about Bryant being the GOAT has significantly decreased in recent years.
Magic Johnson feels the GOAT conversation is incomplete without considering the Los Angeles Lakers great. Johnson was a guest on NH Experience TV recently to talk about Kobe Bryant’s place in the GOAT conversation. He explained to host Nick Hamilton what makes Bryant a great.
Yeah, because we know Kobe belongs in that conversation even today. To me offensively he’s the second-best dude in terms of at that shooting guard, small forward positions behind Michael Jordan. When you think about scoring-wise, nobody could stop Kobe just like nobody could stop Michael Jordan. Playing every single game like it was his last game.Magic Johnson via NH Experience TV
This logic from the legend makes great sense. Tales of how he played the game of basketball are legendary, especially the mentality with which he approached each game. Kobe Bryant approached each game with that assassin mindset. So, if, like Michael Jordan, Bryant was also known as an assassin who terrorized the league on his way to winning 5 NBA titles, he should be a part of the GOAT conversation.
Magic Johnson, when responding to a question, agreed that Kobe Bryant would have been in the GOAT discussion if he were alive:
“Yeah, because we know Kobe belongs in that conversation even today. Kareem, Kobe and they all wore the purple and gold. So I think about what Kobe… pic.twitter.com/gMmb4YXeeL
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 22, 2024Magic Johnson has seen many greats play in the NBA. This is why he can make this sound judgment. Had Bryant just strolled his way to winning five titles, it is unlikely that the 65-year-old would have had such high praise. Rather, how he went about his business as a basketball player makes him great.
Kobe Bryant’s birthday commemorated by LA Dodgers
The Los Angeles Lakers legend was a huge fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers. After retiring, he often turned up for games wearing Dodgers merchandise and cheering them on. They decided to show their appreciation for the basketball legend by immortalizing him with the help of drones.
The Dodgers drone show showcased Kobe Bryant in the same posture as his statue. Then it transformed into another where he is shown shooting a basketball while wearing his iconic No. 8 jersey. The Dodgers showcased this to their fans before the start of their game.
On a day when everyone remembers the greatness of Kobe Bryant, it is still inconceivable to many that he is no more. Had he been alive today, he would have been the driving force for women’s basketball, the Lakers, and much more. Now, the legend and his exploits live in everyone’s memory.
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