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For years, NBA fans have debated who is the greatest basketball player of all time. Michael Jordan is a common topic among fans and analysts, although other names are also being discussed. The Los Angeles Lakers have several worthy candidates to play for the team, including players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and, most recently, LeBron James.
Jordan and James might be the ones who have the most reason to be the GOAT given their resumes, but Lakers fans will be quick to point out that Kobe Bryant should be in the mix as well. Bryant led Los Angeles to five NBA championships and, like James, had multiple scoring honors.
Allen Iverson watched Bryant’s early rise to superstardom and Rachel Nichols’ top storiesThe Answer said that the debate about GOAT should boil down to Jordan and Kobe:
“I say Mike, then I say Kobe, and then everybody else.” – Allen Iverson tells me in this week’s headlines that Kobe needs to be second to Jordan in the “best of all time” debate. Plus, we discuss the time Kobe completely destroyed a hotel room because the AI was playing better than him 😲 pic.twitter.com/28j8N9KnV0
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) December 28, 2023
In the video, Iverson reacts to Nichols’ account of how Bryant tore up his hotel room after learning the former Philadelphia 76ers player scored just two points that night and scored 35 points. Iverson wasn’t shocked, just saying it sounded like something the Black Mamba would do.
Iverson has always shown his love for the new generation of players, even calling James “the only one” when talking about his candidacy after James broke the all-time scoring record. However, Iverson obviously valued Kobe more, which was largely related to the latter’s desire to win.
While Iverson firmly believes that the “best of all time” debate comes down to Jordan and Kobe, fans will have their own opinions on the matter. However, there’s no denying that all three players are in the conversation given what they mean to the game and the league.
Lakers player LeBron James recalls first time against Kobe Bryant
James and Kobe had several big rivalries during their playing days, although the two never got the chance to meet in the NBA Finals. However, James did recently reflect on the first time he faced off against Bryant, when the Lakers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 89-79 at Staples Center.
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