Lakers News: Raiders Star Maxx Crosby Takes Kobe Bryant In GOAT Conversation

Ron Gutterman
3 Min Read
Mar 22, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; An NFL player Maxx Crosby (C) attends the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

There are three players that seem to come up more consistently than anyone else when discussing the greatest players in NBA history. The first two are LeBron James and Michael Jordan, both with enough stats, personal and team accolades to make an impressive argument. The third, though, is Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

Bryant does not necessarily have many of the same personal accolades and the statistical feats that James or even Jordan have accomplished. However, Bryant is a generation-defining icon that won five championships and did so by captivating every corner of the basketball world with his play style, clutch moments and Mamba Mentality.

So it’s common to find people, especially other professional athletes, choosing Bryant as their GOAT. That’s exactly what Las Vegas Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby did when asked to compare Bryant to James and Jordan, via The OGs Podcast:

“My GOAT list, I’m taking Kobe over LeBron. I think LeBron, like I respect his greatness, like he is top three no question. But if it really comes down to it, like in my opinion, you got Game 7 on the line. I am taking MJ, I am taking Kobe, if I want to win a title. That’s just my opinion.”

Bryant collected some of basketball’s most memorable game-winners and biggest moments during his 20-year career. He scored 81 points, the second-most in a game in NBA history to this day. He ended his career with a 60-piece. In the meantime, he had regular and postseason game winners and clutch moments that infinitely propelled his star power.

James and Jordan have plenty of these moments as well. There is a reason that all three routinely find themselves as a part of this discussion. But Bryant’s mentality and inspiration is likely why so many professional athletes view him as the GOAT in his sport.

Kobe was an aspirational figure for nearly the entirety of his career and continued that in his short post-playing career. When he passed away in January of 2020, his impact on the sports world was felt immeasurably. So while Jordan and James have arguably more compelling GOAT arguments, no one can deny what Bryant has meant to the sport.

Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios pay tribute to Kobe Bryant

Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios turned heads with their decision to tribute Kobe Bryant ahead of a mixed doubles exhibition match at the US Open. They both entered the court wearing Bryant jerseys, and spoke afterwards that they had made the decision together to do so.

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Ron Gutterman is a Washington State University alum from Anaheim, California, and is currently a Staff Writer for LakersNation.com, RamsNewsWire.com, and RaidersNewsWire.com. He is also the lead editor for AngelsNation.com. With Lakers Nation, Rams News Wire, Raiders News Wire, and Angels Nation, Ron assists in news, game coverage, analysis, and hot takes via his Twitter account, @rongutterman24. Without a doubt, Ron's favorite Laker, and favorite athlete of all time, is Kobe Bryant. Ron began watching basketball when he was 6 years old, in 2005, when Bryant was dragging the likes of Smush Parker and Ronny Turiaf to playoff spots. Ron's all time favorite Lakers moment was Bryant's final game when he dropped 60 points. While the Lakers beating the Celtics in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, as Metta World Peace hit the game clinching three, will always be a top option, Bryant's final night takes the cake. Contact: ron@mediumlargela.com
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