KOBE BRYANT
Kobe Bryant was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets, but never played a game for the franchise. The young 18 year-old from Lower Merion High School was quickly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, and was paired up with Shaquille O’Neal.
Kobe Bryan struggled early on in his NBA career, but he soon transformed his game and became one of the best players in the league. Kobe Bryant is regarded as perhaps the great Laker of all-time, surpassing Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Bryant has five NBA titles, along with two Finals MVPs. He has set numerous franchise and NBA records, including becoming the Lakers all-time leading scorer, knocking off the “Logo” Jerry West.
Kobe Bryant is also making a case for being the best player to ever play in the NBA, a title which many people give to Michael Jordan. As of 2010, Kobe has spent each and every minute as a Los Angeles Laker.
In his 15-year NBA career, starting at the age of 18, Kobe has averaged 25.3 ppg, 4.7 apg, and 5.3 rpg. What is most astonishing is the fact that Kobe Bryant is still in the NBA and playing for the Lakers.
All the other players in this article are 10-20 years in retirement, and they may not get a statue. Kobe Bryant still has several years left in this league and many people, including myself, think he will be the next Laker player to have a statue outside Staples Center.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuWOLsvICJo
Next: Honorable Mentions