• Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson has said former teammate Kobe Bryant is the GOAT
• Clarkson and Bryant played together on the Lakers from 2014 to 2016
• Clarkson cited Kobe’s influence over his young career as one of the reason
On what would have been Kobe’s 46th birthday, NBA fans and players are getting emotional with tributes for the Lakers’ legend who passed away in 2020. Jordan Clarkson, a former teammate of Kobe’s, decided to name Bryant as his personal choice for the greatest of all time.
“It meant a lot. You know, being around him in my earlier years. Definitely my GOAT. A guy that I learned a lot from. He taught me so much. He means a lot to my career and the game of basketball. Period.”
Jordan Clarkson on Kobe and his influence on the game 🐍 ♾️#FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/4lsOkg0dkO
— FIBA Basketball (@FIBA) August 23, 2023
Clarkson played his rookie and sophomore season on the Lakers after being drafted in the second round of the 2014 Draft. He averaged 14.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in his first two years in the NBA and would establish his place in the NBA despite being the 46th overall pick.
The lessons Kobe taught Clarkson in their short stint as teammates must have really left an impact on him.
Kobe Bryant Does Have GOAT Status
Many people believe Kobe is the greatest of all time purely from an impact perspective. Kobe’s winning records can be surpassed by Michael Jordan, while his longevity and peak can be surpassed by LeBron James.
But neither player became the name that every kid in the 2000s shouted out on the streets while taking a shot. Kobe’s impact on culture and the way fans connected with him during his era is unbelievable. Many modern players came into the league, idolizing and emulating Kobe instead of LeBron or Jordan.
Bryant averaged 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists over his career, winning five championships, two Finals MVPs, and one regular season MVP. He made 18 All-Star appearances, 15 All-NBA teams, and 12 All-Defense teams in his career.
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