As, arguably, the most illustrious franchise in the NBA, it is no surprise that the Lakers have housed many All-Time great players.
According to former NBA player John Salley, Kobe Bean Bryant is the absolute best of them all.
In a conversation on VLAD TV, he explained why, in his mind, the ‘Black Mamba’ deserves the title as the greatest Laker ever, even over guys like Magic Johnson, Jerry West, and Shaquille O’Neal.
“Even though Jerry West was on the squad, the greatest Laker of all time is Kobe Bryant. Won 5 Championships. He’s going to the games, he is not talking smack about anything. You know his agent becomes the general manager, I’m sure he has some say so.”
Bryant did not score the most points in NBA history. Nor did he get credit for “saving” the NBA during a time of uncertainty for the league.
But Bryant played for the Lakers for two decades, starting as an 18-year-old teenager out of Lower Merion High School. He has all the stats and the accolades to back up his status as a legend.
The most important aspect of his game, however, was the way he worked and fought for greatness. Even today, over a year after his death, Kobe is remembered for the famous “Mamba mentality” that has inspired countless fans.
“One of the greatest players of all time,” said Gregg Popovich. “It’s not just his talent or his physical skills. His mind was on a par with Michael and Larry and Magic, guys like that. They thought the game, they knew what was going on.”
Today, the Lakers are still trying to live up to Bryant’s legacy. They did well by bringing a Championship to the city in 2020, but they can’t stop now.
Like Kobe, they have to continue to pursue victory at every turn.
We’ll see if LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook are up for the task.
