go to MSN.com
Found December 07, 2012 on Larry Brown Sports: Yardbarker Blogger Network

Via Larry Brown Sports:

Some of the greatest players in the history of the NBA have worn Los Angeles Lakers uniforms. With so many Hall of Famers having hoisted championship banners for L.A., it’s almost impossible to label one of them the greatest Laker of all time. Jerry West, who won an NBA title, made it to the Finals nine times and was a 14-time all star, would be in the discussion. However, West emphatically gives that title toKobe Bryant.

“What he has accomplished with this team, I don’t think there’s any question in my mind at this point in time – because of him being with this team for his whole career – that he has been the greatest Laker player,” West told USA TODAY Sports on Thursday. “I do think he’s the greatest Laker player we’ve ever seen.

“He has an incredible desire to win and excel, and his work ethic and his skill level are what places him among the truly great, great players we’ve ever had in this league.”

Shaquille O’Neal dominated the playoffs and earned three NBA FInals MVP awards with the Lakers. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar took home five championship rings and three league MVP awards. Magic Johnson combined all of the aforementioned accolades, winning five NBA championships, three NBA MVPs, and three Finals MVPs. All are worthy of being in the discussion.

Kobe recently became the youngest player to ever reach 30,000 points in his career, and every one of them came in a Lakers uniform. He has won five championships and two Finals MVPs with L.A., and there’s no reason he can’t win a sixth. If Bryant wins a sixth ring, the Kobe vs. Michael Jordan debate may become more heated than ever. But if that day should come, there will be little debate as to who is the greatest Laker of all time.

1 Comment:
  • Dwight Howard is stupid,plain and simple,a laker cancer.
THE BACKYARD
RELATED ARTICLES

Kobe Bryant's 30,000th point from all angles

LA Laker Kobe Bryant became the youngest NBA player to score his 30,000th point last night. Bryant is 5th all time. 1 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 38,387 2 Karl Malone 36,928 3 Michael Jordan... Full story at Bob's Blitz ~ http://www.bobsblitz.com

Bryant eclipses 30,000, Lakers beat Hornets

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Kobe Bryant scored 29 points, making him the fifth player in NBA history to score 30,000, and the Los Angeles Lakers snapped a two-game skid with a 103-87 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night. Bryant entered the game needing only 13 points to eclipse the scoring milestone and did so with a short jumper late in the first half that was perhaps...

Kobe Bryant’s Climb to 30,000

Kobe Bryant becomes the fifth and youngest member to enter the exclusive 30,000 point club, take a look back at his career milestones. Visit http://www.nba.com/video for more highlights.

Kobe Bryant Becomes Youngest Player in NBA History to Reach 30,000 Points

Kobe Bryant engraved his name into the history books even more than it already is, tonight. Bryant became the youngest player in NBA history to reach the summit of 30,000 points, at just 34 years, 104 days old. A feat only four other players have accomplished in the history of the league — Wilt Chamberlain (31,419 points), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387), Karl Malone (36,928...

30,000 point milestone for Kobe Bryant

Ballertainment Kobe Bryant becomes fifth NBA player to score 30,000 points Kobe Bryant hit a milestone today that put him in a unique “fraternity.” He scored his 30,000th career point in the NBA and became the fifth player to do so behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Michael Jordan, and Wilt Chamberlain. Bryant surpassed Shaquille O’Neal on the list Wednesday when the...

Kobe youngest to 30,000 points

Kobe Bryant scored 29 points, making him the fifth player in NBA history to score 30,000, and the Los Angeles Lakers snapped a two-game skid with a 103-87 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night. Bryant entered the game needing only 13 points to eclipse the scoring milestone and did so with a short jumper late in the first half that was perhaps the least spectacular...

Rate Kobe Bryant's New Commercial

Kobe Bryant and Turkish Airlines.. What?

Kobe Bryant By The Numbers

Kobe Bryant became the youngest player in NBA history to score over 30,000 career points. Here’s a unique look at Bryant’s intriguing scoring numbers throughout his seventeen seasons.

Durant outduels Bryant in win over Lakers

OKLAHOMA CITY The pregame get-together was neither warm or with any feeling. That was obvious. Think pageant hug at center court, but with less emotion. No enthusiasm. Almost like it was mandatory. Then again, it's not like Kobe Bryant is going to embrace Kevin Durant or really much of anything Durant does these days. Yet here they were, a game after Bryant surpassed 30,000...

Looking Back On My Favorite Of Kobe’s 30,000 Points

As you know, Kobe Bryant joined an elite group as the Lakers defeated the Pelicans on Wednesday night.  With his driving score at the 1:15 mark of the second quarter, Bryant became the NBA’s fifth 30,000-point scorer, putting his name among the likes of Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.  Pretty special company for one of the most remarkable...

Kobe Bryant steals ball from Austin Rivers, throws down two-handed dunk (Video)

For those of you that think Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is getting a tad old, you might want to check out this clip. During Wednesday night's game against New Orleans Hornets, Kobe picks the pocket of rookie guard Austin Rivers and takes it to the other end for a two-handed slam dunk:

Kevin Durant: Kobe Bryant's an 'old fart'

Oklahoma City star Kevin Durant, who is now at 10,517 career points after scoring 36 in the Thunder's 114-108 victory over the Lakers Friday night, remembers growing up and watching Kobe Bryant dominate.  “I didn't really get to see a lot of Jordan in his prime,” said Durant, who then playfully took a jab at Bryant. “But seeing Kobe, I know he's an old fart.”...

Houston Rockets radio announcer Craig Ackerman disses Lakers with "poopy pants" joke (Video)

A couple of days ago, Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant was quoted by media members telling Pau Gasol to put on his "big boy pants".Well, it appears that Gasol and the Lakers forgot their "big boy pants" as they blew a 13-point lead in a loss to the Houston Rockets on Tuesday.During the Houston radio telecast of the game, announcer Craig Ackerman celebrated...

Awesome Los Angeles Lakers PhotoShop

I pounded on the Lakers yesterday, and I mine as well do it again. After all, I’m not a huge Kobe Bryant fan nor do I pretty much like anyone on the team. Dwight Howard, the whining baby who wanted out of Orlando, and Co. deserve this sh$t. Thanks to TerezOwens for the picture….
RUMORS & GOSSIP
TALK TO ME

Prospect wouldn't give Spurs his phone number

An NBA Draft prospect reportedly would not give the Spurs his phone number. Find out why.

Via Bush League Chronicle Verified_ybn
7 hours ago  | 
THE CONSEQUENCES

Diaz fined, suspended for slur

Nate Diaz was fined and suspended for using a gay slur in a tweet directed at another fighter. Read more about what he did.

Via 5thRound.com Verified_ybn
8 hours ago  | 
GREAT TIMING

Raisman drug tested on set

Gymnast Aly Raisman says she was drug tested while preparing for the finale of "Dancing With the Stars." Read more about the story.

Via Awful Announcing Verified_ybn
13 hours ago  | 
KICK IT OLD SCHOOL

Report: Charlotte to become Hornets

A report says the Charlotte Bobcats are in the process of going back to the Charlotte Hornets name. The Bobcats' change helped their effort.

Via The Kevin Burke Project Verified_ybn
4 hours ago  | 
OPERATING TABLE

Gronk could need back surgery

Rob Gronkowski reportedly will need back surgery in addition to a fourth surgery he's set to have on his infected forearm.

Via Sports-Glory Verified_ybn
12 hours ago  | 
PACK IT UP

Pierce's family ready to relocate?

The Boston Celtics have a big deadline coming up to make a decision on Paul Pierce. His family supposedly is preparing for a move.

Via Celtics Life Verified_ybn
1 day ago  | 
BUNGLED SITUATION

Phil talks Lakers choosing D'Antoni

Phil Jackson talked about the Lakers choosing to hire Mike D'Antoni as head coach despite interviewing him for the job.

Via Laker Nation Verified_ybn
6 hours ago  | 
RETURN OF THE SPEEDO

Phelps considering a comeback?

Is Michael Phelps considering making a swimming comeback? One report says he is, but there is a denial. Which side do you believe?

Via The Last Angry Fan Verified_ybn
5 hours ago  | 
NOT OK

Gundy causes stir with transfer blocks

We all know Mike Gundy cares deeply about his players, but what about when one of those players wants to leave Oklahoma State? Well, that's a different story. 

Via Crystal Ball Run Verified_ybn
9 hours ago  | 
BUSTED

Irvin suspended for four games

Second year linebacker/defensive end Bruce Irvin is the latest Seahawks defender to be suspended for violating the NFL's policy on PEDs. 

Via NorthWest Sports Beat Verified_ybn
12 hours ago  | 
Today's Best Stuff
For Bloggers

Join the Yardbarker Network for more promotion, traffic, and money.

Company Info
Help
What is Yardbarker?

Yardbarker is the largest network of sports blogs and pro athlete blogs on the web. This site is the hub of the Yardbarker Network, where our editors and algorithms curate the best sports content from our network and beyond.