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Former Los Angeles Lakers Guard Reveals Honest Thoughts About Kobe Bryant
Former Los Angeles Lakers Guard Reveals Honest Thoughts About Kobe Bryant 4 January 14, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 116-98. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Fans always bring up Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan while discussing the greatest athletes of all time. In most cases, Jordan and James are the top names that are always part of the discussions. However, most people overlook Kobe Bryant and what he’s accomplished in the NBA when he was still active.

Bryant had a significant influence on basketball, and not just in the United States. His influence is felt globally, for the work he put in as he tried to perfect his craft. In the NBA, he left a lasting imprint of what it’s like to be the hardest worker. He was a five-time champion, a one-time MVP, an 18-time All-Star and a Hall of Famer.

On a post from X on Sunday, former Lakers star Danny Green talked about his honest thoughts about Bryant when he appeared as a guest on “All The Smoke.”

In Green’s guest appearance, former NBA player and host of the show, Stephen Jackson, asked him to rank Jordan, James and Bryant.

“My GOAT is MJ,” Green said. “I think Bron has the greatest career of all time. I’mma go one and two, MJ and then Bron.

“It’s tough to put Kobe three. Because, I always liked Mike so much, I thought Kobe was just the imitation of Mike. I was like, ‘He’s not Mike’.

However, Green said that he respected Bryant for what he’s done in his career once he started playing against him in the league.

“But I appreciated him more once I got to the league, played against him and seeing how many years he’s played and then after — of seeing how his mind worked and his footwork. Unbelievable. I think he probably is the most skilled out of all three.

Lastly, he ended his take by saying Bryant is the most skilled player out of the three players Jackson mentioned.

“Mike was just — he did one more, you ain’t stopping it… Kobe, is probably the most skilled out of those three.”

The former Los Angeles Lakers guard talked about playing with James


Caitlin Clark's Post Game Comments On Flagrant Foul To Angel Reese Gets Priceless Reaction Fron Aliyah Boston 3 Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Green had one of the best careers a role player could have. During his time, he won three championships with three different franchises (San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers). Through that, he got to play with iconic players, including James.

In his appearance at “All The Smoke,” he talked about what it was like to play with the four-time champion.

“There’s a couple of guys that I got a chance to play with that make the game really easy. He’s one of them,” Green said.

“But Bron, because he draws so much attention, his IQ too. He knows where you’re [at]… He knows everybody’s… what they can do, what their best spots are… He wants you where you at, where you’re best at and he going to find you there, too.”

Because of his ability to involve his teammates, they benefit from him, especially on the offensive side.


Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James Shares Big Update Ahead of Game 3 vs. Timberwolves 2 Mar 8, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) calls a play against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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