'I'm not even sure he's in the top five' - Jason Williams argued Kobe Bryant doesn't belong among the Lakers' elite

The Los Angeles Lakers have been home to a plethora of NBA legends. With so many great players having donned the Purple and Gold jersey, two questions come to mind: Who are the very best among them, and how does one rank them?

In 2022, former NBA point guard Jason Williams tackled this challenge, sparking some debate. The controversy started when he discussed Kobe Bryant's place—or rather, his absence—from the list of the franchise's all-time greats.

"I haven't really thought about where I got Kobe, but Kobe's not as high on my list as people would really think he should be. I'm not even sure he's on the top five of the all-time greatest Lakers," remarked Williams, per TMZ.

Dissecting Williams' snub of the "Black Mamba"

J-Will's statement likely doesn't sit right with many, including one podcast host, who quickly expressed his disagreement—a feeling understandable to some extent. After all, "The Black Mamba" is not only known as one of the greatest Lakers but also one of the best NBA players in history.

The late Hall of Famer earned this reputation after being drafted 13th overall in 1996 by the Charlotte Hornets, who quickly traded him to the Lakers. Just about one and a half years later, Bean became an All-Star—a feat he achieved 18 times during his career—and then played a key role in the team's three-peat at the turn of the century. The legendary 6'6" swingman added two more rings in 2009 and 2010, along with an MVP in 2008, before retiring in 2016.

As Williams, a 2006 NBA champion with the Miami Heat, didn't explain why he omitted Bryant, one can only speculate. It may relate to their contrasting playing styles. Kobe, a two-time scoring champion, often appeared ego-driven on the court. Meanwhile, "White Chocolate" was recognized for his ability to set up his teammates with impressive, flashy passes.

A nod to other Lakers legends

Instead of criticizing the retired point guard, it's better to consider Williams' perspective. Bryant's exclusion may not be a slight against the "Black Mamba," but rather a tribute to other great Lakers players.

When it comes to point guards, there's the legendary Jerry West, vital to the franchise's early triumphs, and Magic Johnson, a key figure in the "Showtime Lakers" era.

Forwards also feature several notable names, including Elgin Baylor, James Worthy, and LeBron James, who has been in California since 2018.

The list of remarkable big men who wore the Purple and Gold is equally impressive, including Shaquille O'Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Wilt Chamberlain. A more "nostalgic" mention could also go to George Mikan, a former four-time All-Star.

In conclusion, while it may be controversial to leave Bryant off this ranking, it underscores the impressive talent the California franchise has had over the years. This, along with other factors, reinforces their status as one of the most historic teams in basketball history.