Why Kobe Bryant is the G.O.A.T.

Kobe dunking.

There have been many great NBA players. But none like Mr. Kobe Bryant. He stayed loyal to the LOS ANGELES LAKERS his whole 20 year career. His dedication and hard work was unmatched. Most importantly is his “MAMBA MENTALITY”!

Kobe Bryant was dedicated and loyal to the Los Angeles LAKERS. According to Clutch Points, Kobe Bryant spent his whole 20 career with the LAKERS, won 5 championships and 2-finals MVP with the LAKERS. He was known as a scorer but he was considered more than that. Kobe Bryant was a great defender and elevated his team no matter what.

Horace Grant, a Lakers great from that era, said, “Shaq would foul out and get in foul trouble, but Kobe  I thought I was looking at Michael Jordan, how he took over games, and led us to victory many times when Shaq was on the bench with foul trouble and what have you. But I would say, MJ 1 and Kobe 1A.”

Kobe was dedicated to basketball so much that he would have to work hard every day. According to Vibe, he worked so hard while he was in the NBA that he ended up winning awards that showed he dedicated he was to basketball like:

• 5-time NBA Champion
• 2-time Finals MVP
• 1-time NBA MVP
• 15-time All NBA
• 18-time All-Star
• 12-time All-Defensive Team
• 4-time All-Star Game MVP
• 33,643 career points
• 6,306 assists
• 7,047 rebounds.

According to Vibe it can be argued that the respect and admiration Kobe Bryant receives from his peers, competitors and predecessors rivals that of any athlete, let alone a basketball star. Michael Jordan received considerable acclaim throughout his career, as Larry Bird once compared him to God, but also has received shade not only from his opponents, but his teammates as well. In contrast virtually every player, past and present, speaks of Bryant with reverence, while a number of Jordan’s peers, including Isiah Thomas and Scottie Pippen, have diminished Jordan’s skills and impact on winning, throughout his playing career and after.

His MAMBA MENTALITY was so extreme that he feared no one on the court. According to Sports Illustrated, former Philadelphia 76er Allan Iverson stated, ”What bothers me is when they do talk about it, LeBron is great, first of all, when they talk about comparing him to Michael, I don’t understand how they don’t have the debate when it comes to Kobe. Like, I don’t get it. What, you forgot or something? They forgot? I really think they forgot. I really think they forgot the Mamba, man, the certified serial killer, man.”

These are the reasons why Kobe Bryant is the GOAT; all of these accomplishments by one player and a mindset that is unbeatable.