NBA All-Time Rank No. 10: Kobe Bryant

Ranking the top 50 players in NBA history…

10. Kobe Bryant

Kobe is the greatest Laker ever, even if he’s not the best player to have worn the uniform.

There’s a reason Magic Johnson himself said that Kobe is the greatest Laker. No one bled purple and gold quite like Kobe. No one was as fierce a competitor, either.

Bryant spent his entire 20-year career with Los Angeles (1996-2016). He averaged 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game, picking up no less than 18 All-Star selections along the way.

He won five championships (2000-2002, 2009-2010), earning two Finals MVPs (2009, 2010). He secured NBA MVP in 2008, led the league in scoring twice (2006, 2007), and snagged 15 All-NBA selections (11 First Team).

Kobe had the ability to reach a godly level on a basketball court that few have ever dreamed of reaching, even if it didn’t happen often (how could it?). His 81-point game in 2006 was one example of this, but even more so, his farewell 60-point game showed that Kobe was in touch with something divine.

Bryant emulated Michael Jordan like no one else ever has or ever will, perhaps to a fault at times. We wanted to see Kobe be Kobe, and by the end of his career (and all-too-brief post-career), we got that.

His dedication and “Black Mamba” ethos not only elevated the Lakers dynasty but spread inspiration across the globe. His legacy extends to women’s basketball advocacy and multi-sport influence, making him an enduring icon.

But who ranks ahead of Bryant at No. 9 all-time?