New NBA fans must have heard a great deal about Kobe Bryant. Many of them must be wondering why the Los Angeles Lakers legend does not have a cemented spot in the never-ending GOAT conversation. To those who do not know, the GOAT conversation has been regarding the greatest player in the history of the NBA. The vast majority of fans have either LeBron James or Michael Jordan as the GOAT.
Given that Kobe won as many championships as LeBron and Jordan, one must certainly wonder why Kobe is not really included in the GOAT conversation. Fans who did not follow the league during Bryant’s career will certainly want to know more on this issue. With that being said, let us take a closer look and find out.
Kobe Bryant won his first 3 titles with Shaquille O’Neal
When comparing the multiple championships won by LeBron, Jordan, and Kobe, there is one difference that excludes Bryant. It is almost impossible to deny that LeBron and Jordan were the best players on their respective teams during the seasons in which they won championships.
On the other hand, Kobe Bryant was a young and relatively inexperienced player during his first 3 championships. Shaquille O’Neal was considered by many as the best player in the Lakers and won all 3 Finals MVP awards. There has never been a point in time when another player on a LeBron or Jordan-led team won the Finals MVP award over them.
Although Kobe Bryant managed to disprove all his critics by winning 2 more championships for the Los Angeles Lakers, it was not enough to allow him to cement his claim in the GOAT conversation.Many players considered Kobe Bryant selfish
While the same could be said about Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant built up a reputation as a ball hog and someone who simply disrespected and did not trust the majority of his teammates. Several of his former teammates have stood up against him and claimed that his behavior crossed the line frequently.
It is fully possible for LeBron and Jordan to have behaved the same way. However, both of them, especially LeBron, are known for getting their teammates involved and making the people around them better. That is something that Kobe fans cannot say about their star.
Since Kobe was looked at as a selfish player and a ball hog by many of his own teammates, the years in which his team fell short of contending for a title also gave critics ammunition against him. For all of these reasons, Bryant is not included by many in the GOAT conversation.