Who's the greatest Laker, Magic or Kobe?

[longhornfan1234]

Has Kobe finally surpassed Magic as the greatest Laker?

[juju151111]

Magic

[r15mohd]

Magic
Kareem
Wilt
West
Shaq
Mikan
Baylor

then we can begin to talk Kobe

[Jasper]

Has Kobe finally surpassed Magic as the greatest Laker?
6 red bars to OP and 600 posts = another horrible thread.

dude should be banned

[Odinn]

A thread with 12 replies about this.
http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=240703

A thread with 63 replies about this.
http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=264807

A thread with 101 replies about this.
http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=240660

A thread with 114 replies about this.
http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=269693


There were more than 4 but I remembered these ones only. Sorry for disappointing.

[fpliii]

Magic

[ChrisPosh]

Mr Bean

[TheMarkMadsen]

What's the point of comparing careers of two players when one of those players is retired and the other one is still playing

[longhornfan1234]

Magic
Kareem
Wilt
West
Shaq
Mikan
Baylor

then we can begin to talk Kobe
Nah.


Magic
Kobe
West
Kareem
Shaq



The rest.

I think it's close between stringbean and Magic.

[Teanett]

kareem

[Ne 1]

When it's all said and done I think Kobe will be remembered as the greatest Laker. Right now he's right up there with Magic/Kareem. Another championship before he retires would put him on top by himself IMO.

When he retires he'll be the Lakers all-time leading scorer, the longest tenured player in Lakers history, most games played in a Lakers uniform etc. And most importantly if he wins another ring he won more championships with the Lakers than Kareem/Magic.

[LeBird]

Magic was a much better player who won the same number of titles (in a shorter career) and won more MVPs, won more finals MVPs...what is there to discuss?

[Euroleague]

It's getting close between them, and Kareem. But I would put Kobe 2nd or 3rd still for now.

[Ne 1]

It's actually a really close comparison, so close that I couldn't decide who I'd take without looking at what the team needs. I like Magic but dude is clearly remembered to be better than he actually was if people think he is this untouchable.

[dyna]

Magic

[KOBE143]

Why it is so ****ing hard for some people here to accept the fact that Kobe is already the GOAT Lakers.. Are they just in denial or just plain stupid or hater? Even the former GOAT Lakers Magic himself already concede that Kobe is the GOAT Lakers.. Why not accept the truth so everyone here can live happily ever after.. Just like me even tho I hate LeBron, I already accepted the fact that he is the greatest Cavs player.. I dont understand why is so ****ing hard for those LeBrick/Jordan stans to accept Kobe as the GOAT Lakers? I have no problem accepting Jordan or LeBron as the best in their former team.. There's a limit for being a hater people..

[AlphaWolf24]

- Kobe.....anyone saying otherwise shouldn't even be listened to.

- :roll: at these fools getting mad.

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

Magic followed by Kobe. Another championship/finals Mvp for Kobe (makes up any statistical advantage) and he's the GOAT Laker.

[caliman]

Magic
Kareem
Wilt
West
Shaq
Mikan
Baylor

then we can begin to talk Kobe


Epic fail

Magic
Kobe
Kareem
West

[Whoah10115]

Magic is the best player to ever play for the Lakers. Magic is also the best Laker. I hate seeing Kareem rated above Magic. Especially when it's clear he was a beastlier player in Milwaukee. Kareem played 14 years to Magic's 12, so it's not like he played a lot longer. Kareem is not better than Magic and this recent wave is annoying and validates too many stupid things.


But anyway...Magic, then Kobe, then Kareem, then West, then Shaq, then Baylor or Mikan. Mikan was in Minnesota and almost feels different for that alone. He won titles tho, while Baylor did not. But Baylor was better. Tho maybe not a stat-padder, he was arguably not as great as his numbers. I don't know.



Magic
Kareem
Wilt
West
Shaq
Mikan
Baylor

then we can begin to talk Kobe



HAHAHAHHA.

[konex]

Even Magic admits Kobe is the best Laker ever. I don't understand how this is even a discussion. Magic is not in Kobe's class as a player and even if he was, Kobe's longevity would win out..

[konex]

When he retires he'll be the Lakers all-time leading scorer, the longest tenured player in Lakers history, most games played in a Lakers uniform etc.

I'm pretty sure he has all these already...

[TheMan]

It's because the retards in OTC negs just because he is a republican.
That's as good a reason to neg someone nowadays:lol

To the topic, Magic...he's the better player overall.

To those who say Kobe, explain how Bryant is greater if by most accounts, Magic is considered a top 3-5 GOAT player while KB maybe cracks the top 10?

[daily]

Magic gets the nod as greatest Laker because he was personable, people like Magic, but it's funny this never gets mentioned by the very same people when the discussion turns to Magic's place in the GOAT NBA player argument. Suddenly they turn to numbers to make their points

If you take Magic's personality out of the discussion and base it purely on what the players have accomplished Kobe is the greatest Laker ever.

[Whoah10115]

Even Magic admits Kobe is the best Laker ever. I don't understand how this is even a discussion. Magic is not in Kobe's class as a player and even if he was, Kobe's longevity would win out..



:roll: :roll: :roll:



Kobe can't be argued into the top 6. That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard.

[KyrieTheFuture]

Any true Laker fan would say Magic. Anyone saying its not close (for Kobe or Magic) are either stans or haters respectively. It's very close. Magic wins though.

[Doranku]

I love how Kobe haters are so quick to point out Kobe's defense nowadays, but when it comes to Kobe vs. Magic, they avoid bringing up defense like the plague. :lol

[Just2McFly]

It's Kobe.

[lilgodfather1]

I think Magic is a greater player than Kobe in the sense that he did more for the NBA than Kobe did, but at the same time Kobe is a greater Laker because he has accomplished so much with the team.

Hard one really, but i'd say Kobe is the GOAT Laker, although 30,000 points isn't the deciding factor. If he'd retired with 29,999 points he'd still be just as great as he is with 30k.

As a side note I now have to re evaluate my GOAT list.

[Mr. Jabbar]

I have particular admiration for Magic, he was the most entertaining, magical, worthy of buying a ticket to watch him, basketball player to ever lace em up. Last year I still said Magic, this year I cannot help but say its Kobe, the guys production at this stage is beyond logic, and he wants to win like if he had never won a ring. I think when kobe retires, this won't even be a question. Remember retirement boosts players legacies immediatly, as it puts everything into perspective. When kobe is not around anymore, everyone will realize how unique he was.

[secund2nun]

Magic Kareem and Shaq are easily above Kobe.

[Haymaker]

Magic did more in less seasons.

[Asukal]

There's no one like Magic really. If he didn't have to retire early, he'd have accomplished much more. :cheers:

[rmt]

Magic/Kobe
3/1 MVPs
3/2 FMVPs
5 championships in less time/5 championships in more time
32+ yr old top 10 team mate / 8 years with top 10 player in his prime & peak
gets everyone involved / keeps chucking the ball causing team mates to be cold

Seems pretty obvious to me.

[Whoah10115]

I think Magic, most easily, the 2nd best player ever. Magic was certainly better. And I don't think longevity is enough to overtake that.

[Sakkreth]

Magic.

[Kobe 4 The Win]

I love Kobe but it's still Magic. If Magic would have worn a rubber and not got the HIV it wouldn't even be close. If KB24 can get another championship or two then maybe, but I don't know if that's gonna happen.

http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/8342/magicab.jpg

[lakerspng]

Magic is my all time favorite player. I think he's the most naturally gifted basketball player in history (not talking athleticism, just pure feel for the game). Had his career not been cut short due to the HIV announcement, I feel he would have locked in his place at the top of the GOAT list.

That being said, it's really close. I don't think people truly appreciate what Kobe has done, we take him for granted as fans. When he finally hangs up his shoes, it will be a sad day in the NBA, just as it was when Jordan did, the Captain did, Bird did, etc.

Kobe will retire with every Lakers record, and hopefully 6 or more championships. He will have carried the Lakers franchise for a decade and a half. He will have spread their reach internationally more than any player in history... I believe it's safe to say that he will be named as the Lakers "greatest player". But really in the hall of Lakers heroes none should stand above any other. Without any our franchise is diminished. Magic, Kobe, Kareem, Shaq, Baylor, West, Worthy, Mikan, Chamberlain, etc... Lakers family is strong.

[glidedrxlr22]

Magic all the way. Kobe is an arrogant prima Donna with way overrated defense.

[daily]

Magic all the way. Kobe is an arrogant prima Donna with way overrated defense.
Kobe's arrogance has no place in this discussion as a matter of fact it's what makes him great plus Kobe is a much better defender than Magic ever was.

The weak sauce your peddling stems purely out of a dislike for Kobe.

[Odinn]

Kobe's arrogance has no place in this discussion as a matter of fact it's what makes him great plus Kobe is a much better defender than Magic ever was.

The weak sauce your peddling stems purely out of a dislike for Kobe.
Tim Duncan is much better defender than Larry Bird.
Because of this;
Duncan > Bird
Agree? Disagree?

Kevin Garnett is much better defender than Charles Barkley.
Because of this;
Garnett > Chuck
Agree? Disagree?

I can write more if you want.

[CavaliersFTW]

Too many people are forgetting about Jerry West. Entire career was with the LA Lakers, he brought LA it's first title, he lead the team in assists and points almost every season he played. IMO he's ahead of Kareem as far as "Lakers" organization is concerned. Baylor is almost on par with him too as far as playing career and impact for the team during playing years is concerned. What West did after his playing days might make him the greatest Laker EVER. He's the man behind Shaq and Kobe. Without West, that stuff doesn't even happen.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

1. mAgic
2. kobe

[Whoah10115]

Tim Duncan is much better defender than Larry Bird.
Because of this;
Duncan > Bird
Agree? Disagree?

Kevin Garnett is much better defender than Charles Barkley.
Because of this;
Garnett > Chuck
Agree? Disagree?

I can write more if you want.



He's just responding to that specific post. I don't think he's suggesting what you're saying.

[Nero Tulip]

Mr Bean

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/2082/mrbeany.jpg

[StateOfMind12]

The only people saying Kobe are Kobe-only fans. Not a single Lakers fan think Kobe was better than Magic because they know better.

[Micku]

Magic. He had more impact, not only on the team and the organization, but the NBA as well. Showtime Lakers was probably the best era in Laker history, and brought the stars to their seats.

Kobe is the better individual player, but Magic probably is the better impact and without a doubt the better team player. Kobe is probably the second greatest laker of all time, and he may become the greatest depending on how long he last. But Magic did more in the short amount of time he was in the league than Kobe did in his long career.

[lakerspng]

The only people saying Kobe are Kobe-only fans. Not a single Lakers fan think Kobe was better than Magic because they know better.

the question is not who is the better player.

[StateOfMind12]

the question is not who is the better player.
Oh in the case




























































































Magic.

[Whoah10115]

The only people saying Kobe are Kobe-only fans. Not a single Lakers fan think Kobe was better than Magic because they know better.



But didn't you say Kobe was better than Magic?

[daily]

“Well, it is difficult (to judge the greatest Laker ever) when you have probably the greatest center to ever play the game playing for your team in (Kareem) Abdul-Jabbar (and) Magic Johnson, who was an absolutely incredible player. I played with one — Elgin Baylor — incredible player. Wilt Chamberlain (also).

“But if you look at what (Kobe’s) accomplished solely as a Laker, becasue the other players, except for a couple of them, were acquired through trades. He was drafted here and he’s played his whole career here. To me, I don’t see why you couldn’t say he is the greatest Laker player in terms of talent. In terms of the talent, the Lakers have never had a better player than him. Never.”
http://www.insidesocal.com/lakers/2012/12/06/jerry-west-lakers-have-never-had-a-better-player-than-kobe-bryant/

[StateOfMind12]

But didn't you say Kobe was better than Magic?
When did I say that? I said Kobe could have surpassed Magic back in 2011 when he was going for a 3-peat but that ship has sailed and Kobe declines more and more every season.

[lakerspng]

Magic. He had more impact, not only on the team and the organization, but the NBA as well. Showtime Lakers was probably the best era in Laker history, and brought the stars to their seats.

Kobe is the better individual player, but Magic probably is the better impact and without a doubt the better team player. Kobe is probably the second greatest laker of all time, and he may become the greatest depending on how long he last. But Magic did more in the short amount of time he was in the league than Kobe did in his long career.

a lot of Magic's impact in the NBA though is because Magic came into a dead league and he and Bird brought it back to life. NBA was in much better shape when Kobe came into it. But with anything, timing plays a large part. Both guys have done so much for the organization it's amazing. As much as Magic carried the Lakers brand domestically, Kobe has done internationally. Hopefully we have a player in the future who can carry the team the way they did.. I'm just not convinced it's Howard just yet.

[TheMarkMadsen]

When did I say that? I said Kobe could have surpassed Magic back in 2011 when he was going for a 3-peat but that ship has sailed and Kobe declines more and more every season.


I'm unaware of this "decline more and more every season"

Yeah sure he's lost a lot of athleticism butt the dude was 2nd in scoring last year and has maintained his high level of play by finding new ways to score and be effective

[tpols]

When did I say that? I said Kobe could have surpassed Magic back in 2011 when he was going for a 3-peat but that ship has sailed and Kobe declines more and more every season.
Kobe is better right now than he was in 2011 and 2012. He was also better in 2012 than he was in 2011. You obviously have no idea what youre talking about.:facepalm

[StateOfMind12]

Kobe is better right now than he was in 2011 and 2012. He was also better in 2012 than he was in 2011. You obviously have no idea what youre talking about.:facepalm
Good luck if you think he is going to sustain it.

[lakerspng]

When did I say that? I said Kobe could have surpassed Magic back in 2011 when he was going for a 3-peat but that ship has sailed and Kobe declines more and more every season.

He's better this year than last, leading the league in scoring at his highest career fg%, not sure that exactly meets the description of decline, but if the hate makes you feel better, by all means...

[DatAsh]

It's a battle of overall impact vs longevity for me. It's close, but I'll have to side with Magic on this one.

[ILLsmak]

Has Kobe finally surpassed Magic as the greatest Laker?

Magic, but Kobe might be a better player. Magic is just synonymous with LA during basketball's "prime" in the 80s.

-Smak

[NumberSix]

Jerry West overall contributed more to the Lakers franchise than any other player or former player.

[TheBigVeto]

Neither. It's Kareem Abdul Jabbar.
Magic, although very overrated, is still a much better Laker than Kobe.
Kobe isn't top 5 Lakers of all time.

[ZaaaaaH]

Neither. It's Kareem Abdul Jabbar.
Magic, although very overrated, is still a much better Laker than Kobe.
Kobe isn't top 5 Lakers of all time.


ur gayness is Amazing ~

Its like saying LeBron is not top 5 player right now.

[rmt]

a lot of Magic's impact in the NBA though is because Magic came into a dead league and he and Bird brought it back to life. NBA was in much better shape when Kobe came into it. But with anything, timing plays a large part. Both guys have done so much for the organization it's amazing. As much as Magic carried the Lakers brand domestically, Kobe has done internationally. Hopefully we have a player in the future who can carry the team the way they did.. I'm just not convinced it's Howard just yet.

That is an unfair comparison due to the difference in technology. Back in Magic's day, one looked forward to one or a couple games on the weekend. Now, with games on network TV, cable, satellite, League Pass (all games everyday) and the explosion of the internet, it is natural that there is more international/global exposure.

If Magic were playing today, with his personality, he'd be bigger than Kobe. Man's got presence, charisma and a smile that lit up the screen (unlike the anti-social personality that Kobe gives off). And talk about impact, that Finals game that he played center when Kareem went down was just spectacular (and as a rookie too). Kobe's never had particularly great performances in the Finals.

[Dro]

Not sure if this is a serious question but Kareem is the greatest Laker of all time, followed by Magic and Jerry West...Kobe should no way be in front of those 3, but I will put him ahead of Shaq and Wilt because of his longevity with the Lakers that those 2 don't have...

[Anaximandro1]

relative to his era: Magic wins

-Magic played in 9 NBA finals,won 5

-Magic won 3MVP+3FMVP

-Showtime Lakers > 2000s Lakers

-Magic,alongside Bird,saved the NBA


Kobe was a stopgap between Duncan/Shaq and Lebron/Durant eras.



Having said that,Kareem is the greatest Laker

[Vertical-24]

Magic
Kareem
Wilt
West
Shaq
Mikan
Baylor

then we can begin to talk Kobe

GTFO of here. I hate when non-Laker fans try to be assholes when ranking the greatest Lakers. Have some respect, f*cking troll.

Kobe is either the #1 or #2 best Laker of all-time. Nothing less.

[jstern]

Magic did a lot more in less time, while Kobe has played pretty much more than any other Laker. So it all depends on how you view it.

[upside24]

Can't honestly say.

Wasn't lucky enough to be alive to watch Magic play. I've watched countless YouTube games but I havn't watched his career.

Magic was truly amazing.

[DKLaker]

I'm probably the only one on here who saw West, Wilt, Kareem, Magic, Shaq and Kobe play live in their prime.

The only answer is KOBE.

Magic was phenomenal, I never thought he would be topped...but he never won without Kareem and his career was cut short. Add to that Magic was a terrible defender....not a single 1st team all defense....I think he only had 1 second team. Now compare that to Kobe.....no comparison at all.

Kareem, great player but his first 6 years were in Milwaukee and Magic helped carry him in his latter years.....not to mention he had a phenomenal supporting cast.......Kareem could barely make it up and down the floor.

No player in Lakers history has come close to doing what Kobe has done over his career.

[TheBigVeto]

I'm probably the only one on here who saw West, Wilt, Kareem, Magic, Shaq and Kobe play live in their prime.

The only answer is KOBE.

Magic was phenomenal, I never thought he would be topped...but he never won without Kareem and his career was cut short. Add to that Magic was a terrible defender....not a single 1st team all defense....I think he only had 1 second team. Now compare that to Kobe.....no comparison at all.

Kareem, great player but his first 6 years were in Milwaukee and Magic helped carry him in his latter years.....not to mention he had a phenomenal supporting cast.......Kareem could barely make it up and down the floor.

No player in Lakers history has come close to doing what Kobe has done over his career.

:wtf: :facepalm

[DKLaker]

Jerry West overall contributed more to the Lakers franchise than any other player or former player.

This is TRUE :applause: :applause: :applause:

and it was West who demanded that the Lakers get Kobe....plus he landed Shaq, the stress of this almost killed him.

[DKLaker]

:wtf: :facepalm

You hate Kobe......so what, you have no legitimate argument.
Please make me laugh by trying to say Magic played defense.....I was at all but about 3 home games during his career......including playoffs and finals.
Magic is the best PG I have ever seen.....but he's not as good an overall player as Kobe nor did he play as long.

[G-Funk]

Gotta go with Magic:

Magic

Kobe

West

Kareem

Shaq

Wilt

Mikan

Baylor

Worthy

Goodrich

Gasol

Dwight

[G-Funk]

Kareem didn't even play his entire career in L.A for the Lakers or else he would be 1st.

[DKLaker]

Kareem didn't even play his entire career in L.A for the Lakers or else he would be 1st.

You are right.