Magic Johnson is the greatest Laker ever period.

[stallionaire]

Inspired a generation, lifted the entire organization boosted the NBA greatly, philanthropy after being HIV positive, the very definition of a selfless basketball player that could do everything, etc. list goes on and on.


kobe carried to 3 titles by Shaq. he only has 2 FMVPs



Magic Johnson is my favorite b-ball player of all time. Why don't Lakers fans respect him compared to Kobe? Or is this a younger NBA generation thing?

[Mr. Jabbar]

You say some disrespect Magic, I'd say you disrespect Kobe. Both are legendary greats, and a discussion is at the very least legit.

[9erempiree]

In before the lock.

It's common sense that Kobe is.

[daily]

Didn't we just have this conversation a few days ago.

what's everyone's favorite Sushi?

[9erempiree]

As good as Magic was he wasn't the all around player like Kobe is.

Magic was a liability on defense and his shooting was suspect at times.

[IamRAMBO24]

Agreed.

All time rankings by purist and the sports panel will fall on influence years down the line.

Magic will always be remembered simply because of his size and ability at the point. When you think of the PG position, you think of Magic; when you think of the SG position, you think of MJ, not Kobe.

This will hurt Kobe down the line when players are looking at who the best HOFs they would want to emulate at their respective positions.

[Micku]

As good as Magic was he wasn't the all around player like Kobe is.

Magic was a liability on defense and his shooting was suspect at times.

In his early career. In his prime, he was lights out. Mainly because of his shot selection. It was damn near perfect. And his shot amount was very good. Not too much and not too little shots.

Kobe is the better all around player. Magic is the better team player. Which one of them make a higher impact?

[Levity]

whatever fits your agenda, OP.

[9erempiree]

Agreed.

All time rankings by purist and the sports panel will fall on influence years down the line.

Magic will always be remembered simply because of his size and ability at the point. When you think of the PG position, you think of Magic; when you think of the SG position, you think of MJ, not Kobe.

This will hurt Kobe down the line when players are looking at who the best HOFs they would want to emulate at their respective positions.

This may be true and that's why Magic was so special. When you think of PG, you think of Magic.

When you think of SG, you think Kobe/MJ. Very similar players with all around game but they are very different. Kobe was much more versatile where MJ was much more athletic, some even say they are very even. MJ had jumping ability where Kobe is much more quicker.

[Nero Tulip]

Wait since when is Kobe even in the competition :facepalm

[9erempiree]

Wait since when is Kobe even in the competition :facepalm

:facepalm

[IamRAMBO24]

As good as Magic was he wasn't the all around player like Kobe is.

Magic was a liability on defense and his shooting was suspect at times.

Are you kidding me ..

Magic was a beast on offense; that sky hook was unstoppable. His size allowed him to back down at the perimeter, allowing him to take easy more efficient shots. He might not score as much but his passing abilities more than make up for his offense.

As a rookie, when Kobe was air balling wide open looks, Magic single handedly lead an under-manned team to a championship.

Their roles should of been reversed: Kobe gets aids from butt raping that white girl and Magic wins 5+ rings with a full career. Life isn't fair; the good guys are always the ones getting screwed over.

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

You're 27 years old, tell me more about magic being ur favorite player all-time.

[IamRAMBO24]

This may be true and that's why Magic was so special. When you think of PG, you think of Magic.

When you think of SG, you think Kobe/MJ. Very similar players with all around game but they are very different. Kobe was much more versatile where MJ was much more athletic, some even say they are very even. MJ had jumping ability where Kobe is much more quicker.

Disagreed.

MJ's first step was nearly unstoppable. He was breaking ankles at will in his prime whereas Kobe had a hard time driving to the basket against smaller, quicker guards, thus why he developed the mid range early on.

Versatility goes to Jordan also with a better post game and better hands on defense. He also played point and was a great passer at that position, much better than Kobe's performance in this area.

I'll give Kobe the 3 point shot.

[Rysio]

Wait since when is Kobe even in the competition :facepalm
you've been forgiven but kobe wont be so forgiving next time.

[Whoah10115]

OP made this same thread last week.



I wonder if Kobe would have more respect if the refs didn't cheat the Kings in 2002. All I know is Kobe should thank God for Shaq being on the team for that. If the same thing happened with Shaq sidelined people would rip him for it.

[9erempiree]

Disagreed.

MJ's first step was nearly unstoppable. He was breaking ankles at will in his prime whereas Kobe had a hard time driving to the basket against smaller, quicker guards, thus why he developed the mid range early on.

Versatility goes to Jordan also with a better post game and better hands on defense. He also played point and was a great passer at that position, much better than Kobe's performance in this area.

I'll give Kobe the 3 point shot.

lol @ having a hard time driving to the basket so he developed a mid-range game.:facepalm More like he was a better all around player at a young age. You must not watch Kobe play or too young.

Kobe was a beast at the rim.

[wakencdukest]

As good as Magic was he wasn't the all around player like Kobe is.

Magic was a liability on defense and his shooting was suspect at times.


Nope. Kobe is a better volume scorer and defender, that's it. Magic was better in every other area. I'm not a stats guy, I watched both of their entire careers and it's clear to me who was the better all around player, so go look up their career stats and you and others who never actually watched Magic play will see it; Magic beats Kobe in every statistical category except ppg. Now, who's the greatest Laker? IMO, it's Magic. Kobe has longevity and could possibly win more titles and set a few scoring records in the future, so you never know, he might be the greatest one day. But not yet.

[Rubio2Gasol]

OP made this same thread last week.

I wonder if Kobe would have more respect if the refs didn't cheat the Kings in 2002. All I know is Kobe should thank God for Shaq being on the team for that. If the same thing happened with Shaq sidelined people would rip him for it.

I was a Kings fan at the time but I always thought it was slightly overblown considering what occurred earlier in the series. The refs on a whole were terrible.

While I think the Kings deserved a ring, I'm not sure I can say the Lakers didn't.

[Shepseskaf]

Magic Johnson IS the Lakers. No other player is as commonly associated with a team.

Greatness is defined by peak performances in the biggest moments. Magic's moments in the Finals are legendary -- the 42-point 15-rebound game to close out the 1980 Series, the "Baby Sky Hook", etc.

What are Kobe's defining moments when the stakes are highest?

[Whoah10115]

I was a Kings fan at the time but I always thought it was slightly overblown considering what occurred earlier in the series. The refs on a whole were terrible.

While I think the Kings deserved a ring, I'm not sure I can say the Lakers didn't.


Even Game 7 was made up of shitty calls against Sacramento. The earlier game (was it 2?) and then Game 6...Game 6 is astonishing, especially down the stretch. Not to mention the Shaq calls that Shaq will always get and I think he got more of that year...that year, more than the previous (and again the next) Shaq was just murdering people with that elbow.

[Micku]

lol @ having a hard time driving to the basket so he developed a mid-range game.:facepalm More like he was a better all around player at a young age. You must not watch Kobe play or too young.

Kobe was a beast at the rim.

We can actually check those stats now apparently. All the way from 2000-01 season. He actually was at his best at finishing at the rim his 2011-12 season surprisingly (not counting this year):

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01/shooting/2012/

That's where he shot 67.8% from the inside. Granted, it was a short season, so he didn't take that many shots. But his 2008-09 season, he shot 64.7% at the rim.

Young Kobe like 2000-01 and 2002-03 didn't shoot as well as in 11-12.


2000-01 shot 64.7% inside (the same as his 08-09 self). And Kobe in 2002-03 shot 63.4%. You can also look up his percentage with layups and dunks.

But he wasn't a LeBron or Wade. They were better at finishing at the rim. Jordan probably was too, obviously in his prime. But Kobe is still great at it.

[ripthekik]

Wolves suck, Minnesota suck, Kevin Love sucks.
No wonder why OP has nothing else to post about except the Lakers all week.

[9erempiree]

Magic Johnson IS the Lakers. No other player is as commonly associated with a team.

Greatness is defined by peak performances in the biggest moments. Magic's moments in the Finals are legendary -- the 42-point 15-rebound game to close out the 1980 Series, the "Baby Sky Hook", etc.

What are Kobe's defining moments when the stakes are highest?



Game 2 v. Philadelphia - 31 points 8 rebounds 6 assists 2 steals 2 blocks 11-23 FG 8-8 FT

Game 3 v. Philadelphia - 32 points 6 rebounds 3 assists 2 steals 0 blocks 13-30 FG 6-6 FT

Game 4 v. Philadelphia - 19 points 10 rebounds 9 assists 1 steal 1 block 6-13 FG 7-12 FT

Game 5 v. Philadelphia - 26 points 12 rebounds 6 assists 1 steal 1 block 7-18 FG 10-11 FT

Game 3 v. New Jersey - 36 points 6 rebounds 4 assists 1 steal 2 blocks 14-23 FG 7-10 FT

Game 4 v. New Jersey - 25 points 6 rebounds 8 assists 2 steal 0 blocks 7-16 FG 9-11 FT

Game 2 v. Detroit - 33 points 4 rebounds 7 assists 2 steals 0 blocks 14-27 FG 4-5 FT


Game 2 v. Boston - 30 points 4 rebounds 8 assists 3 steals 0 blocks 11-23 FG 7-7 FT

Game 3 v. Boston - 36 points 7 rebounds 1 assist 2 steals 0 blocks 12-20 FG 11-18 FT

Game 4 v. Boston - 17 points 4 rebounds 10 assists 4 steals 0 blocks 6-19 FG 5-6 FT


Game 1 v. Orlando - 40 points 8 rebounds 8 assists 2 steals 2 blocks 16-34 FG 8-8 FT

Game 2 v. Orlando - 29 points 4 rebounds 8 assists 2 steals 0 blocks 10-22 FG 8-10 FT

Game 3 v. Orlando - 31 points 3 rebounds 8 assists 0 steals 0 blocks 11-25 FG 5-10 FT

Game 4 v. Orlando - 32 points 7 rebounds 8 assists 1 steal 1 block 11-31 FG 8-8 FT

Game 5 v. Orlando - 30 points 6 rebounds 5 assists 2 steals 4 blocks 10-23 FG 8-8 FT

Game 1 v. Boston - 30 points 7 rebounds 6 assists 1 steal 1 block 10-22 FG 9-10 FT

Game 3 v. Boston - 29 points 7 rebounds 4 assists 2 steals 3 blocks 10-29 FG 8-8 FT

Game 4 v. Boston - 33 points 6 rebounds 2 assists 2 steals 0 blocks 10-22 FG 7-8 FT

Game 5 v. Boston - 38 points 5 rebounds 4 assists 1 steal 1 block 13-27 FG 8-9 FT

Game 6 v. Boston - 26 points 11 rebounds 3 assists 4 steals 0 blocks 9-19 FG 7-7 FT

Game 7 v. Boston - When his shot wasn't falling he did everything he can do to help with 15 rebounds. Unheard of for a guy with two 7 footers on his team and the other team with KG.


You have just listed one of Magic's moments where I have named plenty of Kobe's.

[IamRAMBO24]

lol @ having a hard time driving to the basket so he developed a mid-range game.:facepalm More like he was a better all around player at a young age. You must not watch Kobe play or too young.

Kobe was a beast at the rim.

Jordan in his younger years was much quicker and had a better mid range game than Kobe. As he got older, he diversified his offense and played the post. When Phil needed him to man the point, he was a great passer and did not turn over the ball as much as Kobe. On defense, he had quicker hands and was the best defensive player even when he was compared to big men.

The man was simply more skilled on every single aspect of the game except the 3 point.

[Shepseskaf]

Game 2 v. Philadelphia - 31 points 8 rebounds 6 assists 2 steals 2 blocks 11-23 FG 8-8 FT

Game 3 v. Philadelphia - 32 points 6 rebounds 3 assists 2 steals 0 blocks 13-30 FG 6-6 FT

Game 4 v. Philadelphia - 19 points 10 rebounds 9 assists 1 steal 1 block 6-13 FG 7-12 FT

Game 5 v. Philadelphia - 26 points 12 rebounds 6 assists 1 steal 1 block 7-18 FG 10-11 FT

Game 3 v. New Jersey - 36 points 6 rebounds 4 assists 1 steal 2 blocks 14-23 FG 7-10 FT

Game 4 v. New Jersey - 25 points 6 rebounds 8 assists 2 steal 0 blocks 7-16 FG 9-11 FT

Game 2 v. Detroit - 33 points 4 rebounds 7 assists 2 steals 0 blocks 14-27 FG 4-5 FT


Game 2 v. Boston - 30 points 4 rebounds 8 assists 3 steals 0 blocks 11-23 FG 7-7 FT

Game 3 v. Boston - 36 points 7 rebounds 1 assist 2 steals 0 blocks 12-20 FG 11-18 FT

Game 4 v. Boston - 17 points 4 rebounds 10 assists 4 steals 0 blocks 6-19 FG 5-6 FT


Game 1 v. Orlando - 40 points 8 rebounds 8 assists 2 steals 2 blocks 16-34 FG 8-8 FT

Game 2 v. Orlando - 29 points 4 rebounds 8 assists 2 steals 0 blocks 10-22 FG 8-10 FT

Game 3 v. Orlando - 31 points 3 rebounds 8 assists 0 steals 0 blocks 11-25 FG 5-10 FT

Game 4 v. Orlando - 32 points 7 rebounds 8 assists 1 steal 1 block 11-31 FG 8-8 FT

Game 5 v. Orlando - 30 points 6 rebounds 5 assists 2 steals 4 blocks 10-23 FG 8-8 FT

Game 1 v. Boston - 30 points 7 rebounds 6 assists 1 steal 1 block 10-22 FG 9-10 FT

Game 3 v. Boston - 29 points 7 rebounds 4 assists 2 steals 3 blocks 10-29 FG 8-8 FT

Game 4 v. Boston - 33 points 6 rebounds 2 assists 2 steals 0 blocks 10-22 FG 7-8 FT

Game 5 v. Boston - 38 points 5 rebounds 4 assists 1 steal 1 block 13-27 FG 8-9 FT

Game 6 v. Boston - 26 points 11 rebounds 3 assists 4 steals 0 blocks 9-19 FG 7-7 FT

Game 7 v. Boston - When his shot wasn't falling he did everything he can do to help with 15 rebounds. Unheard of for a guy with two 7 footers on his team and the other team with KG.


You have just listed one of Magic's moments where I have named plenty of Kobe's.
:roll:

I'm not discounting any of these games, but are any of them legendary? Have any of these games transcended the game itself and moved into the common lexicon and culture?

I guarantee you that more people know about the two Magic games that I posted, albeit the fact that they happened roughly 30 years ago, than any in your long list.

[stallionaire]

Wolves suck, Minnesota suck, Kevin Love sucks.
No wonder why OP has nothing else to post about except the Lakers all week.

LMAO the Wolves are better than the Lakers. Go take a look at the standings. Lakers are under .500 and not seeded to go to the playoffs like Minnesota is. They can only pray and hope to be where Minnesota is right now. The Lakers right now are NOT a playoff team like the Wolves.

NEXT!

[IamRAMBO24]

:roll:

I'm not discounting any of these games, but are any of them legendary? Have any of these games transcended the game itself and moved into the common lexicon and culture?

I guarantee you that more people know about the two Magic games that I posted, albeit the fact that they happened roughly 30 years ago, than any in your long list.

Yup.

Legacy will be based on influence and game defining moments. Kobe's 81 point performance will surely be remembered, but as far as game defining moments go, Magic has him beat.

[TheMarkMadsen]

Game 2 v. Philadelphia - 31 points 8 rebounds 6 assists 2 steals 2 blocks 11-23 FG 8-8 FT

Game 3 v. Philadelphia - 32 points 6 rebounds 3 assists 2 steals 0 blocks 13-30 FG 6-6 FT

Game 4 v. Philadelphia - 19 points 10 rebounds 9 assists 1 steal 1 block 6-13 FG 7-12 FT

Game 5 v. Philadelphia - 26 points 12 rebounds 6 assists 1 steal 1 block 7-18 FG 10-11 FT

Game 3 v. New Jersey - 36 points 6 rebounds 4 assists 1 steal 2 blocks 14-23 FG 7-10 FT




Game 4 v. New Jersey - 25 points 6 rebounds 8 assists 2 steal 0 blocks 7-16 FG 9-11 FT

Game 2 v. Detroit - 33 points 4 rebounds 7 assists 2 steals 0 blocks 14-27 FG 4-5 FT


Game 2 v. Boston - 30 points 4 rebounds 8 assists 3 steals 0 blocks 11-23 FG 7-7 FT



Game 3 v. Boston - 36 points 7 rebounds 1 assist 2 steals 0 blocks 12-20 FG 11-18 FT

Game 4 v. Boston - 17 points 4 rebounds 10 assists 4 steals 0 blocks 6-19 FG 5-6 FT


Game 1 v. Orlando - 40 points 8 rebounds 8 assists 2 steals 2 blocks 16-34 FG 8-8 FT

Game 2 v. Orlando - 29 points 4 rebounds 8 assists 2 steals 0 blocks 10-22 FG 8-10 FT

Game 3 v. Orlando - 31 points 3 rebounds 8 assists 0 steals 0 blocks 11-25 FG 5-10 FT

Game 4 v. Orlando - 32 points 7 rebounds 8 assists 1 steal 1 block 11-31 FG 8-8 FT

Game 5 v. Orlando - 30 points 6 rebounds 5 assists 2 steals 4 blocks 10-23 FG 8-8 FT

Game 1 v. Boston - 30 points 7 rebounds 6 assists 1 steal 1 block 10-22 FG 9-10 FT

Game 3 v. Boston - 29 points 7 rebounds 4 assists 2 steals 3 blocks 10-29 FG 8-8 FT

Game 4 v. Boston - 33 points 6 rebounds 2 assists 2 steals 0 blocks 10-22 FG 7-8 FT

Game 5 v. Boston - 38 points 5 rebounds 4 assists 1 steal 1 block 13-27 FG 8-9 FT

Game 6 v. Boston - 26 points 11 rebounds 3 assists 4 steals 0 blocks 9-19 FG 7-7 FT

Game 7 v. Boston - When his shot wasn't falling he did everything he can do to help with 15 rebounds. Unheard of for a guy with two 7 footers on his team and the other team with KG.


You have just listed one of Magic's moments where I have named plenty of Kobe's.

48 & 16 in the WCF gets no mention?

[ripthekik]

LMAO the Wolves are better than the Lakers. Go take a look at the standings. Lakers are under .500 and not seeded to go to the playoffs like Minnesota is. They can only pray and hope to be where Minnesota is right now. The Lakers right now are NOT a playoff team like the Wolves.

NEXT!
When's the last time the wolves were in the playoffs? :roll: :roll: :roll:
The season is young. Don't be too excited.

[DKLaker]

As good as Magic was he wasn't the all around player like Kobe is.

Magic was a liability on defense and his shooting was suspect at times.

This is the VERY obvious answer, Kobe is the greatest Laker, Magic is 2nd.
I go back to Jerry West's rookie season so no BS about it being a young person's opinion. No knock on Magic, he was incredible!!!!

Magic by far had the better teammates, plus no real competition in the west.

[secund2nun]

Shaq, Kareem, Magic were all far superior players than Kobe ever was..so how in the world is Kobe even in contention for greatest Laker ever?

[DKLaker]

Shaq, Kareem, Magic were all far superior players than Kobe ever was..so how in the world is Kobe even in contention for greatest Laker ever?

FAIL!!!!!! :facepalm

[Lakers_Kobe_Fan]

Shaq, Kareem, Magic were all far superior players than Kobe ever was..so how in the world is Kobe even in contention for greatest Laker ever?

dumba$$ ......go ahead and call me a kobe homer instead of giving an explanation of why you think shaq, kareem and magic were superior players than kobe

[Legends66NBA7]

I'm not discounting any of these games, but are any of them legendary? Have any of these games transcended the game itself and moved into the common lexicon and culture?

I guarantee you that more people know about the two Magic games that I posted, albeit the fact that they happened roughly 30 years ago, than any in your long list.

Things like "common lexicon", "culture", and "knowing more Magic games" are just popular opinion.

And yes, being 30 years ago does bring up a point. How many fans today are going to look up Magic Johnson games when most don't watch every game of Bryant's today ?

I'm not saying Magic doesn't have any greatest games that out duel Kobe's greatest games, but you bring them up. I don't buy the "nobody remembers that" stuff, that just tells me their not real fans to begin with. Wasn't the early 2000's period just not remembered as much because viewership down in those years ?

I'm pretty sure in given time, people will remember Bryant's greatest games. Not to mention, if he does play another key part in a championship, he would be the only one to bring 6 titles to the Lakers. Also, let's say he makes a run at Kareem's all-time scoring list and the playoff all-time scoring list... combine that with a great playoff run and title... I can certainly see a consensus of Kobe as the greatest Laker.

[secund2nun]

dumba$$ ......go ahead and call me a kobe homer instead of giving an explanation of why you think shaq, kareem and magic were superior players than kobe

You are a kobe fanboy. Prime Kobe could not even lead his team past the first round in the 3 chances he got.

Replace Kobe with Shaq, Kareem, Magic and they move past the first round (most likely past the 2nd round) in all 3 of those seasons. Not to mention those 3 have a trackrecord of dominating in the playoffs and NBA finals like Kobe never has.

[Lakers_Kobe_Fan]

You are a kobe fanboy. Prime Kobe could not even lead his team past the first round in the 3 chances he got.

Replace Kobe with Shaq, Kareem, Magic and they move past the first round (most likely past the 2nd round) in all 3 of those seasons. Not to mention those 3 have a trackrecord of dominating in the playoffs and NBA finals like Kobe never has.

what a fcuking retard....who was his teammate??? smush parker??? kwame brown? luke walton???

dumb a$$ mutha fcuka....

what a waste of time...dont respond...

[Shepseskaf]

I'm pretty sure in given time, people will remember Bryant's greatest games. Not to mention, if he does play another key part in a championship, he would be the only one to bring 6 titles to the Lakers. Also, let's say he makes a run at Kareem's all-time scoring list and the playoff all-time scoring list... combine that with a great playoff run and title... I can certainly see a consensus of Kobe as the greatest Laker.
I'll translate what you've just said -- Kobe's claim to fame is as an 'accumulator', not as a peak performer in most prime-time moments.

That's why Magic and MJ have more memorable moments, because they performed at clutch times in the most important games. That's what defines the greatest of the great.

[TheBigVeto]

Kareem >>>>>>> Magic >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Kobe
/thread

[chips93]

That's what defines the greatest of the great.

no thats how you define the greatest of the great

[Shepseskaf]

no thats how you define the greatest of the great
How else is it defined?

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

How else is it defined?
Everybody knows how much you dislike Kobe Bryant, so take your opinion and shove it up your ass.

[TheBigVeto]

Shaq, Kareem, Magic were all far superior players than Kobe ever was..so how in the world is Kobe even in contention for greatest Laker ever?

This.
/thread

[Shepseskaf]

Everybody knows how much you dislike Kobe Bryant, so take your opinion and shove it up your ass.
So, rather than answer a simple question you resort to lame insults? Speaks volumes.

Whether I dislike Kobe, or not, has no bearing on the current discussion. Either add to the dialogue, or STFU.

[chips93]

How else is it defined?

personally, i see it as, who helped their team win the most. two points in the first quarter is just a valuable as two points in the 4th quarter.

[Shepseskaf]

personally, i see it as, who helped their team win the most. two points in the first quarter is just a valuable as two points in the 4th quarter.
Sorry dude, that does not define greatness. Competence, yes. Perhaps excellence, but not greatness.

[Lakers_Kobe_Fan]

Sorry dude, that does not define greatness. Competence, yes. Perhaps excellence, but not greatness.

shows u the average age of kids in this forum

[chips93]

Sorry dude, that does not define greatness. Competence, yes. Perhaps excellence, but not greatness.

i dont really understand how the game can go beyond helping your team win.

i think you are complicating this with silly narratives, and cliches

its about winning games, and games are won over 48 mins. not the final 2.

[pauk]

Well since Magic got all his accolades as a Laker which earned him by majority of people in the world a top 4 best player of all time spot i cant help but wonder why this is debatable?

You should take Magic's words with a pinch of salt (saying Kobe is the greatest Laker of all time)...

[ihoopallday]

Just curious. How is Magic higher than Kobe on most people's all time greats list, but Kobe is a better Laker?

[IamRAMBO24]

Magic made the guys around him better. You can't say that about Kobe. In the end, that will define what greatness truly is. Kobe might be a better offensive talent, but it doesn't mean jack sh*t if the guys around him suffer as a result. Ask Iverson.

[The Genius]

I was a Kings fan at the time but I always thought it was slightly overblown considering what occurred earlier in the series. The refs on a whole were terrible.

While I think the Kings deserved a ring, I'm not sure I can say the Lakers didn't.

What do you mean you WERE a Kings fan? Don't people stick with their team?

[Replay32]

Just curious. How is Magic higher than Kobe on most people's all time greats list, but Kobe is a better Laker?

Great question.

Magic is the greatest laker of all time.

[BrickingStar]

shows u the average age of kids in this forum
coming from the guy who has yet to post a quality post on this message board and comes off as a retard.

[andgar923]

Anybody thinking Kobe is the best Laker is an idiot.

[LA Lakers]

Starting 5 team Id pick Magic first. Kobe excellent sg/scorer but cant do all the things Magic could.

[Psileas]

If that many believe that Kobe is the GOAT Laker and greater than Magic, why is the vast majority of fans still feeling insulted when Kobe is straightly compared to Jordan or is called the overall GOAT? Although most pick Jordan over Magic, I hardly ever meet anyone who feels this comparison is ridiculous/not even close, unlike Kobe vs Jordan.

[Just2McFly]

It's Kobe, can people please stop with this stuff already?

[Whoah10115]

If that many believe that Kobe is the GOAT Laker and greater than Magic, why is the vast majority of fans still feeling insulted when Kobe is straightly compared to Jordan or is called the overall GOAT? Although most pick Jordan over Magic, I hardly ever meet anyone who feels this comparison is ridiculous/not even close, unlike Kobe vs Jordan.



:cheers:

[KOBE143]

Magic Johnson disagree

[swag2011]

I don't know why people act like this isn't debatable. We are talking about Greatest LAKER not greatest PLAYER.

As a laker, they BOTH were apart of bringing 5 championships. while kobe has 2 FMVP, Magic only has 3 so let's not act like he has so much more FMVPs than Kobe. It only takes one more for Kobe to tie him in FMVPs and one more ring for him to surpass him in rings total.

MVP awards imo have more to do w/ the greatness of a player and less of what they did for the franchise.

In terms of a LAKER, both were drafted by Lakers (yes, Kobe pretty much was). Both played their entire career for the Lakers. Except Kobe holds just about every Laker record possible for him to have. He's been with THE lakers for the longest and has kept them relevant and competitive for so long. To sit here and act like he doesn't have an argument just shows how much haters he has.

Magic may be the better player, but in terms of who did more for the LAKERS, it's clearly debatable. (i'll go w/ Magic for now, but kobe by the end of his career)

[ThaRegul8r]

I don't know why people act like this isn't debatable. We are talking about Greatest LAKER not greatest PLAYER.

This makes no sense when both players played their entire careers with the Lakers. It's illogical to say that one player could be the better Laker and the other the better player when neither ever played for another team.

And for factual accuracy, no, Kobe wasn't drafted a Laker. He was drafted a Hornet and refused to play there. His agent said that under no circumstances would be play for the Hornets. He was traded to the Lakers.

[DatAsh]

I don't know why people act like this isn't debatable. We are talking about Greatest LAKER not greatest PLAYER.

As a laker, they BOTH were apart of bringing 5 championships. while kobe has 2 FMVP, Magic only has 3 so let's not act like he has so much more FMVPs than Kobe. It only takes one more for Kobe to tie him in FMVPs and one more ring for him to surpass him in rings total.

MVP awards imo have more to do w/ the greatness of a player and less of what they did for the franchise.

In terms of a LAKER, both were drafted by Lakers (yes, Kobe pretty much was). Both played their entire career for the Lakers. Except Kobe holds just about every Laker record possible for him to have. He's been with THE lakers for the longest and has kept them relevant and competitive for so long. To sit here and act like he doesn't have an argument just shows how much haters he has.

Magic may be the better player, but in terms of who did more for the LAKERS, it's clearly debatable. (i'll go w/ Magic for now, but kobe by the end of his career)

Seeing as how they both spent their entire careers in LA, whoever is the better player is also the better Laker.

[joeyjoejoe]

Both alltime greats but i think magic will and should be remembered as the greatest laker

[swag2011]

And for factual accuracy, no, Kobe wasn't drafted a Laker. He was drafted a Hornet and refused to play there. His agent said that under no circumstances would be play for the Hornets. He was traded to the Lakers.

except once again that was proven wrong time and time again. nearly everyone stated that this little theory was false yet people still run with it like it's true. The Hornets and Lakers already had a deal in place that they would draft Kobe and trade him to the Lakers, point blank. It still does not change the point that he never put on another team's jersey.



Seeing as how they both spent their entire careers in LA, whoever is the better player is also the better Laker.

Once again not true. Kobe has done just as much, if not more for the lakers franchise than magic. Magic has done more for the NBA as a whole (whole Bird/Magic Boston/LA rivalry), but talking STRICTLY lakers franchise, i don't see how is blasphemous to think Kobe is the greatest Laker, when he has just about every Laker record there is.

I know most of yall hate Kobe, but hate doesn't change facts.

[DatAsh]

Once again not true. Kobe has done just as much, if not more for the lakers franchise than magic. Magic has done more for the NBA as a whole (whole Bird/Magic Boston/LA rivalry), but talking STRICTLY lakers franchise, i don't see how is blasphemous to think Kobe is the greatest Laker, when he has just about every Laker record there is.

I know most of yall hate Kobe, but hate doesn't change facts.

I think we may trying to answer two different questions. I'm looking at it as who is the greatest or best Laker, not who did most for the Laker franchise. It's essentially the same question as who is the greatest or best player, the only difference being is that longevity is determined by number of years played for the Lakers, as opposed to number of years played for the league.

[ThaRegul8r]

except once again that was proven wrong time and time again. nearly everyone stated that this little theory was false yet people still run with it like it's true. The Hornets and Lakers already had a deal in place that they would draft Kobe and trade him to the Lakers, point blank. It still does not change the point that he never put on another team's jersey.

Evidently you missed the paragraph preceeding the one you quoted in which I said Kobe never played for another team. That isn't, and wasn't in question, so if that was the reason for replying to me, you wasted your time. The fact is that he wasn't drafted by the Lakers, not that he played for another team. And he wasn't drafted by the Lakers.

June 26, 1996 - Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1st round (13th pick) of the 1996 NBA draft.

I don't know why people are arguing facts now. Kobe isn't the first player in NBA history to be drafted by a team and never play for them. Three years earlier, Chris Webber was drafted by Orlando and traded to Golden State before ever playing a game for them. Still doesn't change the fact that he wasn't actually drafted by Golden State.

*waits for the inevitable anonymous "neg," as people don't have the guts to be a man and put their name to something they have to say*

[Kovach]

It's common sense that Kobe is.
More like uncommon nonsense.

[Kobe 4 The Win]

Magic was in the NBA Finals almost every year of his career in an era full of stacked teams and legends. He beat better teams in the finals. He had more signature moments in the finals (Game 6 1980, Skyhook in 87). He had more impact on games. He was super efficient. More MVPs, more Finals MVPs. Greatest ever player at his position. He had more impact on the league as a whole. He was the ultimate team player who made his teammates better.

Love Kobe but Magic is the GOAT Laker.

[swag2011]

:wtf:
Evidently you missed the paragraph preceeding the one you quoted in which I said Kobe never played for another team. That isn't, and wasn't in question, so if that was the reason for replying to me, you wasted your time. The fact is that he wasn't drafted by the Lakers, not that he played for another team. And he wasn't drafted by the Lakers.

June 26, 1996 - Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1st round (13th pick) of the 1996 NBA draft.

I don't know why people are arguing facts now. Kobe isn't the first player in NBA history to be drafted by a team and never play for them. Three years earlier, Chris Webber was drafted by Orlando and traded to Golden State before ever playing a game for them. Still doesn't change the fact that he wasn't actually drafted by Golden State.

*waits for the inevitable anonymous "neg," as people don't have the guts to be a man and put their name to something they have to say*

LOL what is your point! I said that he was BASICALLY drafted by the Lakers, which he BASICALLY was. Still doesn't change the fact that Hornets have every intention on trading whomever they drafted to the Lakers regardless, in exchange for Vlade. So that's why at the beginning i said he was BASICALLY drafted by the lakers, since they chose Kobe. Fine, he was formally drafted by the Hornets. Does that make you feel better? :rolleyes:

I don't neg, you're being a little bitch about something so stupid. should've never responded to me in the first place. it's really not that serious bro.

[9erempiree]

All that needs to be said is, Kobe holds a lot of Lakers' records and played for the Lakers for his entire pending career.

Don't know why people think Magic is greater and I love Magic.

Perhaps Kobe wasn't lucky enough to be born before Magic.

[9erempiree]

Also,

Magic has a lot of ASSISTS and assists are subjective. Guy can do a couple moves, spin and shoot and they call it an assist. It's usually judged by the statistician.

Kobe is 5th in scoring and it's not subjective. Ball don't lie when it goes into the hoop.

Get my point.

[Kobe 4 The Win]

Also,

Magic has a lot of ASSISTS and assists are subjective. Guy can do a couple moves, spin and shoot and they call it an assist. It's usually judged by the statistician.

Kobe is 5th in scoring and it's not subjective. Ball don't lie when it goes into the hoop.

Get my point.

If you are looking to discredit assists you are barking up the wrong tree when it comes to Magic Johnson. I can tell you with certainty that Magic Johnson created wide open shot for his teammates. To a man they will tell you that he often found them before they even knew they were open.

Magic really managed the game and knew where the ball needed to go. He knew who was hot, who was cold and who wasn't getting enough touches to keep their head in the game. He knew when to push the pace and when to slow things down and thow it in the post. He was a decision maker and a coach on the floor. In my opinion the best of all time at that.

[alleykat]

Also,

Magic has a lot of ASSISTS and assists are subjective. Guy can do a couple moves, spin and shoot and they call it an assist. It's usually judged by the statistician.

Kobe is 5th in scoring and it's not subjective. Ball don't lie when it goes into the hoop.

Get my point.

The definition of assists do not originally entail that a person dribble first before scoring. That's where subjectivity roles in, and assists are either counted or discounted. Yet nowadays they are included more so than they were in the 80's.

Assists per field goal awarded are up almost 10% than they were in the 70's and 80's, up to around 60%.

That means in the modern era magic actually has more assists than what is on paper, because those that included passes that were dribbled wouldn't have been discounted.

Yup, he's even better than we thought...

[stallionaire]

Also,

Magic has a lot of ASSISTS and assists are subjective. Guy can do a couple moves, spin and shoot and they call it an assist. It's usually judged by the statistician.

Kobe is 5th in scoring and it's not subjective. Ball don't lie when it goes into the hoop.

Get my point.

Wow look at you dishonor the assist. Dumbass. :facepalm