“Kobe's name NEEDS to be in there.” Shaq and Stephen A debate Kobe GOAT ranking

[@jeremyroberson2510]

Shaq needs to tell Nick Wright stop disrespecting Kobe.

[@negispringfield6156]

Someone needs to check that guy he disrespects every all time great to prop up Lebron

[@dnguyen536]

a surgeon can’t perform his/her brain surgery when the patient’s brain is dead yo. To me that guy doesnt has a brain to start with

[@DemonKing-oi4jd]

Who cares what he says? He already got caught with the KD is way better than LeBron tweet he deleted. He definitely on the payroll.

[@Johnny55671]

Nick wright hates on Kobe hard. Whenever he wants to prop up lebron he trashed Kobe in the process. Whenever he wants to prop up mahomes he trashed Rodgers in the process.

[@carolynturk-hu7je]

Shaq is so wise! Miss Kobe! His legacy stands forever! 😢😊❤

[@marlowstanfield6815]

Its not because Stephen A doesn't have Kobe #2, its because he literally attacked Iverson for saying he is. Nobody asked you Stephen A, you should have just let Iverson have his opinion..

[@billywayne144]

Thank you and they did the same thing to Trevor Ariza

[@dice1997]

Exactly, how isn’t he going to tell another man his list is wrong. If I’m going to listen to someone it’s going to be a guy who player against all three of the guys in question.

[@brittanywilson9361]

But iverson also said lbj was goat 😂😂😂😂

[@marlowstanfield6815]

@@brittanywilson9361 Iverson never said that. He said MJ then Kobe..

[@iwishiwasthomasshelby]

@@brittanywilson9361stop lying, troll

[@godschosenme]

Thank you Shaq!!! You’re perspective as one of the greatest is much appreciated. Kobe should always be in the conversation. Offense, Defense, championships, Killer Instinct, Most clutch, he had it all. May his game continue to inspire players today and may he not be forgotten. 🙏🏾

[@bobbythomas4497]

👍🏾💯✌🏾

[@steffenschmidt6159]

Who is Shaq? This is Tex Johnson.

[@AceFancii]

He ain’t the most clutch stop it , there is literally all the info online ..don’t be ignorant.

[@fwm-Alexanderforde]

@@AceFanciiKobe is top 3 all time in most game winners. I’ve seen different lists where the order is always changing but bron Kobe and Mike have the most game winners ever. To say Kobe isn’t arguably the most clutch is nonsense

[@vulcanraven9701]

Jordan exists, so no, Kobe is not in conversation

[@WZRD8o8s]

Shaq obviously was raised right we need more people like him

[@manz7860]

He could so easily add fuel to the narrative. Completely diminish kobes role in the 3 peat. I'm so proud he does the exact opposite. Raised right indeed.

[@StoneCold2k57]

Bleacher report top 50 best NBA players all time        1. Michael Jordan        2. LeBron James        3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar      4. Magic Johnson    6. Shaq O'Neal        7. Tim Duncan        14. Kobe Bryant                Bleacher report got Kobe #14                PPG: LeBron         RPG: LeBron         APG: LeBron         SPG: LeBron         BPG: LeBron         FG%: LeBron         3pt%: LeBron         FT%: Kobe         TS%: LeBron         PER: LeBron         WS/48: LeBron         VORP: LeBron         MVP's: LeBron         FMVP's: LeBron         Rings: Kobe (Best player on 2)                LeBron better player then Kobe                 Field goal%        LeBron 50.5%✔️        Kobe 44.7%                Points scored career        LeBron 39,380✔️ (1st all time)        Kobe 33,643                LeBron 1st all time points         Kobe 1st all time missed shots                 Total 3pointers made        LeBron 2,327✔️ (7th all time)        Kobe 1,827                Total Steals career        LeBron 2,227✔️ (9th all time)        Kobe 1,944                Total Blocks career         LeBron 1,093✔️        Kobe 640                Defensive win shares         LeBron 79.53✔️        Kobe 50.66                Assists Leader         LeBron 1✔️        Kobe 0                Career highs        Kobe Bryant 28-46 fg and 7-13 3pt for 81 points vs Raptors 27-55 record                 Career highs         LeBron James 22-33 fg and 8-10 3pt for 61 points vs Bobcats 43-39 record                Playoffs game winning buzzer beaters         LeBron 5✔️        Kobe 1                2010 NBA finals         Game 7        Lakers 83 Celtics 79        Kobe Bryant 6-24 fg and 0-6 3pt for 23 points                 2013 NBA finals         Game 7        Heat 95 Spurs 88        LeBron James 12-23 fg and 5-10 3pt for 37 points                 Shaquille O'Neal 3 finals mvps best player on Lakers 3peat and Kobe Bryant a sidekick like Pippen 6 rings                2011 NBA playoffs         Mavericks 4 Lakers 0        Kobe got swept with home court advantage and favored to win series                LeBron 16-6 wins owns Kobe in 22 career meetings                 Kobe Bryant 44.7% fg only 32.9% 3pt most missed shots in NBA history isnt even top 9 player all time

[@siner2442]

Shaq has been defending and protecting Lebron for years! 😂 any time Barkley said anything about Lebron, Shaq would put on his cape and coke and save him… he’s also called Lebum the goat!

[@thekxckup3854]

@@StoneCold2k57you’re special Ed

[@youwilin]

@@StoneCold2k57ur a stat nerd bruh who tf gives af about bleacher report were they a player of the game? You spam this dumb shit everywhere not a real fan of the game actin like Kyries fadeaway 3 didn’t win bron 1 of his 4 chips while Kyries role model & game was modeled after Kobe, shit Kyrie even called Kobe in the locker room right after he won them that chip lmao

[@georgedunning5998]

Thank you Shaq. There is no way in hell that Kobe is being left out. I feel ya!!

[@Original94]

He was the the 2nd guy n 3 championships how?

[@kB..24]

definitely🐍💜💛💪🏿

[@Ssjangel3]

​@@Original94so was Magic, Kareem and other players. Few don't have that against them like Hakeem and MJ.

[@Original94]

@thepplschamp23 Talking about Kobe lol he had won 3 rings as batman n still asked 4 a trade 🤣

[@dustierbottoms]

⁠@@Original94against Dallas, Bron was the 3rd guy and the main reason the heat lost. Is it better being the 2nd guy and winning 3 straight or having one final being the 3rd guy and losing?

[@neozeroluminatti7619]

Thank you, Shaq. Kobe needed to be in the GOAT debate he earned it

[@TheGr8-1]

Nah. He has 0 case. He’s a lesser MJ.

[@MauricioKing23]

@@TheGr8-1You think Jordan would say what you saying? NO that said lesser 62 in 3 quarters 81 point game more skilled than Jordan other ball players back that up by saying he was was drafted out of high school Jordan got cut from the team nor was he drafted out of high school has more 60 point games than Jordan and Lebum combined yet you say lesser GTFOH

[@steffenschmidt6159]

Thats not shaq. That is Tex Johnson.

[@SongofIceandTea]

@@TheGr8-1 0 case ? Kobe is the only player that are closed enough to win 2 threepeat, he is the closes to the GOAT MJ, you got 0 IQ

[@Michael-tc1dm]

He's ranked where he should be around 7 or 8.

[@demontreten]

Kobe should always be in the conversation. People tend to pick & choose when it comes to Kobe, but not when it comes to Lebron or Kareem. You'll use the fact that Kobe won with Shaq against him but wont use that energy towards Magic or Kareem or DWade & Lebron.

[@TheRealPaulyD]

LeBron never played with anyone on the level of a Prime Shaq

[@gio7388]

@@TheRealPaulyDCorrect, but he did play with Wade and Bosh at the same time. When Kobe had Shaq who was #3? Also, the western conference during Kobe’s time was tougher than the eastern conference during LeBron’s time.

[@demontreten]

@@TheRealPaulyD true. But he's played with players better than Gasol, Odom, Artest, Bynum, Fisher, Horry, Fox, etc & lost more than Kobe did & won less than Kobe.

[@BabyBreez0]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@demontretenlebron played with Kyrie, Wade, Bosh, Kevin love, AD, mo Williams, Big Z, ray Allen, etc. lebron James played with more and won less

[@legendarybuck7210]

Wade was a manace to anyone to contain, and had a ring before Bron, and gave Shaq his last ring. Wade is on that level

[@heffentertainment562]

Thank u shaq media hate on Kobe too much

[@albertramos4210]

To the people that watched kobe every game night. We know how he was! Kobe is never left out

[@RavensFan]

Kobe never left out real basketball fans know its 1 mj 2 Kareem 3 kobe 4 Bron 5 magic. I put Kareem out of respect but personally because I seen them with my own eyes I put 1 Mj 2 Kobe 3 Bron. I was born 1990 that's why

[@RealBizh]

@@RavensFanthis is exactly how my list is

[@Manyblessingsz]

Thank you, @Shaq for saying that. Don't leave Kobe out of the conversation 🎉🎉

[@robert2057]

He didn't expect Shaq to hold him accountable 😂

[@bobmonteiro9458]

No he didn’t because the show before this he said , wait till Shaq gets here .. Kobe is 2 in the goat conversation.. and I m glad Shaq didn’t hold back .. this Kobe disrespect need to stop

[@robert2057]

@@bobmonteiro9458 I'm the biggest kobe fan there is. What I mean is SAS thought Shaq would come in there n just agree with him that Kobe isn't top 2. Shaq clearly said he understood what Rashaad was saying by atleast acknowledging that Kobe deserves to be in the discussion.

[@alvinlal5332]

Main reason why is cuz Stephen A acts like he the smartest and he knows all. When I watch first take he tells other players about their comments on a topic you are wrong lol he acts like he judge of knowing something or not knowing it

[@StoneCold2k57]

​@@bobmonteiro9458 Bleacher report top 50 best NBA players all time        1. Michael Jordan        2. LeBron James        3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar      4. Magic Johnson    6. Shaq O'Neal        7. Tim Duncan        14. Kobe Bryant                Bleacher report got Kobe #14                PPG: LeBron         RPG: LeBron         APG: LeBron         SPG: LeBron         BPG: LeBron         FG%: LeBron         3pt%: LeBron         FT%: Kobe         TS%: LeBron         PER: LeBron         WS/48: LeBron         VORP: LeBron         MVP's: LeBron         FMVP's: LeBron         Rings: Kobe (Best player on 2)                LeBron better player then Kobe                 Field goal%        LeBron 50.5%✔️        Kobe 44.7%                Points scored career        LeBron 39,380✔️ (1st all time)        Kobe 33,643                LeBron 1st all time points         Kobe 1st all time missed shots                 Total 3pointers made        LeBron 2,327✔️ (7th all time)        Kobe 1,827                Total Steals career        LeBron 2,227✔️ (9th all time)        Kobe 1,944                Total Blocks career         LeBron 1,093✔️        Kobe 640                Defensive win shares         LeBron 79.53✔️        Kobe 50.66                Assists Leader         LeBron 1✔️        Kobe 0                Career highs        Kobe Bryant 28-46 fg and 7-13 3pt for 81 points vs Raptors 27-55 record                 Career highs         LeBron James 22-33 fg and 8-10 3pt for 61 points vs Bobcats 43-39 record                Playoffs game winning buzzer beaters         LeBron 5✔️        Kobe 1                2010 NBA finals         Game 7        Lakers 83 Celtics 79        Kobe Bryant 6-24 fg and 0-6 3pt for 23 points                 2013 NBA finals         Game 7        Heat 95 Spurs 88        LeBron James 12-23 fg and 5-10 3pt for 37 points                 Shaquille O'Neal 3 finals mvps best player on Lakers 3peat and Kobe Bryant a sidekick like Pippen 6 rings                2011 NBA playoffs         Mavericks 4 Lakers 0        Kobe got swept with home court advantage and favored to win series                LeBron 16-6 wins owns Kobe in 22 career meetings                 Kobe Bryant 44.7% fg only 32.9% 3pt most missed shots in NBA history isnt even top 9 player all time

[@Mr1niceguy4u]

He got scared of shaq lol

[@Patque593]

Kobe was the closest thing to Jordan

[@Chr1s808]

A bootleg knockoff

[@imachamp88]

Literally

[@jsutigers8954]

​@@Chr1s808bootleg??..ur Delusional

[@franksharp7621]

@@Chr1s808idk about no bootleg I have Jordan number one but Kobe was better at something’s than Jordan

[@davidlamar2806]

Only difference was jordan had smarter shot selection and was more athletic

[@ajfelton2262]

What Kobe did in that 2008-2010 stretch going 3 straight and getting back to back against that caliber of competition in the West was more than enough to seat him at the GOAT table hands down he was the only guy during that stretch in the deepest pool of talent that was All NBA and All NBA defense 1st team at the same time..put some respect on his name he's in the conversation always have been always will be

[@starfireprincess]

🎉

[@rchamp247]

All the playoff teams in the Western Conference were 50+ win teams as well. It’s crazy how Kobe was able to win the West & go to the NBA Finals 3 straight years

[@joejett5084]

It’s not tougher competition if you have the best team in the west. What teams did the lakers ever upset?

[@rchamp247]

@@joejett5084Tougher competition predicated on the fact nearly every team the Lakers played had a pretty good chance of beating them. Every team the Lakers played had 50+ wins (except the 09 Jazz, who under achieved with 49 wins).

[@rchamp247]

@@joejett5084 On paper, the Celtics were the best roster in the league in 2008, 2009 & 2010.

[@Anonymous--Troll]

The more I watch LeBron, the more I appreciate Kobe Bean!

[@AceFancii]

Thé more you watch lebron in his 21 seasons okay buddy 😂😂😂😂

[@iwishiwasthomasshelby]

They’re the opposite. Kobe stuck around and overcame hardship, whereas Lebron has always jumped ship to go to easy situations, and he is always whining about getting more help.

[@yxngkillua7700]

@@iwishiwasthomasshelbyLebron is better and greater than Kobe man what are we doing🤣

[@iwishiwasthomasshelby]

@@yxngkillua7700 are you in the spectrum or something 🤦‍♂️

[@AJRAOfficial]

Exactly

[@mrbutchie28]

I stand with Shaq!

[@steffenschmidt6159]

Who? I stand with Tex Johnson!

[@C2190]

make sure to zip up his pants after you’re done big boy

[@StoneCold2k57]

Bleacher report top 50 best NBA players all time        1. Michael Jordan        2. LeBron James        3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar      4. Magic Johnson    6. Shaq O'Neal        7. Tim Duncan        14. Kobe Bryant                Bleacher report got Kobe #14                PPG: LeBron         RPG: LeBron         APG: LeBron         SPG: LeBron         BPG: LeBron         FG%: LeBron         3pt%: LeBron         FT%: Kobe         TS%: LeBron         PER: LeBron         WS/48: LeBron         VORP: LeBron         MVP's: LeBron         FMVP's: LeBron         Rings: Kobe (Best player on 2)                LeBron better player then Kobe                 Field goal%        LeBron 50.5%✔️        Kobe 44.7%                Points scored career        LeBron 39,380✔️ (1st all time)        Kobe 33,643                LeBron 1st all time points         Kobe 1st all time missed shots                 Total 3pointers made        LeBron 2,327✔️ (7th all time)        Kobe 1,827                Total Steals career        LeBron 2,227✔️ (9th all time)        Kobe 1,944                Total Blocks career         LeBron 1,093✔️        Kobe 640                Defensive win shares         LeBron 79.53✔️        Kobe 50.66                Assists Leader         LeBron 1✔️        Kobe 0                Career highs        Kobe Bryant 28-46 fg and 7-13 3pt for 81 points vs Raptors 27-55 record                 Career highs         LeBron James 22-33 fg and 8-10 3pt for 61 points vs Bobcats 43-39 record                Playoffs game winning buzzer beaters         LeBron 5✔️        Kobe 1                2010 NBA finals         Game 7        Lakers 83 Celtics 79        Kobe Bryant 6-24 fg and 0-6 3pt for 23 points                 2013 NBA finals         Game 7        Heat 95 Spurs 88        LeBron James 12-23 fg and 5-10 3pt for 37 points                 Shaquille O'Neal 3 finals mvps best player on Lakers 3peat and Kobe Bryant a sidekick like Pippen 6 rings                2011 NBA playoffs         Mavericks 4 Lakers 0        Kobe got swept with home court advantage and favored to win series                LeBron 16-6 wins owns Kobe in 22 career meetings                 Kobe Bryant 44.7% fg only 32.9% 3pt most missed shots in NBA history isnt even top 9 player all time

[@andylee6147]

@@StoneCold2k57bleach reports are made by idiots like u who knows 0 basketball, don’t act like you watched a full game of basketball

[@pokeemoi2942]

@@StoneCold2k57wrote a lot of nothing

[@andrerobinson7355]

Saying it was “Blasphemous” that Kobe would be #2 was crazy and disrespectful to Kobe like he wasn’t the guy seems like you forgot that glad Mccants spoke up for him all them debates throughout the years must of jogged your brain!

[@danielbrown9368]

Seeing Shaq's energy fall when talking about Kobe is heartbreaking.

[@multiguy11]

Glad the conversation turning back around bc the players are speaking up!! For a few years the media been playing with Kobe name

[@NGBjman]

That brick magnet sucked!

[@Diablo_CST]

@@NGBjman Mountain Magnet 🧲

[@brucelau2023]

I stand with SHAQ wholeheartedly 💯💯💯💯💯

[@mariogcgb]

Kobe Bryant is #3 all time behind MJ & Kareem. After he won his 5th championship, everyone universally had Kobe ranked top 5 all time. Over time and with stats & efficiency debates, he's moved down somehow. It's pretty ridiculous. Even if u have moved LeBron ahead of him (which I have not), how would he go from clearly top 5 to barely top 10. How quickly people forget...

[@Ddf-d8r]

Delusional

[@RiloXRi]

Because these stats do matter. It’s all about your philosophy of basketball. Kobe has the most missed fgs of all time all while being known as a bit of a ball hog. Lebron has always been known as a pass first star that can also get you 30 easily. Both have had their criticisms for this on each end of the spectrum. I for one have always preferred watching Lebron and have always preferred team oriented ball.

[@mariogcgb]

@@RiloXRi and LeBron has the most turnovers all time so that's pretty irrelevant

[@melobryant3030]

@@RiloXRidick eater LBJ not fucking with Kobe

[@princellasmith7562]

Facts

[@joeortiz5177]

Appreciate Shaq telling Steven a to stop disrespecting Kobe, all those idiots at espn do. Kobe is top 3, and he isn't 3. Rip goat 🐐

[@yoriligion]

SAS’s number one argument against Kobe is that he had Shaq for 3 rings. But what about the other two? When you look at who LeBron had for all four of his rings, Kobe did not have the same level of help but still managed to win the championship 2 more times. Totaling a 5-2 win/loss record when making it to the finals. Not saying Kobe played with scrubs for the last two runs, but who did he have on a Kyrie, D-Wade, or AD level? LeBron literally has a record of 4-6, and every single championship he had a co-host that is a top 75 player unquestioned. Yet SAS does not penalize him for that🤔? So if that’s your only argument for kicking Kobe out, it makes what McCants said seem that much more real.

[@DoiT4Pinky]

I was looking for this comment

[@StoneCold2k57]

Lol

[@IamLegend-rb4eo]

@@StoneCold2k57 Huh

[@IamLegend-rb4eo]

Pippen 6 rings > Kobe 5 rings Pippen 6-0 > Kobe 5-2 Shaquille O'Neal 3 finals mvps best player on Lakers 3peat and Kobe Bryant a sidekick Finals Mvps (individual player) Jordan 6 LeBron 4 Shaq 3 Kobe 2 Best player on teams titles Jordan 6 LeBron 4 Kobe 2 Jordan and LeBron finals mvps and best players on all they teams championships unlike Kobe 🐐Jordan > LeBron > Shaq > Kobe Shaq O'Neal 3 finals mvps best player on Lakers 3peat and Kobe Bryant a sidekick like Pippen 6 rings 2000 NBA finals Lakers 4 Pacers 2 Shaq 38.0 ppg, 61.1% fg and 16 rebs Kobe 15.6 ppg, 36.7% fg and 20.0% 3pt LeBron James PPG, FG%, 3pt%, TS%, REB, AST, STL, BLK higher then Kobe Bryant. So it's pretty clear LeBron the better player 🤭 LeBron 39,440 pts on 50.5% fg more points then Kobe 33,643 pts on 44.7% fg LeBron 1st all time points Kobe 1st all time missed shots Bleacher report top 50 greatest NBA players all time 1. Michael Jordan 2. LeBron James 3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 6. Shaq O'Neal 7. Tim Duncan 14. Kobe Bryant Kobe Bryant 44.7% fg only 32.9% 3pt most missed shots in NBA history not top 10 player all time that's why Bleacher report has him #14 Kobe 15 losses in his career seasons his teams didn't win ring including Mavericks 4-0 sweeping him 2011 playoffs to stop him from making NBA finals and winning championship 2011 last I checked he doesn't have 20 titles You got Kobe D ick on yo lips

[@joshuaj.2108]

​@@IamLegend-rb4eo Cool story and copy and paste. 😅

[@RicoSuavae]

"Thats not the point the point is stop leaving him out the conversation" 💯 💪

[@ShawnS14]

“My guy”… after all they went through, I will never get tired of hearing Shaq calling Kobe that. Rip Mamba

[@gifi11]

They were brothers. That was never questioned. Brothers fight all the time.

[@ShawnS14]

Yup, i love that long sit down interview they did together@@gifi11

[@crisgooner14]

One thing that’s NOT subjective. Kobe is in that conversation whether you like it or not. Feelings have no place in these discussions

[@wontstopjoc]

Is that why yall feelings hurt? Because he is not top 5

[@crisgooner14]

@@wontstopjoc

[@MikeJones-wg1rv]

@@crisgooner14facts

[@hiphophead4891]

Period

[@damonwhitaker4696]

I would have told Shaq how can I put in the conversation when he couldn't win a Mvp with you on the same team not one

[@jt9172]

Shaq had Kobe too, and kobe was mirroring shaqs numbers BEFORE he was in his prime, and Kobe wasnt drafted number 1, he was drafted 13th...the expectations weren't there like every other GOAT

[@AlexanderRodriguez-nc8yu]

Someone get it's!!

[@christopherbrown9279]

Jordan wasn't even drafted #1 😂

[@jt9172]

@@christopherbrown9279 he was still top 3, but "shaq" the person I actually mentioned was drafted #1

[@jt9172]

@@christopherbrown9279 and when I say every other GOAT I just mean those close to the convo...jordan,magic,shaq wilt,kareem,west,duncan,LeBron,Russell were ALL drafted within the 1st 3 picks. Only ones that lie outside that are Larry bird #6,curry #7, and kobe at #13

[@shun8733]

Actually the expectations was there with Kobe ; he was only drafted 13tg bc of him coming out of highschool, had nothing to do with people not believing. During that time , esp with him being a hs guard , it was unheard of . Kobe definitely had those expectations, that’s why it made his story much greater

[@rell_5000]

I just wish people looked at the numbers. Kobe and Shaq were scoring virtually the same amount of pts from '01 to '04. Only KD and Steph have similar numbers like that smh.

[@jt9172]

And that crazy thing about kobe was, HE WASNT IN HIS PRIME YET. What's even crazier.....Kobe was a 13th draft pick,the expectations weren't there

[@Noin007]

@@jt9172 Kobe was also coming straight out of high school and certainly wasn't ready for the first year or two. The Lakers were just brilliant to grab him and hang on.

[@waynebaker5720]

During a still somewhat "go inside to the big man era" the offense ran through Shaq first and Beans was still getting numbers

[@704chevygang]

@@Noin007you do know Kobe made the all star team his second year coming off the bench right?

[@Noin007]

@@704chevygang And Yao Ming was making the all-star team every year. All-Star is a popularity contest.

[@kilduce4423]

I love offense and defense. That’s why I got Kobe at 2. 2nd greatest 2 way player.

[@NoSpinster0909]

No hes not

[@makula5543]

Tim Duncan is better

[@Nephromancer3]

i agree

[@kilduce4423]

@@makula5543 I wouldn’t disagree. I have Kobe and Duncan at 2 and 3. Both could be interchangeable on my list

[@JuwanTaylor-jz5zr]

​@@NoSpinster0909kobe is the goat 🐐. Kobe is #1 best player in NBA history

[@drewskii8248]

Kobe top 5 no matter what

[@AndresMartinez-qb9ht]

💯

[@marktorre3370]

Hes in top 5 to me.

[@Angelabarbosadominguez-it4fh]

former and current NBA players have him top 2 in other word people dont care about your opinion 🤷‍♂️

[@GainsMarathon]

and he ain’t 2-5. MJ 🐐 1A Kobe 🐐 1B

[@Isaiah-cn3dw]

Debatable

[@Thedesertguy75]

Kobe top 5 for sure, but Mike is always #1 for me hands DOWN! HE changed the game, and inspired millions globally. I was a teen in the late 80s, unti the early 90s...and I still haven't seen anyone do it better, or inspire more people like he did. Shaq is a great equalizer in conversation.

[@lorenzomartinjr]

EVEN THOUGH KOBE IS MY GOAT, I RESPECT YOUR GOAT MIKE!!! WON'T ARGUE WITH MIKE IMPECCABLE FINALS RECORD 6-0! I FEEL LIKE BILL RUSSELL NEEDS TO BE IN THE CONVERSATION AS WELL.

[@novelaego2404]

but bron aint 2

[@talkingbasketballwit]

MY THING IS YOU SEE THEY SAID KOBE HAD SHAQ WHICH HE GOT TRADED THERE ON DRAFT NIGHT SO YOU CAN SAY HE WAS DRAFTED THERE BUT THEY DON’T BRING UP BRON JUMPIN TEAM TO TEAM LIKE HOES JUMP DICK TO DICK

[@keepemcumming4417]

I watched them all since 88 , and Magic,Bird,Kereem,DR.J ,Bird, and so on Mike, and Kobe was just different and i grew up loving Magic, the Lakers has been my team since 89, but Kobe gave me the excitement that Magic gave me as a Laker fan, and I'm from Gary and watched all of MJ games and was in awe but not a fan of the Bulls but knew he was on another level, and then there was Kobe

[@DerekHallChiefsFan15]

Thank you sir for being real about this and from what you saw, see I watch Tmac l, Shaq, Kobe , Penny etc, I was a year late with Michael but I agree with you, well said

[@80TheFlash]

I fought back tears so hard while Shaq was fighting back tears. 🥺🥺😢😢

[@reyesrn1935]

The Media always Try to discredit Kobe for playing with Shaq! Yet, Kareem had Magic (Vise Versa) Worthy and Lebron played with Wade, Bosh, Kyrie, Love, Davis etc. Kobe in the 3 Peat: Averaged 20+ Points in each Playoffs! Led Team in scoring 6 Games and taking over when Shaq fouled out in 2000 Finals (Playing injured)! Led Team in Scoring 8 Games out of 16 Games (Had team Playoff High 48 Points) in 2001. Averaged 33/7/7 and 1 Steal vs Spurs in Western Conference Finals (Real NBA Finals). Led Team in scoring 10 games out of 19 Games in 2002. Averaged Over 26/5+/5 and 1 Steal per game vs Spurs (Real NBA Finals) while Tim Duncan and David Robinson were holding Shaq to 21 points per game. Shaq in 2001: "Kobe is the Best player in the league"!

[@DannyP-dm1pw]

Media also crowns Jordan king but truth is without Pippen Jordan never wins one dam ring. Jordan couldn't cut it alone especially in the 1980's when the NBA East was stacked. Wasn't until the East got old, broken down and 90's that Jordan won. Media forgets that. From 1991-1996 the East had no one besides Orlando for two seasons that could do decent against Chicago. Sure my Knicks were tough and my Knicks were rugged but Chicago already went through Detroit after years of punishment so the Knicks without the talent Detroit had overall was easy pickings. The Bulls were so good in 1994 without Jordan that a Pippen led Chicago took the Knicks to 7 games and should of won but the Hubert Davis phanthom call in Game 5 helped the knicks . The one where Pippen was called a foul end of game on Davis letting the Knicks sink 2 free throws. Was no legit foul. The NBA just didn't want Chicago in the finals in 1994 without Jordan because then people would of said "Jordan who"

[@Rich-km7pr]

​@@DannyP-dm1pwAnd what would Pippen have without Jordan? I think we found out the answer to that when Jordan took that break.

[@DannyP-dm1pw]

@@Rich-km7pr You ain't wrong but Pippen won the all star mvp that year and took the Bulls to the end seconds of a game 7 against the Knicks before the finals. I'm a Knicks fan and I will admit the Bulls should of won that series but they called a phantom call on Pippen in game 5 allowing Hubert Davis to sink 2 free throws and win the game. If not the Bulls win in 6. Very close to being a Bulls vs Rockets finals without Jordan. Pippen did a great job without MJ. The whole team did that year. Orlando proved to be a threat the following year beating Chicago but the whole story shifted when Rodman came aboard. No Rodman no 3 peat.

[@AZ-gz8md]

​@@Rich-km7prThe Bulls still won 50+ games and I believe Pippen took the Bulls further without Jordan than Jordan ever took the Bulls without Pippen. Plus Pippen finished 3rd in MVP voting that season.

[@Rich-km7pr]

@@AZ-gz8md Yeah a rookie Jordan vs a seasoned Pippen.

[@ralphitalian777]

I’ve always said myself, that Kobe is underrated. He won 5, not having to join anyone to do it. And, he’s the closest to MJ there’s ever been and will be. And, let’s be real… he’s right there with MJ!!

[@AidanHolland]

Tim Duncan aswell to be fair in the modern era of NBA post Jordan.

[@ralphitalian777]

@@AidanHolland Tim Duncan is amazing. There’s no question about it, and the consummate professional. Definitely one of the greatest. But, he’s not Kobe or MJ. Duncan could beat you with 25-30 points and 15 rebounds, steady all the time. MJ & Kobe could drop you 40-50 all day long, and take over more individually. But, like I said… nothing against TD. He’s as good as it gets no question.

[@andrewclastic2835]

Stephen A.:"Hey, Shaq, can you help me with these Kobe fans? I didn't put Kobe in the goat debate and now they think I'm a hater." Shaq: "You didn't put Kobe in the goat debate? You ARE a hater." Stephen A.: 😢😢😢

[@dontgotnonamebih]

Kobe not in no goat debate. Stephen A didn't cry like you insinuate,he just confused why rashad and folks like u act like he said something wrong lol

[@dontgotnonamebih]

Still stood on his point too. Kobe behind Bron & a few more after him too, if we being honest

[@rchamp247]

@@dontgotnonamebihKobe’s an easy Top 5. He was always in Top 2 discussions while he played & then top 3 discussions with MJ, Kobe, Lebron as Lebron was in his Prime. The real basketball fans are wondering why the media switched up on Kobe when he stopped playing.

[@dontgotnonamebih]

@@rchamp247 kobe is NOT top 5 my boy. A lotta his faults disguised behind that mamba mentality bs. Fewer games than 1 would thihk where he left his imprint on the game (and in turn actually had more subpar games than folks discuss)

[@dontgotnonamebih]

@@rchamp247 didn't make the game easier for teammates, besides when he went off and garnered attention, leaving folks open. Overrated defensively,and more, but I'll digress.

[@tonygrate623]

Shaq is the man!!!

[@mobmoneytelevision]

Kobe forever ❤❤❤

[@SirYuriG]

Thank you Shaq!!!

[@stiller405]

It blows my mind when I see Kobe left out of any goat convo. This man literally from start to finish gave everything he had to the game of basketball and has 5 rings to show for it. If that’s not goat material idk what is.

[@onemoremic]

Kobe definitely has a deeper affection for basketball than LeBron does. And I'm able to make that assertion because I have observed both of their games. Kobe always played the game with integrity, because he respected it, and had an insatiable affection for it. Whereas LeBron has tried to take shortcuts left and right when it comes to the game, whether that be trying to destroy the competitive balance of the league, or just flopping around, he clearly shows a lack of integrity. Which stems from a lack of respect for the game that Kobe didn't have. So LeBron can't ever be as good as Kobe was because he doesn't love the game as much as Kobe does. If he had that love for the game, he probably would be in the Goat convo

[@moneymoney3235]

@@onemoremicload of bs 🤣🤣 Bron is way more passionate than kobe when it comes to 🏀 no one has ever been more locked in to basketball than Lebron.

[@jukztv76]

So loving basketball makes you a goat? Lol

[@livefromthemotherland]

@@onemoremicfacts. All that super team hopping and crying to the refs? Soft af

[@onemoremic]

@@livefromthemotherland cotton balls

[@rubenlabrana7108]

He was so precise and well crafted, he had a heroic desire for victory and a natural showmanship quality. Among elite guards, Kobe stood out physically and charismatically. He was 6’4.74 with a 6’11 wingspan. Jordan was 6’4.88 with a 6’11 wingspan

[@henrymarkson3758]

Shaq is very respectful of past greats and I agree 100% re Dr J. Dr J was something else, he can't be left out of the GOAT conversation.

[@thespot5722]

Kobe always was in the conversation.

[@kellym9388]

not on today media or kids

[@davidlamar2806]

He use to be then the media start saying he’s barely top 10 out of nowhere

[@rchamp247]

Kobe was always in the conversation when he played. Then the media just switched up on him and constantly disrespected him

[@gifi11]

​@@davidlamar2806literally lol. I been watching sports since the mid 90s. The used to love Kobe. The R word case happened around the same time Bron came in and they been disrespecting Kobe every since. Luckily the NBA players ride for him. Literally every interview I see with a former or current NBA player has Kobe mostly top 3/top 5 at the least.

[@thespot5722]

@@gifi11 facts bro

[@sandeeparatna]

Gil said it the best. Kobe was a man amongst gods. His work ethic put him there.

[@GainaIytics]

Gil was still trying to diminish him. Bullcrap argument. Not necessary. Larry Bird had 0 athleticism. Is he a god??

[@FreeAgent797]

Man amongst gods?? Kobe was one the the gods of this basketball shit. The hell you talking about???

[@MrGenexxx]

@@FreeAgent797 I think it’s a compliment. Kobe wasn’t a freak of nature like every other player in top 10. He had to work the hardest.

[@GainaIytics]

@@MrGenexxx f*****g bs. Name the top 10 and point out the freaks. Larry Bird is in there. Tim Duncan is probably in there. Are they freaks?? Gil was still sneak dissing.

[@GainaIytics]

Kobe didn't dunk on Dwight with no 39 in vertical.

[@Osei_Bean_8ryant]

The problem is it feels like a lebron agenda being pushed. And in order for that to be pushed, kobe has to be de valued. Because regardless of position rank, stats, longevity, & size, anyone who really saw both play knows that kobe was really better. And its easy to do that because you had to see him play, not just once game but his whole career to reallyunderstand how good he was. because whatever he may slightly lack to lebron in stats, mvp's & size, kobe was just a beast with a will to win & his heart is at a level that lebron just doesn't have.. & thats okay. But dont slight my boy in the process.

[@tigera6]

Yeah, I feel the same way, those people want to make Lebron the GOAT, so they need to make him look WAY better than Kobe, who is the closest to MJ, and that imply how Lebron is better than MJ as well.

[@GainaIytics]

Preach!!! This isnthe truth

[@manz7860]

Kareem as well. The amount of fans who discredit kareems championships because he played with magic johnson......like magic johnson didn't play with the leading scorer of all time. Kareem won without magic too. It's all very obvious to us I guess.

[@Adin100]

Facts fam

[@reconstructione-dub7802]

You just spoke facts! Kobe is better than Lebron

[@cocopuffz604]

I put it like this. MJ and Kobe are my favorite players. Kobe might not be on someones top 5 ... but he damn sure would drop 50pts on your favorite player. No doubt. So you can talk all the stats and narratives... Kobe would take it to anyone in the top 5 and let the world know he's better than them for that 1 game. Personally I have him 2. I'm a shooting guard guy.

[@MaddNomad1015]

Kobe has said many times that that getting a title without Shaq would validate him more. He also knew that afterwards there would still be critics.

[@hnn8759]

Imagine if he didnt at all

[@hnn8759]

Imagine if he didnt at all

[@UltraSaltyDomer1776]

Kobe is the greatest!!! I love them all but there is not another person like Kobe.

[@starrrmonn]

I stand with Shaq also. Great job Shaq!

[@Scuderia_Ferrante]

Shaq and MJ always being respectful to previous generations 👍

[@moneymoney3235]

Hell nah 🤣🤣🤣

[@rockojones]

Kobe is definitely in the conversation, hell to me Kobe is the Goat. My favorite player Rip bean.

[@ronaldbanogon7913]

KOBE IS THE GOAT,PERIOD.

[@SimpleStrengths]

Shaq is too real 💯. Shame on you Stephen A.

[@TheFilmSpace1]

Kobe top 3 all time easily

[@GainsMarathon]

And he ain’t 2-5 Kobe 🐐 1B MJ 🐐 1A

[@kingkyrie5140]

MJ Kobe Lebron in that order

[@d.michael372]

Thank you Shaq! Dr. J is also in the convo! His career in totality is undeniable! No matter what LeEspn does, Kobe in basketball circles is in the goat convo!

[@dmusiclife5727]

1.MJ 2.Kobe than everyone else

[@tyronejackson9541]

Luv the fact that the Diesel came to Kobe’s defense. Respect.

[@THISISRISE]

Thank you Shaq! Please keep doing this!!

[@winten3815]

Objectively: Kobe is the GOAT Kobe Bryant has the NBA record for most points scored by a G in a decade (21,065) in the 2000 decade. This averages out to a ridiculous 2106 points per season for 10 seasons while being All NBA 1st team defense nearly each of these seasons as well, a feat never done before, and will not be done again. His 28.2 Ppg. are the most for the decade, more importantly they were highly efficient at 1.3 points per FGA, about as efficient as a G can get. He also had the most assists and rebounds for a SG over this time. Kobe’s astounding 21,065 points came exactly in midst of the slowest paced, most defensive oriented decade in NBA history by all defensive metrics and parameters. *** This one separates him from MJ His plus minus of +3470 is the best for any Top 75 G over a decade in NBA history. He was undefeated in the WCF averaging 30-6-6 and beat the most 50 win teams in NBA history, all on his route to winning the most rings in the decade. He also had the most playoff points in the decade, as well as the most playoff wins (98), compared to Duncan with 82 for context. *** How did MJ do vs. Bird or Isiah in the playoffs ? Key point : What makes all this nearly inconcievable is Kobe played nearly 4 years of this decade with players like Chris Mihm, Smush Brown, Luke Walton, and Kwame Brown in the STARTING LINEUP and still had the astounding +/- and most playoff wins etc. *** Separates Kobe from MJ Soon as his team got 1 marginal allstar player in Pau Gasol, (an 18 ppg. scorer, below average defender, previously 0-12 in the playoffs), they go to 3 straight Finals through that 10 team deep Western Conference gauntlet inspite of all the attrition, as Kobe becomes the only player in NBA history to have 600+ points, 100+ assists, 100+ rebounds in 3 straight post seasons as well as the only player ever to win back to back Finals MVP’s without a top 75 teammate. *** Separates Kobe from MJ Kobe also won without Shaq, something the great MJ was not able to do without Pippen. The numbers are broad in the regular season and playoffs. *** Key separator between Kobe and Jordan Playoff achievements : Most playoff wins in NBA history (135) (More than MJ) for a top 75 G Most playoff series wins in NBA history (33) (More than MJ) for a top 75 G Most playoff wins as a top 75 G against the toughest playoff opponent faced by any top 75 player in NBA history, with 87% of playoff opponents being 50 win teams. For context Jordan is second with 67%, Lebron is at 50%, Kareem at 43%. Beating the most 50 win teams in the playoffs in NBA history (25) Being the only player in NBA history to score 600+ points and have 100+ rebounds and have 100+ assists in 3 straight postseasons Having the 2 most postseasons with 30 point games with 15 and 14 Only player in NBA history to have back to back 45 point - 10 rebound games in the playoffs 48-16, 45-10 (2001) Being 4-1 in the playoffs averaging 30-6-6 against Tim Duncan & the Spurs dynasty as a starter Having the 2 highest Ppg. averages in Western Conference Finals history for acSG in 2009 and 2010 with 34.0 and 33.7. Highest 4th Q ppg. in NBA playoff history (9.6 in 2003) minimum 10 games Being the only top 75 player to beat 4 - 50 win teams in a single postseason winning a ring, without a top 75 teammate 2155 points scored in the playoffs before age 25 !, Most in NBA history The only player in NBA history to win back to back Finals MVP without a top 75 teammate 23 consecutive points scored in an NBA Finals game (Most in NBA History) against an alltime great defense. Most points scored in NBA history in a 3 year playoff span 1999, being the only player to ever score 600+ points in 3 straight playoff runs Beat more 50 win playoff teams in a 3 year span without a top 75 teammate (10) than Magic did in his whole career ! (Magic who played with Kareem, Worthy, Scott etc.) Kobe was 7-0 in the Western Conference Finals in the 2000’s with the opponents average wins an astounding 57 Kobe had 98 playoff wins in the 2000’s, by far the most for the decade, for context Tim Duncan had 82 Most road 30 point playoff games in a single postseason in NBA history (9) … 2009 Only player in NBA history under 25 to average 25+ ppg. twice in a championship run (2001,2002) Highest +/- over a 3 year playoff span for a player scoring 600+ points in NBA history (+341) inspite of not playing on a superteam or even a top 75 player Highest +/- for a SG in the playoffs in NBA history for a single postseason (+213) yes, higher than his teammate Shaq that season !!! Highest +/- in NBA history for 30 point playoff games (+431) One of 2 guards (along with MJ in NBA history to have 80 or more 30 point playoff games (88), Kobe did it on 20.5 Fg attempts per game, Jordan did it on 25.1 Fg attempts per game. Only player in NBA history under 25 to average 25+ points twice in a playoff championship run (01’02’) Highest 4th quarter Ppg. in NBA history in a playoff run (2003) minimum 10 games (9.6) Won 62% of his FINALS GAMES, (23-14), contrast that to 22-33 for (40%) Lebron James. Leading this team to a 65-17 record and a championship, back to back, beating a superteam, something I don’t believe Magic, Bird, Lebron, Kareem, or Jordan could do.

[@KennethPage-Smith]

Wow 👏🏽. Say it louder for the people in the bacc please 📣. You just stated with absolute facts why many of us have him as the goat, or tied for the goat or at the very worse a close 2nd all time. Iobe was that guy!

[@jjohnson4013]

I agree Kobe beat three hall of famers three top 75 player in Boston four all star you add Rondo with just Gasol as the second guy

[@hiphophead4891]

Preach! I don't get why people say he doesn't have a case. That's crazy

[@jiggafromstatefarm9997]

Loved every sentence of this

[@franksharp7621]

This is the best argument for Kobe as goat or 2nd best I’ve ever read awesome job

[@jonathanvillagran1803]

Kobe is the conversation! Shaq knows how not to yell, SAS is like he screams as a defense mechanism.

[@deadone-b7d]

Much respect shaq keep Kobe name alive

[@Iamrich95_]

Exactly what shaq said. it’s one thing if you don’t think Kobe is the second best. but to act like Kobe is not even in the conversation is disrespectful. Any real hooper that’s played ball they all have Kobe top 3 at the very least. The fact that people was saying Lebron was better than Kobe when he only had 3 rings just shows how much they disrespect Kobe. What pisses me off the most is when people really try to argue that Tim Duncan is better or even on Kobe’s level

[@AidanHolland]

In fairness Kobe was great but Duncan was a Ray Allen 3 away from 6 and 0. Two great players though.

[@rchamp247]

@@AidanHollandA Ray Allen 3 away from Danny Green winning Finals MVP. Duncan was great, but he wasn’t Kobe level great. Everyone in the league knew it while both of them played

[@onemoremic]

I get more pissed at the LeBron argument than the Duncan argument, cuz I sure have Duncan ranked way ahead of LeBron. But I agree with the rest of your comment

[@lorddj9910]

@@rchamp247Duncan would’ve won the Finals MVP he was consistent the whole series…Danny Green was a no show the last 2 and half games you can’t be serious bro

[@lorddj9910]

@@onemoremicDuncan and Lebron>Kobe

[@wolfie71231]

Shaq's matured a lot since his "Sacramento Queens" days..

[@adnanojd]

😂😂😂2002 hs days

[@tonygrate623]

In my book Shaq is the greatest big man of all time in my book!!!

[@adnanojd]

I concur, Teams carried extra big man on the team just for Fouls just to limit shack sure he didn’t keep himself in shape(Recover on company time his own words)And Injuries took its toll but he was an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. Bean & shaq needed each other period Neither carried each other and Shaq is my favorite player next to Jordan saying this. No matter where are you place him kobe is top 10 in my book over LeBron.

[@waynebaker5720]

I like that But I'm going with Kareem

[@MikeJones-wg1rv]

Not only that why tf would we listen to Stephen A smith over shaq and AI???

[@adnanojd]

@@MikeJones-wg1rv exactly

[@Pantherarising]

Exactly Kobe always needs to be in the conversation

[@Datbuzzboy]

I don’t care what nobody saying and it’s my opinion. For me it’s #1 Jordan and #2 Kobe. That’s it

[@infinitepoten76]

facts! moving on....

[@kingtim_ade]

I’m glad Shaq & Rashad spoke up on this!! The Media always trying to diminish Kobe Bryant legacy like he was a Bum or something 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@Goodguy1ful]

Well said Shaq!

[@ghfdt368]

Kobe 100% deserves to be in the conversation. People forget once MJ retired Kobe took the reigns of being the best player in the NBA. I'm not a Lakers fan but anyone who was around in the 2000's knows that in that era Kobe, Shaq, T-Mac and Duncan were the best players in the League. In my opinion if you are the best player of a certain era you have to be in the conversation. Which is why Magic, Bird, Wilt, Mikan, Cousy, Kobe, Lebron, Dr J, Jordan and more all have to be in that conversation.

[@tefbloc9100]

Thank yu Shaq… give that man the respect he deserves and earned.

[@jeanpayano1506]

The Kobe had Shaq argument is so played out because we could argue Shaq had Kobe, look at the numbers he was putting up in the playoffs as a 22 year old kid, Kobe would show up in high pressure moments and close games that Shaq couldnt close because of his FT shooting or his foul troubles, Kobe was the ultimate cleaner (closer) during that period if Shaq was superman then Kobe was batman he wasnt a Robin

[@rchamp247]

Preach

[@NoSpinster0909]

Wrong any superstar playing with Shaq could have done that

[@jeanpayano1506]

@@NoSpinster0909 I guess thats why Shaq had a bunch of rings with Penny and I guess thats why Nick van axel did a threpeat with him.... ohh wait... that was Kobe who did that😂

[@NoSpinster0909]

@@jeanpayano1506 those were different seasons and a different Shaq

[@NoSpinster0909]

@@jeanpayano1506 and I never considered Van Exel as a superstar

[@reddoggie100]

I’m with Shaq. The man played with and against both Bron & Kobe and like so many NBA players he puts Kobe ahead of Lebron.

[@IndigoUchiha26]

Shaq is absolutely right 💯 Kobe is my number 2. Ion bron is better than Kareem or Magic Johnson

[@MikeJones-wg1rv]

You actually got a strong argument keep cooking

[@luccilos]

I got Kobe at #2 all time. First guard to be drafted straight of high school. Youngest all star ever and to start a all star game. 81 points 4 all star mvp

[@ShawnSharma]

Shaq is a class act and a real one!!

[@Doknot-tb9ey]

I like how Shaq got Stephen A. about having Dr. J in the GOAT convo. There are others that you can see as the GOAT besides Jordan, Kareem, and LeBron. There is Kobe, Shaq, Wilt, Magic, Bird, Dr. J, etc. that can be in that convo.

[@Banh__Bao]

Don't forget Mr. Clutch should be in that convo.

[@onemoremic]

And Bill Russell. Sorry, I had to add him, I don't think an etc.. does him justice

[@tyronpouncey5985]

Shaq speaks the truth. But espn is trying to erase Kobe from the goat debate and it’s sad Sas cappin hard right now and it’s sad, everytime hes confronted he always back peddles

[@gifi11]

I wish Shaq was more specific because that who is mainly be. Them and FoxSports1

[@mcfrossxplorect8249]

Stephen A is like a kid telling his big daddy someone argued with him and expecting him to be on his side but turned out his daddy shaq actually was on the other side 😂

[@ravibhajan2921]

Kobe and shaq the best ever they truely inspiration legends forever.❤❤❤❤

[@ChrisCantCook]

We still don’t even know what people base the greatest off of, rings? MVP? Scoring? flashiness?

[@crisgooner14]

Kobe top 2. Me, nor SAS or even Shaq can say with facts. ITS ALL SUBJECTIVE

[@dezz8598]

Cap there are objective stats that point to him not being top 2 at all.

[@Allen2745]

​@@dezz8598Eye test and abilities and mentality comes first. stats don't matter

[@crisgooner14]

@@dezz8598 you must be trolling

[@rchamp247]

@@dezz8598Dumb comment lol

[@JuwanTaylor-jz5zr]

​@@dezz8598kobe is the goat 🐐. Kobe is #1 best player in NBA history 🐐 💯

[@Enyalus87]

In the 2000-2001 playoffs Kobe averaged 29.4ppg and had the most 4th quarter points of anyone, same for the 2001-2002 playoffs. And he was 22 years old. In the 03 and 04 playoffs Kobe outscored Shaq by 4-5ppg. Kobe was a sidekick for his first ring, sure. At like age 20. But definitely not a backup option for rings #2 and #3. And the absolute BUMS he took to the finals in 08 were worse than Lebron's squad he got swept with in 07. Meanwhile, Lebron as the league MVP with the best team in the league and home court advantage in 09 and 10 gets waxxed in the ECF, but Kobe goes on to beat those teams for 2 more rings - playing with just one other all-star in Pau Gasol. His 08-10 Finals runs against maybe the most stacked conference in NBA history, doing it with virtually no help...Nobody but Kobe doing that. And then you literally have D-Wade a month or two ago come out and say in an interview that after the '10 Finals he called up Lebron immediately and Kobe was the reason they formed that superteam in Miami. This is after not only getting outplayed by him for years as an opponent but then seeing how amazing he was as a teammate on the 08 Olympic team - a team that got bronze in 04 and lost in 06 FIBA championship, only turning it around AFTER Kobe joined the squad. There's zero doubt Kobe was a better player than Lebron, and it isn't close and never was.

[@Enyalus87]

@JordanisOverrated2 2018 Cavs had Kevin Love, JR Smith, Isaiah Thomas, D Wade, Kyle Korver, and Derrick Rose lol. Yeah totally the same as...Jordan Farmar, Chris Mihm and Luke Walton.

[@nbarealtalker]

I don’t understand why LeBron gets so much credit for losing 6 finals. I ain’t saying he’s not still up there and an all timer, but it’s just crazy to put him ahead of Kobe. Especially when he melted down so bad in 2011. Kobe had a few ugly playoff runs but nothing that ever rivalled LeBron’s choke job in 2011. I think IF NOT for 2011, LeGM might be ahead of Kobe. But as of right now, there’s just too many blotches on his resume.

[@elliottlyons8297]

LeBron is the goat

[@onemoremic]

LeBron Top 25

[@dontgotnonamebih]

Kobe got the equivalent or just around the # of subpar games as lebron,im talking finals btw

[@dontgotnonamebih]

Bron f'd up in 2011,sure u already heard bout kobe 2010 game 7,but he had more subpar,even awful games, before that displaying not only inefficiency, but SELFISHNESS AND that he was out for himself. BOTH got awful moments, for u to act like u blind and paint only that illustration for Bron is what makes you a hater

[@dontgotnonamebih]

Folks claim Bron fans illogical, yet I'm clearly one and can still admit my fav player had bad games, why can't u kobe fans do the same?

[@TopDrifter203]

Shaq say it perfectly he didn't say Kobe was the goat he just said he deserve to be in that conversation

[@RPGPiixe]

Shaq until the day he dies will never let anyone disrespect Kobe Bryant. Same with Iverson.

[@alphagames8737]

Thank u Shaq you made him look like a fool on his own show

[@mybestnugget7514]

I honestly believe Stephen A is just doing ESPN’s bidding here. His boss probably told him to say this shit. Like they’ve been doing the past 20 years since Colorado

[@lamotte]

Exactly

[@onemoremic]

I kind of think that's the case too, because I can't imagine that someone is genuinely this ignorant

[@kerhin]

That was a thing of beauty how Shaq, checked Stephen A regarding Kobe and GOAT debate. They need to diminish Kobe to elevate LeBron to expand and sell this current soft NBA with GOAT debate. I wonder why they don’t diminish Kareem accomplishments when he won 5 championships with Magic Johnson who is considered by some to be top five all time. So did Magic carry Kareem during those finals like they say Shaq did Kobe? Stephen A. it doesn’t seem that Shaq isn’t aware of the conversations you use to have with Kobe regarding LeBron being number two as you mentioned earlier in your rant about McCants.

[@treysolo925]

I'm glad that Shaq checked him and mentioned how Stephen A. & others on tv just leave Kobe's name out of the 🐐 debate. When the original debate was Mike or Kobe being the 🐐.

[@michaelshabazzproductions2948]

I respect all the players.....but kobe bryant need to be in the conversation at all times especially when it comes to basketball need to be Michael Jordan kobe Bryant LeBron James.....doesn't matter the order Kobe Bryant need to be in the conversation period that man did to much for basketball the media try to leave him out the conversation we as people should know Kobe Bryant was one of the greatest basketball players of all times lets keep that man legacy alive

[@kelvinbanda3436]

Jordan, Bron, Kobe, Magic and Kareem in the GOAT debate. Shaq is right. Just like with Football you have Messi, Pelé, Cristiano Ronaldo and Maradona. SAS do not disrespect the great. It is blasphemous not to have Kobe in the GOAT debate.

[@christopherbrown9279]

Bron is not seeing those other guys period. He can't shoot free throws or win with Anthony Davis. 😂 Kobe won with Pau Gasol. Back to back championships and went to the finals 3 times in a row. Bron hasn't done nothing like that. Kobe almost 3 peated twice like Jordan.

[@christopherbrown9279]

If you have Jordan 1 Kobe has to be 2 period. The greatest Jordan imitation.

[@RickyTanTriads]

Cristiano Ronaldo is not in the GOAT debate, he never got it done on the biggest stage which is the World Cup

[@onemoremic]

​@RickyTanTriads he has LeBron in his goat convo for bball. Dude is probably a fan of these sports, but probably not a die-hard fan of these sports. So please show him some grace because he doesn't know any better

[@JahHoopz]

Shaq literally played against MJ, Kobe, and Lebron in their primes. Who can evaluate better than the guy who played against all 3? A.I. got to play against all 3 as well.

[@TooManyChoices1]

Thank you Big Aristotle !! Shaq setting things back to reality!! Bron hasn’t passed Kobe yet. R.I.P. Mamba 24

[@allenbouldwin1570]

Shaq is 💯 % right.

[@mart1n10601]

Look at the 2001 Western Conference FInals between the Spurs and Lakers. Kobe had 33 points per game while Shaq had 27..... Did Kobe really get carried???? These fans that never even watched basketball during the duo of kobe/shaq don't know that wheover won the west was 96% likely to win the finals because the east was weak back then. Just cause Shaq won "finals mvp" doesn't mean he carried Kobe. Kobe held his own AND THEN SOME against stacked teams like the kings, spurs, and even blazers that had Scottie Pippen. Kobe outplayed pippen too!!!!!

[@druskimark112]

Kobe was better than Jordan How did each player elevate teammates without a top 75 player ? WITHOUT PIPPEN : MJ was 154 -170 in the regular season in the JV (weaker) east without Pippen Kobe was 508-458 without Shaq in the toughest conference in NBA history (10 deep) without Shaq. Unfortunately Jordan (regarded by many as the GOAT) was never able to win more than 41 games in an extremely weak Eastern conference. Yet Kobe won 45 games in an extremely tough (varsity) Western Conference with Luke Walton Smush Parker, Chris Mihm, and Kwame Brown as his starters an unbelievable feat that Magic, Jordan, Kareem, Lebron no other player other than Kobe has done or could ever do in a 10 team deep conference. Jordan was 1/9 in the playoffs without Pippen. Kobe was 59-42 without Shaq in the playoffs, against far superior competition. Kobe dominated the playoffs without Shaq against toughest of opponents such as the Spurs with prime Duncan, Ginobili, Parker, Bowen etc. The accomplishments can go on and on. Kobe was cheated out of multiple all defensive selections but still has 12, 3 more than Jordan’s 9, being a far better on ball defender, more versatile being able to cover and shut down the likes of Kyrie, Iverson, Wade, Kawhi, Harden, Westbrook, Durant, Lebron, Carmelo, things Jordan could’nt dream of doing and never did. Kobe has more points, rebounds, and assists than Jordan in spite of playing limited minutes his first 3 and last 3 years and deferring to Shaq for 8 prime years. Kobe has more playoff wins, more playoff series wins than Jordan in spite of playing his best 4 prime years with Smush Parker, Kwame Brown, Chris Mihm, and Luke Walton as fellow starters, and his last 3 post achilles years with Robert Sacre as his next best player as he played those limited minutes. Kobe, not Jordan, is the only player in NBA history with 3 straight postseasons of 600+ points, 100+ assists,100+ rebounds, most 30 point road playoff games, most 30 point games over 2 postseasons (29), the only player in NBA history to average 32+ points and 7+ assists in an NBA Finals series doing it vs. the DPOY, and the only player in NBA history to have back to back 45 point 10 rebound games in the playoffs, and the only player in NBA history to win back to back Finals MVP’s without a top 75 teammate !!!! Kobe also has done things Jordan simply did not have the offensive arsenal to do, or with all the shots Jordan took and all his competitiveness he'd have done them : - Average 40 points for an entire month not just once 4 DIFFERENT TIMES 0 for MJ - 4 straight 50 point games - Outscoring an entire (NBA finals bound) team through 3 quarters 62-61 - 12 - 3 pointers in one game - 13 - 35 point games in a row - 6 times scoring 50+ in 3 quarters or less - 55 points in a half - 56 Ppg. over a multi week span - 10 - 50 point games in one season - Only player in NBA history with 2 - 30 point quarters - NBA record 11 - 20 point 4th quarters - NBA record 715 points over a season in the 4th quarter And many many more herculean feats that Kobe has done against tougher faster bigger defenders night in and night out ie Bruce Bowen, Ron Artest, Doug Christies, Andrei Kirilenko, Tayshawn Prince, Raja Bell etc, in an era where every team had 1-2 dirty playing defensive stoppers.

[@704chevygang]

This goat debate is something I’d never understand. Lebron has traded more players(help) than Mike, Kobe, and anybody else that would be considered in the goat debate. At what point does that count against his argument to even be in the conversation…?

[@EntertainmentGuru101]

The league has changed. You're talking as if LBJ is the only one doing it. Teams are constantly trying to pair superstars. You want LBJ to just sit back and relax while other teams are constantly pursuing? Doesn't make sense. In the 90s , players weren't able to move like they did now. Otherwise, MJ would've run into the same issues as LBJ now. The same goes with Kobe. When players were able to move more freely, it was happening during the tail end of Kobe's career, so he was able to avoid it.

[@704chevygang]

@@EntertainmentGuru101 bruh just 🛑. NOBODY considered the goat created superteams with players entering their primes except bron. But let me ask you this. If Bron is so great why does he need more help than any other potential goat that’s ever played the game. And before you say the times have changed again show me the player in the 2000s that needed 3 all stars and almost an idea bench to join them to win 4 rings.

[@EntertainmentGuru101]

@@704chevygang Lemme ask you this, rank the following teams: Magic Lakers, Bird Celtics, MJ Bulls, Shaq Lakers, LeBron Miami. Rank the teams

[@704chevygang]

@@EntertainmentGuru101 Mike and Pip Bulls, Kobe and Shaq Lakers, Magic and Kareem Lakers, Bird and McHale Celtics, and Wade and Bron Heat team.

[@EntertainmentGuru101]

@704chevygang I would put Magic Lakers at two or even one cause that team was STACKED and Shaq Lakers at three or two and MJ Bulls maybe at three, but you could make a case either way. Cause I do believe if Magic Lakers in their prime played against MJ Bulls, the Lakers would win, and the same goes for Shaq in his prime, but those what ifs are difficult to talk about. The reason I asked that question is because when you mention LBJ needing 'the most help' while simultaneously just ranking his Miami squad as the weakest compared to the other teams I just mentioned, how does that make sense to criticize him then? All the teams had dominant players in their own right, but what pushed each team over the edge were factors that are often neglected, such as coaching, role players, match ups, etc. People on social media don't do their homework and start typing the easiest thing to either agree or disagree on, and the discussion ends there. Everything is nuanced, and so is this topic. We both believe something else (not to the extreme but yet still different), and this fine also.

[@shonrobinson1742]

Shaq really went soft on camera but I guarantee off camera it was different

[@Benis650]

I am a big fan of kobe and shaq. I play NBA live when I was a kid and know Lakers because of the "kobe and shaq duo", I became a Laker fan and start watching NBA all because of them. For me it really means a lot when I hear Shaq call Kobe "My boy", they are the best

[@parisbrown4606]

Kobe said I don’t need Shaq and proved that he didn’t winning 2 championships Lebron said I need Wade and Bosh and won 2 championships. He said I need Kyrie and Kevin Love and won 1 championship. He said I need Anthony Davis and won another. Kobe is different SAS sorry not sorry

[@jsutigers8954]

I don't count that Bubble Trophy....imitation...