I was never into the NBA when Kobe was in his prime. I got into the NBA around 2014-2015 when LeBron went back to the Cavaliers and the dominance of the Golden State Warriors which was during Kobe’s twilight years. So my view of Kobe is mainly at looking back at his career and I do not understand the hype. I can see how Kobe is a top 10/15 NBA players of all time but I do not see him being top 5. Honestly I have him barely into the top 10 at the 10 spot. So can someone explain to me Kobe’s greatness that should put him in the top 5 echelon? I am not trying to downplay Kobe or his achievements, I am genuinely asking.
He was a man that is beyond stats in a way that nerds now need for validating why they like a player. “Dawg” how the kids say it or just a plain ol UNHINGED COMPETITOR, Kobe was a diet MJ for the millennial/ older gen z kids.
I also think especially for laker fans that are homers , the fact that he stuck with this franchise and became the face of it through good, bad to worse times… it bonds a community to someone forever.