But Kobe also shot the Lakers out of a 4th title vs the Pistons w/ that great team around him. He REALLY wanted to be the man, and the first option, and wouldn't settle for anything less. He is much different now I believe. Even though he isn't at his peak of bball skill (05-06 imo) he is still in his prime, but his mentality is different and much better, which I think makes hima better overall bball player.
I really disagree. The Lakers had a wrecking ball in Shaq in his prime and Jackson is a smart enough coach to have found a way to win with him and another good SG in the line-up. Was Kobe good as a 2nd Banana next to Shaq in his prime? No doubt - they won these championships after all - but Kobe was not the reason and substituting him for someone like Ray Allen would not have changed the outcome. Shaq was a force that no one had an answer to, period.
