<div class="quote_poster">Quoting trenchteam:</div><div class="quote_post">The reason why I dont care for Jordan? Too many people immortalize him. Someone is going to step up and be greater, whether is be Kobe, Lebron, or some other up and coming star... He's human just like everyone else. Jordan was great. But there are others who names can be said in the same breathe as Jordan. Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Hakeem, Isiah Thomas, etc... Many of them revolutionized the game in ways that were unheard of during there time. It will happen again. BELIEVE IT!!!!</div> Exactly. I am a big Kobe fan and one day he will retire. I believe that by that time he will be recognized as one of the best shooting gaurds of all time. Not the best but one of the best. He will be right there along with the alltime greats including Shaq, Michael, Wilt, Kareem, etc. But I know that there will be up and coming ballers that are learning from their mistakes and getting better. It's the way life is so don't be all sour that Kobe (might) one day be better than Michael. That's the way game gets better.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting virve119:</div><div class="quote_post">I just think it's hilarious that all the people on here that are actually comparing Kobe to Michael and thinking that Kobe could EVER be close to him are the people who have their favourite player being Kobe on their avatar (a bit of bias?) Yes Scottie was great, but during the years where Jordan was prematurely retired (playing baseball) he was only average. Jordan had a lot to do with Scottie's success, and I'm sure even Pip will admit that. Rodman was a vacuum on the boards, but he couldn't win games on his own, and was only their for three chips. Your arguments are clearly biased in Kobe's favour. Jordan came onto a Bulls team in his rookie season that was one of the worst in the league. In a short time, he turned a bunch of role players (even Pippen was a role player to some extent) into contenders and eventually one of the greatest dynasties in sports history. Jordan is undisputably the greatest player of all time, and to say Kobe Bryant will be better is an insult to Jordan's name. Rick Reilly's article is an absolute joke (but I've come to expect that from the same idiot who said Lebron would suck [even though I myself am not a Lebron fan]). Kobe, up until last year, wasn't even the best player on his team. Shaq lead them to those titles, and no Kobe fan (no matter how biased they are) can deny that. It's not like Kobe had such a bad team to work with this year either. Atkins, Butler, Mihm, Odom. I don't doubt for one second that Jordan would have at least took that team to the 2nd round (probably even thrid). All this without even mentioning that Kobe's notorious for not getting along with teammates, coaches and management. There was a time long ago when you could possibly mention Kobe's name with Jordan's, but that time has long past. Anyway, this article is three years old, and before the rape charges and all the feuding. I don't think even someone like Reilly could sat Kobe has an outside chance of eclipsing Jordan now. Anyway this thread has thus far served its purpose IMO: I had a good laugh reading some of the posts.</div> It's not a matter of comparing Kobe vs. Jordan now, it's whether or not Kobe Bryant has a legit chance to eclipse Jordan's success once he has retired. Maybe a better question is, "What would it take for Kobe Bryant to eclipse Michael Jordan's success?"
I honestly feel the only way Kobe will be able to surpass Michael is if he got like 8 or 9 championships total. Kobe will never have 10 scoring titles. There are so much stats I think Kobe can't achieve that Jordan has done already. But if Kobe can get the championships he will be recognized as one of the best of all time because he would have proved he can win a championship without Shaq. Kobe might preach about team success and do it for the team, but we all know Kobe wants to be the greatest god damn basketball player of all time. That's all he wants. He claims to not want to be Michael and to be only Kobe. That's a bunch of bs. Kobe knows that if he uses the same tactits Michael did, but only better Kobe could be the best ever. Kobe talks like Michael. Kobe speaks to the media like Michael. Kobe dresses like Michael. And most importantly Kobe plays like Michael. Kobe has his own style like Michael like no one other. There is no one ever of all time that symbolizes Michael Jordan. Heck he even cheated on his wife for an ugly ass white woman. Just Kidding lol!!! but I believe if the Lakers plan falls thorough. Kobe shooting gaurd, Lamar all-star small forward, Kwyame all-star Power forward. Andrew Bynum all-star center. If everything falls through, and no major injuries occur and everyone keeps on getting better and they get a good coach after Phil Jackson, then the Lakers could very well win over 6 championships for the rest of Kobe's career which could be like 10 years or so. Maybe I'm really optomistic but I am betting on it. This will happen if everything planned goes down. Mitch will be recognized as one of the smartest people of all time to construct this team. Believe it people it's going to happen.
On a side note before I go to sleep I hope no one gives any more credit to STAT5 for that article. It's for Rick Reilly. Check out my earlier post. Haha that's just wrong.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Maybe a better question is, "What would it take for Kobe Bryant to eclipse Michael Jordan's success?"</div> Its hard though because how would you measure the success? As far as total career points go, Kobe could eclipse MJ, but only because he would have played far more games. Scoring average-wise, Kobe is too far along in his career to be able to come close to MJ's career average. As far as championships go, I can't see the Lakers winning any time soon. As far as stats go, Kobe actually had a worse season this year than he did two years before (before the rape incident and while he was playing with Shaq), how can he still be improving when his numbers aren't even as good as they were two years before when he wasn't even the primary scorer on the team? Even if Bynum does develop into a dominant center, Kobe's career will just be starting to wind down. And lets be honest here, Kwame definately does not have all-star potential at this point, and Odom will not get any better, as he is in his prime right now. Not to mention that other than Bynum and Brown, they really don't have any young talent and still lack a pg. Even if everything works out perfectly for the Lakers in the next 3 or 4 years, and they return to become a West power, because of Kobe's age, their window for a chip wouldn't be all too large. They could win one maybe two chamionships, but not four or five. And that's IF everything works out PERFECTLY.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting virve119:</div><div class="quote_post">Its hard though because how would you measure the success? As far as total career points go, Kobe could eclipse MJ, but only because he would have played far more games. Scoring average-wise, Kobe is too far along in his career to be able to come close to MJ's career average. As far as championships go, I can't see the Lakers winning any time soon. As far as stats go, Kobe actually had a worse season this year than he did two years before (before the rape incident and while he was playing with Shaq), how can he still be improving when his numbers aren't even as good as they were two years before when he wasn't even the primary scorer on the team? Even if Bynum does develop into a dominant center, Kobe's career will just be starting to wind down. And lets be honest here, Kwame definately does not have all-star potential at this point, and Odom will not get any better, as he is in his prime right now. Not to mention that other than Bynum and Brown, they really don't have any young talent and still lack a pg. Even if everything works out perfectly for the Lakers in the next 3 or 4 years, and they return to become a West power, because of Kobe's age, their window for a chip wouldn't be all too large. They could win one maybe two chamionships, but not four or five. And that's IF everything works out PERFECTLY.</div> Kwyame may not turn into an all-star but he could possibly be a very valuable power forward/center for us. He's going to be comebackplayer of the year. book it.
Let the season begin already. I'm tired of these pointless debates.. I want to see the Lakers redeem themselves. It's going to feel so sweet to prove everyone wrong.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rock4life:</div><div class="quote_post">No No No...........Hakeem was the most talented, quickest, and agile bigman center EVER....Shaq and maybe Kareem could be considered above him, but don't get it twisted, Hakeem would DESTROY any bigman breathing today. Duncan, Garnett, Jermaine ONeal etc.............He wasn't just good, he was the one of the greatest to play the position.</div> I would have to agree... Shaq KNOWS not to talk smack to this bigman, because he did nothing but take him to school everyday; plus made him stay in detention... Shaq wishes!!! he had the foot work that Hakeem had...
May I Bring This To Everyones Attention If Mj Had Shaq He Would Have Won Ten Titles Instead Of Six,i Wonder If Everyone Is Aware That The Nba Changed The Man To Man Rule Sbecause Of The Diesel.kobe Is An Electrifying Player And Probably Not Far From Mj But Nobody Is Close To Jordan.and Yes He Wasn't A Cool Hip Hop Type Guy But,thats Not His Fault He Was In The Business World As Well And You Can't Come In There With That Hip Hop Swagger.thats The Reason Mike Carried Himself As He Did.i Think Ultimately That Lebron Will Surpass Kobe,but No One Will Ever Touch Mike.
May I Bring This To Everyones Attention If Mj Had Shaq He Would Have Won Ten Titles Instead Of Six,i Wonder If Everyone Is Aware That The Nba Changed The Man To Man Rules Because Of The Diesel.kobe Is An Electrifying Player And Probably Not Far From Mj But Nobody Is Close To Jordan.and Yes He Wasn't A Cool Hip Hop Type Guy But,thats Not His Fault He Was In The Business World As Well And You Can't Come In There With That Hip Hop Swagger.thats The Reason Mike Carried Himself As He Did.i Think Ultimately That Lebron Will Surpass Kobe,but No One Will Ever Touch Mike.
You Made A Good Obsevation About How Kobe Trys To Mimic Everything About Mike,even The Way He Walks,how He Chews Gum,how He Shoots,how He Conducts Interviews,its Kie A Clone.but Kobe Still Has A Little Hip Hop Swagger To His Moves That Mike Didn't Have.kobe Could Easily Fit In At Rucker Park Or Some Other Famous Street Court.kobe Is A Pefect Combination Of Street Moves And Fundamental Moves.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">He's already scored more points than Jordan did at the same age. He's already won more rings than Jordan did at the same age. Kobe Bryant has the opportunity to catch Jordan in every statistical category and surpass his ring total. I'm not saying the percentage is high, but their is still a possibility of Kobe Bryant finishing with better stats and more rings. </div> that's no fair dude. Jordan spent 4 years in college. Kobe started 4 years earlier than MJ did.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting lessthanjake:</div><div class="quote_post">that's no fair dude. Jordan spent 4 years in college. Kobe started 4 years earlier than MJ did.</div> It doesn't make a difference what the circumstances are. You can't hold it against Kobe if he played 4 more years in the league. I think it's a credit to him he was able to make the jump straight out of high school and enjoy immediate success.
Yes, Kobe won more championships at a younger age, but he is in his prime right now. I don't see the Lakers winning one anytime soon, at least not with Kobe in his prime. Kobe may win more, but it will be in a role player situation, and he will be past his prime. Not many of you realise that KObe is in his prime right now, and he only has about 4-5 years at the most left to be dominant, and about 6 left to be a factor in games.
It's so funny to me, listening to these MJ stans (oops i mean fans). I could see if they actually thought the question out. But you guys don't even put any thought into if Kobe's better than Jordan. The hatred for Kobe becomes more obvious by the second: <div class="quote_poster">Quoting pimpdaddy33:</div><div class="quote_post">I honestly feel the only way Kobe will be able to surpass Michael is if he got like 8 or 9 championships total. </div> This is a statement the typical MJ Stan makes. So basically this guys saying that Kobe has to win damn near 10 championships for him to give him his respect. Lol. Kobe can NEVER win with some people. They refuse to look at him for his talent, but instead for what his image has become. Image wise, nobody will have that squeeky clean image like Jordan. Talent wise, Kobe's right beside him
^^What exactly is your definition of factor though? I mean he's one of, if the not the hardest working players in the league. Jordan was a factor in Washington, obviously he wasn't the same spectacular Jordan. so kobe could be a factor much longer.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting twool913:</div><div class="quote_post">^^What exactly is your definition of factor though? I mean he's one of, if the not the hardest working players in the league. Jordan was a factor in Washington, obviously he wasn't the same spectacular Jordan. so kobe could be a factor much longer.</div> Kobe will be a factor for the next 6 or 7 years
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rock4life:</div><div class="quote_post">It's so funny to me, listening to these MJ stans (oops i mean fans). I could see if they actually thought the question out. But you guys don't even put any thought into if Kobe's better than Jordan. The hatred for Kobe becomes more obvious by the second: This is a statement the typical MJ Stan makes. So basically this guys saying that Kobe has to win damn near 10 championships for him to give him his respect. Lol. Kobe can NEVER win with some people. They refuse to look at him for his talent, but instead for what his image has become. Image wise, nobody will have that squeeky clean image like Jordan. Talent wise, Kobe's right beside him</div> Look Michael owns the basketball world now. Kobe can't beat Michael's stats. If Kobe was to get more championships than Michael Kobe could potentially be the known as the greatest player ever. By the way I'm making a critical point which I am a Kobe fan which goes to prove how much of a bias fan I am.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Houston:</div><div class="quote_post">Kobe can win six more rings and score 30,000 more points...he still will NEVER be Michael Jordan...</div> This is true in the same way that nobody will ever be the next Lee Nailon. Kobe can be the next great player though. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rock4life:</div><div class="quote_post">So basically this guys saying that Kobe has to win damn near 10 championships for him to give him his respect. Lol. Kobe can NEVER win with some people. They refuse to look at him for his talent, but instead for what his image has become.</div> Wrong, I used to hate Kobe (in the good way where you know they're so good it makes your blood boil) but I'm just getting into his game and everything. Anyway, I respect him. I would not want to guard him in a game, he has so many things to throw at you. BUT I would not respect him off the court. He's not real. He's a fake. He did not fashion his own image like AI or Shaq or KG or TD. Yes, I realize that he watched hours of Jordan tape and copied his game, but I think on a subconcious level people don't like him because he's striving to be somebody else, instead of walking his own path. Also, he spends so much time working on his game that he has no social skills, thus the reason he doesn't get along with teammates, management, etc..
yea i agree with the above poster about how kobe acts. hes too fake n narcissistic. tries to act way too much like jordan. i dont like jordan either by the way. jordan's too busy suckin his own c**k. u'd think he could give a lot more to basketball now that he is retired. with all basketball has done for him. anyways, that said, kobes gotta get over himself. i sometimes think he doesnt have a real love for the game, but his love more comes out of being the man and trying to outdo everyone. now that gives him a great competitive spirit but id hate to have him as a teammate. and a reason why i dont believe he will surpass jordan is cause he tries to be too much like jordan. be your own man kobe! hes got great skills n its a shame he doesnt play with shaq anymore. they could've really left a mark on basketball in the beginning of the 21st century. now all we'll be left with remembering is their feud rather than their accomplishments years from now. it will be really interesting to see where the lakers will be five years from now. the west is deep for years to come with the spurs, rockets, suns, n dallas. kobe's gonna need alot of help.
