But Kobe definitely lasted longer than Shaq, at least in terms of on-court relevance, and he was the clear leader on the Lakers’ 2009 and 2010 titles. He played long enough to get to #3 on the all-time scoring list.

I also think playing the whole career for one team helps him as an icon. Shaq had stints in Phoenix, Cleveland, etc, splitting his stats and allegiances. So Kobe—not Shaq—gets on all the “greatest Laker of all time” lists. That helps his legacy, as well.