even called Kobe the best player in the world in 2001. It’s not just lip service when 20 years later he still believes Kobe is in the GOAT conversation.

He said that for good reason. Kobe averaged 33, 7, 7 against the Spurs and 35, 9, 4.5 against the Kings in 2001 playoffs. Shaq wasn’t carrying him. Both players were dominant. Kobe wasn’t some replaceable tag-along.

In that Game 7 against the Celtics, yes Kobe shot poorly, but almost everyone did that game. Still, Kobe had 15 boards and made plays down the stretch, including the pass to Artest for the big 3.

Again, I’ll take the opinions of former NBA players and coaches over those of the general population. Lots of those guys think he’s top 2. Putting him in the top 5 is not unreasonable at all.