With the knee problems, the tremendous miles he's put in, they weren't unreasonable concerns. He's answered the bell.
In many ways, this may be his finest year yet. His numbers might not be the same, but his leadership is at an all-time high.
It prompted Charles Barkley to recently name him as one of the five greatest players of all time. Kenny Smith was incredulous.
So where does he fit among the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T)?
That's not an easy question to answer. In fact, ultimately, it might be impossible.
That doesn't mean we can't try, though.
In considering two things are essential to understand. First, stats don't mean everything. Second, stats don't mean nothing, either.
There is a point where stats can be taken too far. There is a point where stats aren't taken far enough.
There is more to the game than merely stats, but stats are an objective measure of what happens in a game.
How many points Kobe has scored is a matter of fact, not opinion. How he came by them, and how much significance those points bear in the Lakers' five championships while he's played for them are matters for opinion.
I will attempt here to try and look at Kobe from a complete perspective. At the same time, I'll look at the other players in the conversation with the same balance, and then place him in history accordingly.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
