Not Kobe. Kobe was the best player on the team. The only reason Shaq won Finals MVP was because the East Coast teams (Pacers/Sixers/Nets) had size disadvantages compared to the West Teams that Kobe destroyed (Kings/Spurs). That disadvantage had to be capitalized on in the Finals and the Lakers did exactly that.
Kobe wasn't in his prime here he only averaged 20 ppg this season he elevated his game the next season he didn't become satisfied with his game.. He averaged 25ppg next season.. Do yall realize he had a post game in his 4th season... Lebron took 10 seasons to even attempt a post move
When people realize that Kobe Bryant out scored and averaged more points than shaq vs the spurs(01-04) playoffs maybe people put some respect on Kobe name
This is one of the greatest playoff performances I've watched. This one the 48 and 16 versus sac the game b4, Brons games vs det, and Boston. Of those 4 I think this one had the highest degree of difficulty because this spurs team is in the middle of their championship run. Detroit and Boston were both years removed from winning chips when Bron destroyed.
maybe kobe couldve scored 100 or so when he was in his early 20's if he was the main man lol.. he's like an assassin.. scary! he's been running and running.... and running the entire game. penetrating, jumping, he's got good stamina.
To end the debate about Shaq needing Kobe and Kobe needing Shaq: Shaq was in the league 8 years(4 with Kobe) before winning his first title Kobe was in the league 4 years before winning his first title. They needed each other both to win and their team.
And people say Shaq was TOTALLY reponsible for the Lakers 3peat? Kobe was no sidekick to Shaq, that's for sure. Shaq wouldn't have had 3 straight trips to the Finals to get his MVPs if it wasn't for Kobe coming up clutch, bailing him out in a lot of the playoff battles leading up to each of the Finals. Lebron could only dream of handling the playoff pressure as Kobe did brilliantly at the same age of 22. Still at 26 Lebron has some trouble coming up big when it matters most.
This goes to show how underrated kobe is. KOBE did this against the best defense in the league with 2 hall of fame players Duncan and Robinson. Lebron got swept by the spurs
Shaq just had the big center mismatches against the eastern conference teams in the finals so Phil ran the vast majority of the offense through him, which makes sense. But Kobe definitely carried his squad against the western teams. And we all will agree that the western teams were much tougher competition than the eastern finalist. Everybody knew whoever won the west would win the title during the 3peat run. Anyone here to argue?
Kobe pulled them out of the fire alot in playoffs, best qoute kobe 40 after scoring 48 against sacremento, not enough credit for their championships.He did this against the best defense in the league.
It's really ridiculous the way Kobe's greatness during those three championships is ignored. People have such selective memories and totally disregard how Kobe CARRIED alot of those playoff games at such a young age. The notion that Shaq won any of those championships by himself is ludicrious and idiotic. Kobe was f**king beast on the biggest stage against the best competition.
the 2001 lakers team will go down as one of the greatest teams ever assembled. kobe and shaq averaging 30pts a game? not to mention the rest of the team all being role players. they owned everybody
You're either a Lebron hater or a Kobe homer if you honestly believe Bryant played well against Boston. He had like one good game in that series. LeBron consistently carries his team and is always masterfully consistent. He doesn't jack up 10 attempts in the 4th quarter because he plays within the offense and takes what the defense gives him. In that way he's comparable to Jordan, who was mercilessly efficient. Bryant has always been a volume shooter and can only succeed with HOF supporting cast
honestly.. i think without kobe, the lakers would be worse with only shaq than if they had only kobe. kobe was their closer and defensive stopper. the two most important aspects of bball
if shaq and kobe stayed together, they woulda won more than 3 rings!, i can believe that because as soon as kobe started getting near his prime, BAM! 3PEAT RINGS
And they say Kobe got carried?? Hey if you're teammate is scoring 45 points, 10 rebounds you are NOT carrying him. He can take care of himself just fine.
During a May 27, 2011, appearance on "Mike & Mike In The Morning" on ESPN Radio, Pippen was asked if James could challenge Jordan for the mythical title of the greatest player ever. "I think he can," Pippen said at the time. "But I think you've got to look at two different pieces here. Michael Jordan is probably the greatest scorer to ever play in the game, but I may go as far as to say LeBron James may be the greatest player to ever play the game.
I agree with you 100% , lets also not forget how manipulative Shaq is with the media also. How many times has he called Kobe his idol and the best ever but as soon as he got the boot out of L.A. Wade is the best and all the ridiculous claims start.
Penny didn't have game like KOBE, neither did GRANT HILL, not even D-WADE has it....KOBE has been hated since he came into the league and he was the first cat to challenge JORDAN at both end of the court outside of JOE DUMARS..people can't fake the funk, LEBRON doesn't have this type of skill set, he's an amazing talent, but KOBE has really been the best player in basketball for the last 7 years...
you're right...KOBE won those big playoff games for the LAKERS in order to represent the western conference, and this was before the no hand check rule was put into affect, and he made the big plays too, so when the LAKERS faced the eastern conference representative, outside of RICK SMITS, SHAQ didn't really have to face anyone, not taking anything away from SHAQ, I love that cat, but KOBE closed those games out and that's just fact...
The Spurs were shell-shocked after this whipping, and never recovered..the Lakers took the Spurs souls, along with the 36,000+ screaming fans in the Alamodome..
"I look at Cleveland [and] say to myself, 'How many games could they win without LeBron James?'" West told Reuters in an interview. "That's how great he is. "He has a chance to be arguably the greatest player ever to play the game." -Jerry West
Kobe didn't know how to fully use his skills, he jacked up some of the worst shots I've ever seen on regular basis during his prime. How many times have I seen Kobe start off a game hot only to end up shooting under 45% for the game?
ESPN had a few clips from an interview with Oscar Robertson where he praised LeBron. Here’s what he said, courtesy of a transcription from Sporting News: Is Barkley trying to say that he thinks LeBron is not as good as Michael Jordan? Come on. LeBron is in a class by himself.”
Thats lame excuse and this is coming from a Laker fan, born and raised in LA. Lebron did not have the team Kobe did at 22. Kobe has largely been surrounded by talented Lakers. Cleveland was the polar opposite. Ppl who attribute the 3peat to shaq entirely, are haters, just like you to Lebron. That entire team was amazing, and no one was anyones sidekick. Phil's system made sure of it. but shaq was undeniably the main component of that team. teams readjusted their tactics cuz of him not Kobe
You don't know what the hell you're talking about. You don't dominate the way Lebron does without tremendous skill and an extraordinary basketball IQ. Lebron is no more a freak than MJ was.
