1. Kobe Bryant
The suspense is over.
With summer dragging on and on and on before the NBA tips off, we’ve decided to initiate a multipart series that will be the definitive look at the best players in the NBA today.
Over lunch at the Outback Steakhouse (word to Steve Irwin), your crack SLAMonline.com staff sat down and ranked the 50 best players in the NBA today. We realize that’s kind of ambiguous, but that’s how basketball is and that’s how we like it. Basically, though, we tried to list the 50 guys we think have the most value to their teams, right now, at this moment. This doesn’t mean they’ll never be traded, and it doesn’t mean they’re due tremendous contract extensions, but it does mean — since value is king in the NBA — that over the next month or so we’ll run down the 50 guys that we think are the 50 best players, right here, right now.
Before long it’ll be time for our annual NBA team previews. Right now it’s time for some law and order…
1. Kobe Bryant
By Khalid Salaam
8. 24. 23, 5 and 4 per. 81 points. Last year scored 35 per on 45 percent shooting. 3 rings. All Defensive team six times. 62 points in 33 minutes against Dallas. Voted at age 19 as a starter in the ’98 All-Star Game. Averaged 40 points in Feb ’03, one of only 3 people to ever avg 40 in a month. You get the point don’t you? Hope so because numbers-wise I could go on for two or three more paragraphs. But the reason why Kobe is hands down the best player in the League (and has been for about 3 seasons now and will be next year too btw) is because of his intangibles.
He is beyond clutch. Able to take the pressure of game deciding plays over and over again. He’ll take the shot and win it, get the steal, block the shot, snare the rebound or whatever. He’s as fundamentally sound as anyone in the game you just don’t think about it because he can do the supernatural stuff too. His game has no flaws. Dominant handle, legit post game, strong rebounder, makes easy shots and degree of difficulty on the regular. Over the last 5 years who has made more amazing plays? Just think for a minute. The up and under dunk against the Knicks at MSG three years ago, the crazy long buzzer beater against the Pistons in the ’04 Finals, the momentum carrying out-of-bounds but still able to get off a soft runner to win the game against the Suns last spring—what else do you want?
Oh wait there are about a hundred people who think it should be Bron right? Uh wrong. Yeah he has better shoes and LBJ is a supreme talent, a prodigy even. But so is Kobe. Remember he came outta high school too? As the first non-big man, remember that young’ns? Bron came to a perfect situation and was able to start and assert himself from day one. It was the Cavs after all. It’s Cleveland after all. No disrespect but Cleveland is always amongst the cities with the highest poverty rates, unemployment rates, etc. Put it like this. People in Detroit roll their eyes and say things like “hell no I would never move there, Cleveland is dangerous as a mf.” So LeBron’s ascension to greatness was unimpeded. They practically gave him the key to the city. Kobe on the other hand had to earn his way onto a veteran Lakers team. Eddie Jones was there, Cedric Ceballos, Nick at Nite, Byron Scott and of course Shaq. The LCL signed in the off-season and came with fanfare as a/the franchise player. Shaq was named to the all-time 50 greatest team during the All-Star Game. This was not the ideal situation by any means. The Lakers had eclipsed the 50-win mark the season before and were poised to do it again. They were a contender. Not to mention Magic’s shadow was looming, LA has no football team to deflect attention, the Clippers really sucked back then and Hollywood stars and faux stars crowd games as if their life depends on it. So here comes this skinny kid from the East Coast with arrogance only matched by his talent. He averaged 7 points in 15 minutes a game in his rookie year and the next year he brought his playing time up to 26 mins per. Not because they didn’t have options, not because they were a young rebuilding team, not because of anything. Only because it was apparent that this Kobe Bryant guy was and still is a transcendent talent.
Also kill all the hate about Kobe pushing Shaq out. It was a mutual thing, they both contributed to it. And on the real Shaq started it more times than not. Yeah maybe they could have won a few more rings but they did get 3 after all. But oh well its behind us now. All non-Laker fans let it go please (and even Laker fans too. Its not like you guys don’t have championship memories that go back generations. Stop whining.) And no he didn’t quit last year, he just probably got tired of the hating. Can’t win either way so what the hell. Crazy yes. Acceptable, no. But do i get the reason why? yes i do. It was a big middle finger to the media and fans who criticize him for everything. They were overmatched anyway and went as far as they could last year. It was awesome if only for its defiance.
In closing until Wade or Lebron actually start defending on a regular I won’t even have this convo anymore. Also I didn’t forget to mention the Colorado incident or Kobe’s off-court image problems or any of the extra stuff. I didn’t forget, I just don’t care right. This is about who the best PLAYER is. Nothing else. Overstand?
321 Responses to “1. Kobe Bryant”
Nov.16 at 2:21 pm
Marcel Mutoni says:
first!
Nov.16 at 2:23 pm
Max Airington says:
Is there any left to say?
Nov.16 at 2:23 pm
Max Airington says:
second!
Nov.16 at 2:26 pm
Jake Appleman says:
And then the snake was all like, “Why you holdin’ me and shit?” And Kobe was all like, “I am Mamba, you don’t have to play with me either.” And the snake was like, “Why Ryan Jones asking questions during the photo shoot?” And Kobe was like, “Because he’s a journalist that’s what he does.” And the snake was like, “Oh, ok. My bad.” And Max Airington was like, “I can sleep happily tonight.”
Nov.16 at 2:27 pm
Marcel Mutoni says:
i wonder what jackie christie has to say about all of this
Nov.16 at 2:27 pm
Boing Dynasty says:
Slam you wrong for that.
Jake leave that dust alone
1
Nov.16 at 2:28 pm
Myung says:
Jake is fluent in floorean and snakese. Scary.
Nov.16 at 2:29 pm
Max Airington says:
“Zzzzz…” We will rule the world. Or at least open our own diner in Paris. With supermodel waitresses.
Nov.16 at 2:30 pm
Ryan says:
kobe hasn’t defended anybody for over two years.
Nov.16 at 2:30 pm
Zach F. says:
first. good pick, no doubt. kobe is the best in the league. can get off any shot he wants. unstoppable.man is crazy. still think kg should have been higher
Nov.16 at 2:33 pm
Reggie Evans says:
I still want to know what happened between Ryan Jones and Kobe that night in the SlamDome …
Nov.16 at 2:33 pm
Max Airington says:
It shot up that high….
Nov.16 at 2:37 pm
Joumana says:
Kobe quitting in game 7 was “awesome if only for its defiance”??? Wow. I guess I never thought of it that way.
Nov.16 at 2:38 pm
so fresh n so clean says:
this person shoulda been higher..this person shouldnt have made it.. y’all cant hate because this one piece alone made yall come back to the site for 52 days straight (including the two day lag on the number one).. big up to slam..the entire list was great..I wasn’t even looking at the order until the top ten..I dont care taht Bargnani was 48 or whatever..but the pieces that yall wrote on everyone were dope… Respect. and I think Bosh shoulda been higher..b*tches.
Nov.16 at 2:38 pm
Boing Dynasty says:
Kidd?
Nov.16 at 2:43 pm
serbia23 says:
fuckin rights bout time man gets sum respect nobody can handle his game
KOBE 4 MVP
Nov.16 at 2:45 pm
Zee says:
My man, the arguement was good until the next to last paragraph. Then you must’ve let the janitor type the rest. Why does he not have co-credit on this? Cause being high off cleaning products is the only way someone should type some ish like that. You bugged the f out with that trash. Kobe cares about Kobe, no one else. Bottom line. You know it, we all know it. Miss me with the BS you just dropped.
Nov.16 at 2:45 pm
sgtmike says:
Mamba strikes again! Now wassup!
Nov.16 at 2:49 pm
Elvis says:
HELL YEAH!!! KOBE! KOBE! KOBE!
Nov.16 at 2:50 pm
Double J says:
OMG… the greatest player in the game finally getting some respect… I love this magazine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nov.16 at 2:53 pm
Shane B says:
LIKE I SAID BEFORE SWITCH NASH AND DIRK AND THE TOP TEN MAKES SENSE
Nov.16 at 2:54 pm
Chris O'Leary says:
Max the custodian retired, didn’t he?
Nov.16 at 2:55 pm
jbn74sb says:
All you morons that think 1) that Kobe is selfish, and 2) that even if you’re right it’s a problem, are so fundamentally confused about the nature of excellence in sports and in life. Kobe is the most determined player in the game, and has more will to win than any player in the game. Combined with his skill set, it makes him number 1. Do any of you dolts think that any of Jordan’s teammates liked him? Hell no - the all hated his ass. The above is a great article, and actually made some point I hadn’t considered before, in terms of Kobe’s ascension on an already good team and in a star laden town.
Nov.16 at 2:55 pm
jbn74sb says:
Deers come up to this window?
Nov.16 at 2:58 pm
Max Airington says:
I didn’t retire. I was “let go”. More specifically, I was told to stop sleeping on the back stairwell. Jake has a lot more responsibilities than you could imagine…
Nov.16 at 3:00 pm
Riffy says:
Finally somebody got it right. Big-ups to Lebron, number two ain’t bad i mean, kid got the talent and man he aint even in his prime yet. Can’t wait for that. But real talk folks, Kobe is now, not just those 81 points on Janurary 22, 2005 but all them highlight reel plays over the last ten years, a kid who won the last dunk contest before they ended it in 1997 and brought it back, a kid who was throwing up airballs against the Jazz and Spurs in the play-offs in the early days to a man who dominates on the court in every aspect of the game. If u hate him, u only do it because you know dam well he’s that good. 8 to 24? why? My conclusion, 24 comes after what number? 23 and i ain’t talkin King James, Watch the Black Mamba get into form and have his Lakers in the Finals. Maybe not this year, or the next but the one thing homie fears most is not winning another ‘chip in the L. Mark my words, u too Shaq and every other Kobe Bryant hater in the world he will get what he wants. When you want something so bad, a natural talent cold-blooded executioner type player KB24 is will get him their. So sit back peeps and don’t be surprised if it’s your team Kobe (yes a swingman) be lighting up for C-note +1, or hitting that jumper wit 2.3 seconds left, once again making ya’ll hate him even more, but at the same time all the hate making him one if not the Greatest of All Time. Word
Nov.16 at 3:03 pm
Phil B. says:
What you (Khalid) miss is the part of the game that requires a teammate. You try to describe his game 7 quitting as a finger to his critics. What was it to his teammates? Kobe has a fascinating mental state. On the one hand, he is tougher mentally than anyone since Jordan when it comes to making an individual play. Kobe is extraordinarily clutch. On the other hand, he has to force himself - he has to think about it - to get his teammates into the flow of the game. This is why Kobe throws up so many wild shots. If he didn’t get bailed out by star-treatment calls, Kobe would shoot well under 40%, because too often he goes one-on-three. LeBron from day one understood and demonstrated the most fundamental of all things in a basketball game: pass to the open man. Kobe is a great, cold-blooded talent - but he’s glaringly not the best teammate he could be and this costs his teams too many games for him to be considered #1.
Nov.16 at 3:04 pm
Ryan Jones says:
He’s a head case. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Nov.16 at 3:08 pm
SENECA says:
It’s Kobe until further notice. On another note, do any of you know what that song is that used to air on SportsCenter for Kobe? I don’t know the lyrics just before they’d bring a lakers/kobe highlight it would go KOBE KOBE KOBE… and then break into a rap.
Nov.16 at 3:10 pm
Max Airington says:
Kobe? Khalid? Or both?
Nov.16 at 3:12 pm
Phil B. says:
Here’s a suggestion for next year’s list: Conduct a draft, which includes all players. Figure that the goal is to win the most championships during the next 10 years. That will balance the present ability v. potential dilemma.
Nov.16 at 3:13 pm
Max Airington says:
Phil makes a solid point. Honestly, Michael was 27 before he won his first championship. While Kobe may have enjoyed success earlier, he still needed to learn the same lesson, and I believe he has. A player of such a high commitment to winning will not stand in his own way forever.
Nov.16 at 3:15 pm
jay says:
he is the man and finally will get a dope shoe in february..those samples floating around look damn hot…his game is ill. i would prefer the 8 but i guess i have to go with the 2-4 for now!
Nov.16 at 3:15 pm
CASHVILLE says:
“He’s alright but he’s not real”. Hova
Nov.16 at 3:15 pm
Max Airington says:
Phil, ironically enough, what about teammates? If a great player is saddled with a shit team/front office, should that be held against him?
Nov.16 at 3:16 pm
Confucious of Bball says:
Kobe Kobe Kobe. He is number 1 like he should be. All you haters can put your cock up your mouth. Kobe is the shit. He plays offense and defensive, while lebron and wade only focus on their offensive abilities. Kobe is the best of all the rest. I finally agree something with Slam.
Nov.16 at 3:18 pm
scott says:
The greatest player in the league (in his prime) plays for an average team that will lose as many games as it wins. Nice article until the second to last paragraph when khalid even admits that Bryant quit. Middle finger to the media and fans. I thought the whole object of the game was to win?
Nov.16 at 3:19 pm
Borat says:
Freaking Andrea Bargnani is still at 46. This list is null and void.
Nov.16 at 3:20 pm
Timbo says:
Yes 34th!
Nov.16 at 3:21 pm
Ryan Jones says:
I remember when the original Confucious said that thing about putting your c*ck up your mouth. It’s called wisdom, kids. Absorb it.
Nov.16 at 3:26 pm
Max Airington says:
Buddha would tell you that its physically impossible….
Nov.16 at 3:32 pm
Reggie Evans says:
Confucious say : Own cock in mouth worth two hands in bush.
Nov.16 at 3:32 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Well, that’s not a very enlightened point of view. Somebody needs more guacamole in their diet…
Nov.16 at 3:34 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Reggie, that sh*t with you and Kaman last year is suddenly starting to make sense.
Nov.16 at 3:35 pm
Max Airington says:
ROFL!
Nov.16 at 3:36 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Appreciate that, Max
Nov.16 at 3:37 pm
Max Airington says:
Will I watch some hoop?
Or self-gratification?
Where the hell is Jake?
Nov.16 at 3:38 pm
Max Airington says:
I’m an instant Haiku machine. Blame Jake Appleman…
Nov.16 at 3:39 pm
Shiz says:
Its been raining here all day, but surprisingly I can’t feel any of it…
Nov.16 at 3:40 pm
Reggie Evans says:
Ryan - you couldn’t hold Kaman’s jockstrap!
Nov.16 at 3:42 pm
Shiz says:
First one of yall to piss on my parade gets a double Madd Rapper award…
Nov.16 at 3:44 pm
Ryan Jones says:
“wouldn’t” is the word you meant to type, Reg.
Nov.16 at 3:51 pm
Reggie Evans says:
Kobe tops LeBron
Defensive reputation
Based on history
Nov.16 at 4:01 pm
scott says:
Shiz, congrats I know you thought Bryant should be number one. LeBron James your 2007 NBA MVP.
Nov.16 at 4:10 pm
tfn231 says:
For all the people who are on kobe’s back for quitting.. He wasnt trying to prove a point to everyone or anyone in particular.. He was playing hurt in the playoffs.. and he knew that he wouldnt be able to play in the next round so he got himself more time to heal up for next season. He knew that if his Lakers would have to play another grueling playoff series, he couldnt stand being on the injury list and he would be playing causing more damage to his body.. Defeat in disguise.. I think most haters overlook this fact.. Kobe was hurt and decided to rap up the year and try again next year.. His body is breaking down and it’ll be interesting to see if he can play at an old age like Jordan… If I remember correctly His Majesty was also playing for a loosing team while he was averaging over 35+ points.. Talent wise, Kb24 has the whole package..If he gets a squad like MJ23 eventually got, things could interesting.. as in if Kobe could win 2 or 3 titles he could be called dare I say “the greatest ever”.. If you look real close you can see the similarity of MJ And KB: Points, leaping ability, Creativity, Arrogant, great defenders, clutch, fadeaway jumper, star treatment from refs, passionate, both were called ballhogs, both had Phil Jackson!
Still for the non-believers its not enough..why do you think Phil Jackson came back to the Lakers? He saw the same thing he saw when he took the job in Chicago.. A superstar lost and Phil got them back to the playoffs, just like that.. no one remembers that this Laker team looked like shit the year before.. Phil comes back, Lakers back in the playoffs, Kobe becomes the greatest player in the game at the moment, highlighted by 81 points.. All coincidence? Stop looking at stats, wins and loses.. watch Kobe on the court and tell me he doesnt resemble an old great!!
Nov.16 at 4:12 pm
Shiz says:
Scott: Yeah its a good day for Kobe fans…Im hoping I’ll receive both my Kobe prize and my very late OJ prize in an all inclusive “White Women Watch” pack…
Nov.16 at 4:12 pm
Matt says:
LeBron is the greatest player to come along since Michael Jordan. Kobe can score but that’s about all he’s capable of. I expected more from you guys.
Nov.16 at 4:13 pm
Ryan Jones says:
“Stop looking at stats, wins and loses (sic)”… Thank God. I was sick of measuring greatness by statistic acheivement and oncourt success.
Nov.16 at 4:16 pm
scott says:
Phil Jackson went back to LA for the cash.
Nov.16 at 4:16 pm
Khalid Salaam says:
Uh Matt i assume you’re just trying to stir something up by your post. Because obviously you are remarkably incorrect.
Nov.16 at 4:18 pm
J-Bird says:
Kobe quitting in the second half of game 7 wasn’t really awesome in any way.
Nov.16 at 4:24 pm
Max Airington says:
Define “quit”. I still don’t completely think he did.
Nov.16 at 4:24 pm
Matt says:
quote… “So LeBron’s ascension to greatness was unimpeded. They practically gave him the key to the city. Kobe on the other hand had to earn his way onto a veteran Lakers team” LeBron would have been given the same opportunity and respect in any franchise because he earned it from day one. Kobe had to earn it because he wasn’t that great from the start. If he’d been capable of effectively playing 30+ mins a game in his rookie season, he probably would have.
Nov.16 at 4:26 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Yeah, I didn’t like that part of Khalid’s argument, either. I could’ve told him so directly, since he sits three feet away from me, but it’ll be much more entertaining for him to find out this way.
Nov.16 at 4:28 pm
Matt says:
Am I remarkably incorrect? I apologize for not being impressed by King Kobe’s career stat line.
Nov.16 at 4:28 pm
Max Airington says:
Jerk.
Nov.16 at 4:29 pm
Max Airington says:
Ryan of course. Matt, you sohuld be overly impressed with a fourth year player with a tendency to choke…did I really just call Bron a choker? {valderamma) “Lets bully!”
Nov.16 at 4:36 pm
New era says:
Slams rankings of anything is like college footballs BCS it makes no sense and the only thing that it gets right is who’s number 1. Kobes the best there is and when its all said and done he gone be top ten in the greatest players of all time nuff said.
Nov.16 at 4:39 pm
TrippleX says:
i cant believe kobe never won a mvp or never will… i think hes got like 2 more yrs max to win it, but due to lebron/wade and the media sucking their cocks all the time, i doubt kobe will ever win it…
Nov.16 at 5:00 pm
albie1kenobi says:
i don’t think i’ve ever seen Ryan on these boards so much. it’s like the bandwagon broke down and he’s stuck here, hating on the driver.
haha.
nice write up Khalid. i like the point about rookie kobe having to earn his minutes in a stacked lakers squad while bron was given the keys because cavs’ been, well, the cavs. though i can see why Ryan thinks that point is weak because Bron was already NBA-ready (that physique is ridiculous for a highschooler). bron would probably cracked the starting lineup by the end of his rookie season if he was put in kobe’s rookie shoes. on the flip, kobe never had to shoulder a franchise alone til he chose to; lebron had a franchise, a city, and ultimately a league’s future on him before he even entered the league. and he’s handled that amazingly well. but we are talking about the on-court players right?
Nov.16 at 5:00 pm
Ang says:
it’s bullshit that nash has back to back mvps and kobe has none.
Nov.16 at 5:04 pm
euhn says:
Ryan, why so bitter against kobe?
I wanna know, foreal
Nov.16 at 5:09 pm
marcel mutoni says:
would anyone be surprised if lebron was found to be on ‘roids?
Nov.16 at 5:20 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Nah, it didn’t break down — you remember albie, I jumped off this sh*t…
euhn, it’s like this:
Nov.16 at 5:22 pm
Sam Rubenstein says:
I’m looking forward to Kobe’s book “Bears didn’t come up to this window, but if they did, this is how it happened.”
Nov.16 at 5:22 pm
Shiz says:
And the Lifetime Madd Rapper Achieve Award goes to…..
Ryan Jones!! *cue applause*
Come on up and get your trophy, and try to make your acceptance speech short, cuz I will “wrap it up box” you… To quote the wise words of Cam’ron when he was on Bill O’Reilly… “you maaad, hahahaha” Marcel: I’ve been wondering about that since he came out, I still say he’s like 24 or 25. BIRTH CERTIFICATE!! I NEED TO SEE A BIRTH CERTIFICATE!!
Nov.16 at 5:24 pm
Max Airington says:
Sam get’s a ROFL! too…
Nov.16 at 5:25 pm
Matt says:
I would never argue against the obvious fact that Kobe is a tremendous clutch player. (Nevermind the fact he’d never allow anyone else to touch the ball with the game on the line). Being clutch is something that comes with experience IMO. LeBron has lots of time to win MVPs, rings, and develop those instincts. But he has the skills, and let’s not forget how old he is. In five years this ‘convo’ will be moot.
Nov.16 at 5:27 pm
undertheboardwalk says:
Does bron get a write up??
Nov.16 at 5:27 pm
Shiz says:
Sam: huh?
Nov.16 at 5:29 pm
Khalid Salaam says:
The point i’m making is that its an example of Kobe’s ability to thrive under hard circumstances. His mental toughness is part of why he’s so good (and crazy too but thats another story). That was a very intimidating situation Kobe came in to. Most guys would have never made it out.
Nov.16 at 5:31 pm
Ryan Jones says:
“Cam’ron” and “wise words” in one sentence? Sorry, Shiz, your credibility just jumped out Sam’s window.
Nov.16 at 5:32 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Go back to the home page, utbw…
Nov.16 at 5:34 pm
Shiz says:
Ryan: If only I cared…
Nov.16 at 5:34 pm
Shiz says:
you still mad
Nov.16 at 5:34 pm
Wizfan says:
wow
Nov.16 at 5:36 pm
Shiz says:
but I understand…its hard watching our hero’s get knocked down a peg…I still love ya…man love, though…definitely a manly, lets have a beer and an armwrestling match love…
Nov.16 at 5:36 pm
Ryan Jones says:
You care Shiz. You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t. You dream about this sh*t doggie!
Nov.16 at 5:38 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Oh, and the Doctor’s Advocate just signed off by telling me he’d see me on the third album. Can’t… wait…
Nov.16 at 5:42 pm
Teddy-the-Bear says:
Kobe at numba 1 is exactly right to me. This cat is crazy on the court! CRAZY. come on, LbJ is nice and all, but Kobe is crazier. Noooooo the suspense of the top 50 is over now :’(. I think slam should rank the top 100 players, starting from 100 to number 51. WE NEED THE SUSPENSE!!!!!!!!!!!
Nov.16 at 5:43 pm
Big Al says:
*SUCK, SUCK* It was a big middle finger to the media and fans who criticize him for everything. *mmmm KOBE YOU SO BIG* They were overmatched anyway and went as far as they could last year. *SUCK, SUCK, SLURP* It was awesome if only for its defiance. *SUCK, SLURP, GULP* He quit on his GODDAMN TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nov.16 at 5:45 pm
Shiz says:
See, that’s where your mistakin Rye. I care about basketball, not necessarily whether you find me credible or not..
Nov.16 at 5:45 pm
Max Airington says:
There is entirely too much cock talk in here today. SLAM’s masthead might need a rainbow if this keeps up. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that”….
Nov.16 at 5:45 pm
Reggie Evans says:
I STILL want to know what happened between Ryan Jones and Kobe that night at the Slamdome … RJ so bitter
Unspoken acts by Kobe
What really happened? swaggerjacking haikus
Nov.16 at 5:50 pm
Bimbo Coles says:
kobe bryant is really good. jake appleman kills me.
Nov.16 at 5:52 pm
Khalid Salaam says:
Well al, its obvious you know a helluva lot more about how to make those sounds than i do. So have fun with that.
Nov.16 at 5:53 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Liar. My opinion of your credibility is the only thing that keeps you going, Shiz, to the point that I almost feel bad for you. But only almost.
Nov.16 at 5:53 pm
Shiz says:
ZING!
Nov.16 at 5:54 pm
Shiz says:
errr….wrong, Rye…dont feel bad for me..waste ya tears on someone who cares…
Nov.16 at 5:55 pm
Shiz says:
because it seems like you care more about my opinion than I do about yours…And that is no joke…
Nov.16 at 5:55 pm
Reggie Evans says:
Big Gay Al
Nov.16 at 5:56 pm
BETCATS says:
Kobe is great but he needs to keep his number at 8 or accept that he is a fake-ass jordan wanabee
Nov.16 at 5:56 pm
Shiz says:
I care more about my sidekick themes…which I’ve been downloading and trying out while you throw this eighth grade hissy fit…
Nov.16 at 5:56 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Three posts in a row, Shiz. Look up “care” on wikipedia, and I’m pretty sure that’s the definition.
Nov.16 at 5:57 pm
Reggie Evans says:
This is why I love Slam magazine. The writers keep it REAL, SON! I only wish I could talk smack to Rick O’Reilly and Jack McCallum, but they don’t have the balls … for me to grab.
Nov.16 at 5:57 pm
wabit says:
all you kobe haters f### off lebron didnt get team usa to win in the world championships what else does he got …alot of bull##ht hype nothing else you haters sucks…
Nov.16 at 5:59 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Thank you Reggie. Thank you. Anyway, the truth is that I’m actually leaving SLAM after the next issue, so I’m just trying to have as much fun with this sh*t as possible before I go.
Nov.16 at 5:59 pm
Mookie Blaylock says:
None of dem cats on that list ever had a rock band named after them.
Nov.16 at 6:00 pm
Shiz says:
LMAO! Wikipedia…I think you’re getting desperate for a diss…its pretty much a given that your desperate for attention…Red-headed step children acting out…News at 11
Nov.16 at 6:01 pm
Shiz says:
Where are you going after SLAM? All jokes aside.
Nov.16 at 6:03 pm
Reggie Evans says:
WHAT??? When was the press conference to announce this? Who else are you taking with you? All the big corporations (SI, ESPN) are poaching the talent in the Slamdome. Sellout. RJ Leaving Slam
Hopefully will make more dough
Don’t take Lang with you
Nov.16 at 6:03 pm
Max Airington says:
Really leaving?
Nov.16 at 6:05 pm
FLUXLAND says:
we need a def. on quitting and how that term would apply in that particular situation. Either way it was a no win for him in the media or on the court. Why is everyone writing like his act is over? I think he’s about to unleash on the L. The Sternbot is blueprinting Kobe vs Bron Finals I, II & III right now, where he proves he is the G.O.A.T and Bron pay his dues.
Nov.16 at 6:12 pm
PMAC says:
The mamba yes good eye this guy posseses a talent that no one has when you say “Kobe” everybody knows what it means just like Mike a first name and a first in the league, however bron,melo,and wade oh my!! have the potential to surpass both, the league is healthy rite now
Nov.16 at 6:15 pm
ken bettford says:
lebron put in the same situation as kobe was put in when he first entered the league would have played better shaq wouldnt have left la and they would still be the favorite to win a championship today even with shaq hurt (or just resting until it really counts)why? how? because lebron gets his team involved no matter how horrible they are kobe on the other hand the same can not be said kobe said in a basketball publication (not yours )that he was chasing perfection what he should have said is that he wants so bad to be considered better than michael and since michael is the best player ever i suppose kobe wants that distinction also but really there will never be another mike and kobes not an original ai is
Nov.16 at 6:17 pm
Darksaber says:
Seriously, i was done writing comments for this “List”. Dunzo. But now slamonline’s gone and put MAMBIATCH on the top spot. Sure he can score, course he defends when he wants to, sure he’s a lead… umm, nope. Pass on that one. Sure he scored 81, like a week after he burned the Mavs for 62 (in three Quarters, i find this even more impressive than 8.1.) But that arrogant, io parlare italiano S.O.B, was always a bit…Odd. Don’t get me wrong, MJ was a prick himself, and he had his on/offcourt drama too, but ratting out a teammate to the police, to the police??? Keep playing Kobe San, as the Steak you were named after, may it all go down smooth, but still leave ya with indigestion (and i KNOW he’s reading this column, that’s how in love with himself he is. As for you guys at Slamonline, gotta hand it to ya, this was an amusing exercise during the offseason, and it’s gotten heated lately. Great idea, well implemented. I’m sure you guys crack up everyday to see what your readers have to say. Long live Slam!
Nov.16 at 6:23 pm
Darksaber says:
One more thing: type in conceited, self involved, nickname creating, “i didn’t shoot it up that high” überathlete into Wikipedia… guess who’s pic should pop up
Nov.16 at 6:25 pm
Max Airington says:
You know this is about who’s the better basketball player. It’s not a damn dating service….
Nov.16 at 6:26 pm
Reggie Evans says:
from Jemele Hill on the Worldwide Leader:
The only reason Kobe didn’t win MVP is because most sportswriters are men, and to them, Kobe’s tattle-telling on Shaq was an unforgivable violation of a dearly held Man Law: Never snitch on your boy. Get over it, Darksaber!
Nov.16 at 6:30 pm
FLUXLAND says:
how did he snitch? Would that not involve Shaq getting arrested? Did that happen? NO!!! He answered the cops question not even thinking it was going to blow up into what it did and when he realized what he had done he called Shaq to tell him and apologize. Mistake homebre! Comprende?
Nov.16 at 6:33 pm
FLUXLAND says:
Oh and how come no mention of “The Elbow” by SLAM??
Nov.16 at 6:33 pm
Max Airington says:
I heart Kobe. Really. But where I come from, and wherever you come from-that shit is snitching…
Nov.16 at 6:37 pm
Norway says:
B.S.!!!
Lebron is number one by faaaar! You guys don’t know sheit. Name one thing Kobe does better than Lebron. Lebron is a better passer and a stronger rebounder and defender. And if he was as selfish, he would score just as much as Kobe. Lebron has more upside and his salary is much less.
And please stop putting kobe’s name in the same sentences as MJ’s, people. You’re making my basketball-heart bleed!
Also: where was Pau Gasol on the the list of top 10 international players? If you’re going to publish these lists, why not take them a bit more seriously?
Nov.16 at 6:50 pm
TheMan says:
Glad it’s Kobe. If the sports journalists had any integrity, he would have been MVP.
Nov.16 at 6:52 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Spaniards don’t count. Company policy.
Nov.16 at 6:56 pm
awwsomechik08 says:
no one could have said it better. Kobe is number one and ur right. This is about the game. Its about the player not his personal life. The way you ended ur commentary was what i liked the most. You have my deepest respect and i agree with EVERYTHING u said. and for all u haters out there… u guys dont know shit. where u there when all this shit happen…NO! so i dont think u should be talkin shit just admit that kobe’s the best and deal with it!!!!!
Nov.16 at 6:56 pm
Max Airington says:
You leaving or not?
Nov.16 at 6:58 pm
Ryan Jones says:
.
Nov.16 at 7:05 pm
abelp says:
finally some overdue props for the best int the nba…khalid that `piece was the bomb u said it all…KB24 FOR MVP…THEY ROBBED HIM LAST YEAR!!! STOP THE HATIN AND START CONGRATULATIN!!!
Nov.16 at 7:20 pm
Tony says:
ahahahah that is the most ridiculous bunch of shit i have ever heard. Kobe bryant rode shaqs coattails to three rings, one of which was only a paper championship because sactown got so severely screwed they had no choice but to bring in the instant replay on buzzer beaters the next season. Don’t believe me just watch the entire game that big shot bob not big shot kobe won with his buzzer beater because it never would have happened if they would have disallowed samaki walkers buzzer beater in the first half. To get back to kobe the cat doesn’t play d, he reaches, and gets away with blocking calls consistently whereas bruce bowen and tayshaun actually move their feet and stay in front of people. If you want numbers then have fun trying to beat lebron and KG cause ya can’t do it. Wake up people the dudes got attitude problems and isn’t even the best player on his own team. If you’ve seen any games this year you will admit that odom is the better all around player. Kobe at #1 is a joke and you all know it.
Nov.16 at 7:22 pm
Sam Rubenstein says:
Kobe is the best basketball player in the NBA and if he wanted to he could play a LeBron-like game. He can rebound, pass, and even defend when he wants to. He would just prefer to take all the shots. He’s already won 3 championships by playing “the right way” and he has weird little brother issues. Also, his dunks are better than LeBrons, he’s a much better outside shooter, and he has a long history of making incredibly clutch shots. And his sense of theater is better. for example the way he dusted himself off after Raja clotheslined him was awesome. He knows how to work a crowd. LeBron furrows his brow and dry humps Damon Jones.
The problem with Kobe is that he is psychotic and might be a serial killer with 25 bodies in his basement for all we know. He’s so intelligent that you shouldn’t trust him.
And Shiz since you mentioned Camron, I would just like to point out that last year on Back Like Cooked Crack vol. 3, Cam said “Some good coke dog, go get your base pipe/Put on my Laker jersey then I go rape white” And in the background he says “number 8″
And that is why Kobe changed his number.
By the way Ryan, since you’re making announcements why not write a blog post about it?
Nov.16 at 7:30 pm
Darksaber says:
Intelligent? Really? How is pushing the little warrior out of Lala Land intelligent? How is committing to team usa then having surgery days before the tryouts intelligent? I’d prefer to call him menacing, if didn’t have to laugh everytime he acts all “ghetto” on the court. He’s more moleman, than Doctor Doom if you ask me, sinister in his own right, but plagued with insecurities that he must take out on the world. Yeah, intelligent is painting a Murcelago gold and installing an automatic gearbox in it “so Vanessa can drive it”. Uggh, i give up, you’ve placed him on the top and that’s that.
Nov.16 at 7:30 pm
Justin H says:
KOBE STOP CHASING WHITE GIRLS!!! Kobe: I’M INNOCENT
Nov.16 at 7:34 pm
Joel O's says:
Hey Norway, Kobe’s a better shooter by far right now. And I think regarding the Top 10 list of Euro players, at time of publishing Pau was injured and he’s gonna be out for a whiiiile.
Nov.16 at 7:41 pm
Bryant Reeves says:
stop saying overstand. it makes you sound retarded. If anything, “overstand” implies that we understand too much, that we’re smarter than you and that your point is simplistic. Good article, but if I never see that “word” again, it will be too soon.
Nov.16 at 7:41 pm
Lucky #slevin says:
Glad to see Kobe at #1.
Nov.16 at 7:42 pm
Peter D. Rumm MD says:
Healthy there is only no doubt who is the best player in the game = Tim Duncan who will win more championships and shape more games than anyone else on the list. He is a defensive stud as well as right now the best interior dominator in the game. Duncan’s teams have had the highest winning percentage of all time since he came in the league (Sam Smith article in Chicago) Kobe, James, Wade are all great perimeter players and Kobe is the best of them, but a healthy and motivated Duncan will once again lead his team to a championship.
Nov.16 at 7:46 pm
Jake Appleman says:
If I had killed Bimbo Coles, this is how it would have happened…. Max, currently, I have no idea what you’re talking about 3 hours ago.
Nov.16 at 7:49 pm
Frodo says:
Kobe might be good, but value to their team, Lebron is probably better. Not to mention, Kobe is not really helping his team so far.
KG should have been ranked higher!!!!!!
Nov.16 at 7:52 pm
NIck says:
KB is the King of course he got #1 i mean 81 cmon that speaks for itself
Nov.16 at 7:54 pm
Seal says:
We’re never gonna survive - unless we get a little crazy.
Nov.16 at 7:59 pm
Simon says:
Kobe (+defensive ability - [ball hogedness ÷ determination] + 3 rings) > LeBron (+passing ability - [no clutchedness ÷ lack of experience] - shooting ability - all defensive team) And THAT is scientific FACT!
p.s yeh thats right, i said hogedness. had to even it out with clutchedness. Anyone got a problem with that can go talk to Jack Johnson and Tom O’Leary (they’re here waiting).
Nov.16 at 8:06 pm
Adam says:
Some1 was smoking CRACK or sniffing that Coca (Coke for all you old heads who dont know) when the made that list. Every1 who compiled this list should be fired because they OBVIOUSLY dont pay attention to who the face and the best player of the league is. LBJ shouldve been number 1 HANDS DOWN! LeBron not only gets his teammates involved, he can take over the game when needed. I dont see KOBE passing the ball (well maybe this year cause he has a bum knee again) or gettin his teammates involved. Kobe flat out is a BALLHOG and a MJ WANNABE (and frankly NEVERBE). I got love for Kobe but he just gotta stop being selfish, start passing the ball and get his teammates involved, and get off his high horse (Being bigheaded) and quit acting like he’s God or the best player that ever played the game and start being humble. Next time you guys compile a list, do some RESEARCH FIRST! Ask some NBA Exec’s, fans, players (previous & current), even ask the idiot of a commissioner, David Stern. I think all of the reader’s of Slam could’ve came up with a better list.
Nov.16 at 8:20 pm
Dj says:
He wishes he was Jordan.
Nov.16 at 8:45 pm
TripleDouble says:
Adam,
Your a numbskull.
“Oh hi, it’s Slam here, we’re making a list and need your input…”
Fuck off man,… lists like this always come down to opinion, it’s Slam’s list and Slam’s opinions (mainly Lang and Sam, but same diff), and that’s what drives the debate.
Who gives a fuck if some names are too high or too low… It’s been a good little exercise.
And Kobe is better than Lebron, maybe not when all’s said and done, but you can’t deny the man is the shit up till now. Oh, and thanks for letting everyone know what Coca means ‘on the street’, you geek… You think peolple wouldn’t work that out?
Sheeeshh.
Nov.16 at 9:00 pm
Big Al says:
Judging by all the snoodling Khalid did about Kobe, i’d expect him to put him as #1 on the top 10 international players, for all the time he spent in Italy. Gorsh!!! He scored 81 on THE RAPTORS who is coached by SAM MITCHELL who didn’t send a single DOUBLE TEAM at him the entire game. ANY scorer in the league can score that by taking most of the teams shots. He’s great, but he’s a total jerk. He’s on some next level self centeredness. Never before seen. I’d call it Neo-narcissitic. It’s amazing. And it’s people like who wrote this column that fosters his behavior. Instead of trashing him and pointing out his flaws and the things he does wrong, you jump all over his co(k and make excuses for him. “He quit on his team, and it was such a ballsy thing to do” “It was the white girls fault that he raped her. She was asking for it”. “He doesn’t pass, and it’s his teams fault, because they suck” PUUUHHHLEEEAAAAZZZZZZEEEEE!!!!
Nov.16 at 9:16 pm
Drolfe says:
“LeBron furrows his brow and dry humps Damon Jones.”
Hilarious
Sam i think you should have written this entry instead of Khalid.
Although I think LeBron Dunks better than Kobe.
Tripledouble, taking Adam to school. Zing!
This post sounds like Flea.
Nov.16 at 9:20 pm
Showgun says:
Ryan Jones, KB8 quit game 7 last year. Everyone seen it on TV. Raja Bell would have knocked his ass out, like Chris Childs was about to do before everyone step in. MJ never in those situtiations quit. Whatz up with Kobe never beating the hard ass teams like the new Detroit Bad boys, and they wasn’t even as hard as the real BAD BOYS. and KING JAMES took that same team to game seven and nearly pulled it off. LBKING is the real number 1 player, go ahead and hate on me people. I don’t care. King James is the best all around player in the game today. If the know touch foul was inaffect in Jordans prime, Jordan would have easily score a 100 points, but nope he had everyone on the opposite team pulling his arm legs, head, and whatever else they can grab. Yeah I know I brougt up jordan, but everyone and their two kids brought the G.O.A.T name up several times on here. KING JAMES FOR THE NUMBER 1 spot.
Nov.16 at 9:25 pm
Shiz says:
Sam: I remember that cam line. I thought it was fucked up, but that’s what made it hot. Cuz truthfully, we all know cam has had some suspect moments…but he showd his ass on o’reilly an nem. Him and dame did it right. I’ve never seen o’reilly that stuck..it was perfet. Nobody gets the last word with dame and cam was actin straight immature just adding gas. Hilarious… Oh yeah, kobe jellybean fa mvp 07!
Nov.16 at 9:26 pm
Max Airington says:
There’s that damn cocktalk again. Is Ryan leaving to take the EIC spot at The Advocate? Can’t anyone make a point without refering to sodomy or fellatio? Jeez. Dickheads. Jake, currently, I know not what you were referencing, in regards to your post two hours ago, concerning my post three hours previous. But I hope you’re not selling your share of our supermodel diner. Adam, you know there’s a poll on the home page right? Big Al, see: Jordan, Michael RE:self-centered, egomaniacal control freak, A.K.A. greatest player ever.
Nov.16 at 9:29 pm
Harpreet says:
slam if u read dis do dis SLAM TOP 50 Kobe #1 I WANNA C dat in a magazine and o yah ryan jones can suck my di*K
Nov.16 at 9:29 pm
Tha God Bother says:
i like Kobe better cause he 1 a dunk contest
Nov.16 at 9:29 pm
Showgun says:
I got one question, if steve nash was black does anyone think he would have won MVP two years in a row?. I mean Jordan is black if he was white he would have won that shit 5-6 years in row, same with SHAQ.
Nov.16 at 9:33 pm
king says:
lebron should be number one. tell me la fans what has kobe done without shaq ( scoring titles dont count). he snitched on shaq then he shaq went to the finals and won. take shaq off lakers and kobe is just another steve francis. shaq made penny kobe and now d-wade. dwayne is gonna be different because he’s not arrogant. lebron took ohio on his back and made cleveland a championship worthy team. the only way kobe wins another championship is if dirk,tim,steve,yao,t-mac,cp3,pau,and elton get hurt
Nov.16 at 9:35 pm
Max Airington says:
*cricket*
Nov.16 at 9:37 pm
Harpreet says:
o yah slam u guys think Lebron is soo good u guys suk up to lebron alot dont u? every1 noes Dwayne wade is better and now evry1 noes kobe is better so its time for u guys to give lebron a cover isnt it? HAHAHAH stop liking his dick i dont even think he noes bout! GIVE KOBE, DWAYNE WADE, IVERSON, CARMELO ANTHONY, KEVIN GARNETT A DAMN COVER!
Nov.16 at 9:38 pm
the de la menthe says:
Lebron and Wade are amazing to watch. They make a guy’s jaw drop, make you go “whooooooo!” with your buddys. But, in the game, only Kobe is Uplifting to watch. Inspiring. He leaves spectators breathless and without words. It is his clutch-ness, and THIS, that sets him apart. Two qualities more effervescent than even the intangibles. However…king right now, and not for long. Here’s to hoping he gets a regular season MVP sometime soon.
Nov.16 at 9:41 pm
Max Airington says:
Congratulations if you were aiming for setting a new low, cause I aint never seen no fucked up english lik dat.
Nov.16 at 9:43 pm
jigyy says:
yoo you is tha man kobe bryant is the best mofo bball player in the nba and thats the end of it
Nov.16 at 10:09 pm
Meraz Ahmad says:
Hey dude, Awesome article!!! True to the very end. I can’t believe people are actually disagreeing with the ranking. I guess they’re right though… I mean yeah Kobe really doesn’t play any defense… He’s never won three championships, never single handedly outscored an entire team in 3 quarters, never scored 81 points to overcome an 18 point deficit, never averaged 40 points per game in a month, wasn’t ever the NBA scoring champion….. What was I thinking?!
Nov.16 at 10:10 pm
Z says:
I really think that Kobe could have picked any individual and be the greatest ever at it. Tennis, golf, speedskating, 100m, etc. The thing is, he chose basketball without ever understanding what a team is. The fact that it’s highlighted every time he involves his teammates and that we can see a clear difference in his game when he chooses to do so is the very reason why I have a problem with him. Although, he is still the best player that I’d never want on my team…
Nov.16 at 10:11 pm
Big Al says:
Max. Mike trusted his teamates. He wasn’t SO MUCH of an egomaniacal control freak to know he couldn’t win by himself. Mike made everyone on his team feel like a star. kobe makes his teammates terrified of him. You remember last year when he was going through that whole PR campaign to remake his image? Spent 3 weeks granting interviews to anyone who asked? When reporters interviewed all his teammates, they were being OVER complimentary. Focusing a little too much on what a ‘cool guy’ he is off the court as if they were briefed (or paid off) beforehand. The whole team sounded like talking head republicans all over msnbc/fox/sky news when the president f*cks up. You people really need to stop making excuses for all his shortcomings, just because he’s a really good player. He’s not ever going to win another chip because of his selfishness. If he does, it’s because another top flight free agent goes to the lakers, and that aint happening. Really, who would YOU rather play with? A kobe type or a lebron/wade/carmello type?
Nov.16 at 10:14 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Dear Showgun: We actually agree. Read the posts closely.
Dear Max: I’m actually leaving to be the editor of Juggs. ‘Cause I’m nasty like that.
Dear Harpreet: You have a dumb name, you type like a drunken hamster and no I won’t.
Dear Shiz: Howdy!
Nov.16 at 10:16 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Oh, and Sam: Shut up. I’m still your boss for the next two weeks, you can’t tell me what to do or I’ll fire you. Tttttttttttthhp.
Nov.16 at 10:18 pm
Elyse says:
Al-
MJ did not always trust his teammates. Actually it took him quite awhile. I pointed this out earlier, but he used to call his teammates his supporting cast. We remember all the great things he did later, but he wasn’t always the consumate player that he became.
Nov.16 at 10:31 pm
Chief says:
I would rather play with Melo cause he’s fucking ballin, Wade cause i could pick up on all those chicks that must chase him “i’m not Wade but you can call me the Chief…”, Lebron cause it would be fun to watch man. Shit…I love the fact that this place seemed to be affliated with cocks as soon as Kobe was brought up…i’m not saying anything but who knows…Jake Appleman is the shit. I want to see Earl Boykins here baby caus ewe all seen that fucking commercial wiht the frog man, that shits deadlly. Kob eis not going to win another chip becasue he will being always be playing against a team. all the lakers have is Kobe when he plays. notice hoow they won more games without him then with. cuase they played team ball baby. Liek T-Mac says “it takes five, but you not a fool?”.
Nov.16 at 10:34 pm
Big Al says:
Speaking of Kobe PR campaigns…The TNT crew were just rehashing about how Kobe was a selfish, ego-centric loser for quitting on his teammates(ok, I threw in the loser part, because REALLY, winners don’t quit(end public service anouncement here)). Then, some guy wheels out 4 playstation 3’s for the crew from Kobe. I’m not impressed kb24. I think it’s pathetic. Shaq was right…”That guy is a wierdo”…
Nov.16 at 10:36 pm
Big Al says:
COCK
Nov.16 at 10:37 pm
Big Al says:
BALLS
Nov.16 at 10:37 pm
joel says:
If you watch nba basketball like myself and like columists at slam. It´s anit hard to tell who the mf man is. kobe bryant. props to all the people out there who are watching. Alot of people hate kb maybe because alot of people want to bring down the man. just like working for the man. right now he can´t be brote down. so haters keep hatting just remeber who your working for. kobe bryant. he´s the man.
Nov.16 at 10:41 pm
Elyse says:
laker wins without kobe: 2 Laker wins with kobe: 3 ya, I like how they win more without him. good point.
Nov.16 at 10:58 pm
NAJEEM A.K.A. PEJA says:
OK FOLKS ENUF WIT THE GEY JOLKS. WE ALL KNO THAT KOBE IS THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD TODAY AND CAN EVEN BE THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME, IF HE SURPASSES THE GREAT M.J. THINK ABOUT THIS FOR ONE MINUTE(81 POINTS IN A SINGLE GAME……….)I MEAN THAT NUMBER SAYS IT ALL ABOUT KOBE, HE CAN WIN A GAME IF U PUT IT IN HIS HANDS. HE HAS SO MUCH WILL POWER AND SO MUCH CONFIDENCE THAT U CANT EVEN IMAGINE IT.HE WAS SO CALM WEN HE HIT THAT GAME WINNER AGAINST THE SUNS, HE WAS SO CALM WEN HE HIT THE GAME WINNERS AGAINST PORTLAND IN ONE GAME AND WON THE GAME WITH A SECOND LEFT(A FADEAWAY THREE POINTER!)ANYWAYS ALL U LAKER HATERS, DON WORRY BECAUSE THE LAKERS WILL RULE THE NBA ONCE AGAIN, I DON KNO WEN AND I DON KNO HOW, BUT THIS IS A FRANCHISE THAT WILL NEVER GO DOWN.BY THE WAY, I DON LIKE THE FACT THAT KOBE CHANGED HIS NUMBER BECAUSE HE DID EXACTLY WAT JORDAN DID WEN JORDAN CHANGED HIS NUMBER FROM 23 TO 45 AND THEN WENT BACK TO 23. I BET KOBE WILL DO THE SAME THING ONE DAY.IF U READ THIS, U CAN BELIEVE THAT EVERYTHING I SAID IS TRUE! PEACE
Nov.16 at 10:59 pm
rob stewart says:
Kobe is #1 individually all by himself. But that is not how basketball is played. Lebron #1
Nov.16 at 10:59 pm
NAJEEM A.K.A. PEJA says:
I LIKE WAT I WROTE
Nov.16 at 11:01 pm
DP says:
WHAT THE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! KOBE KOBE KOBE KOBE KOBE KOBE. I KNOW I BEEN GONE BUT I WASN’T EVER GOIN TO WRITE ON THIS POST AGAIN UNLESS I SAW KOBE NO 1. FUCK YOU HATERS FUCK YOU HATERS FUCK YOU HATERS! NOBODY RIDIN KOBE’S DICK, BUT WHEN YOU ARE THE BEST YOU SHOULD BE CLAIMED THE BEST. KOBE IS GOING TO SHO YALL THAT HE IS A TEAM PLAYER THIS YEAR. I THINK IT IS GOOD BUT HE ONLY DOING IT TO PLEASE EVERYONE ELSE. KOBE SHOULD JUST DO HIM AND NOT WORRY ABOUT THE 1,0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 PEOPLE THAT HATE HIM. HE GOT ONE FAN IN ME. NOW YOU HATERS PLAY WIT IT. AND I MEAN IT CUZ. PLAY WIT IT.
Nov.16 at 11:08 pm
Chief says:
Dp alwasy sounds like he needs to capitalize everything cause he’s used to people not listening to him…cause he stupid, we dont hate on Kobe cuz he a bad player. He’s good, nuff said, but he is fucking wierd man. his ego is too big even for Staples center. I want to see humble play and talk from him, i want to see him show that he trusts in his teammates like Jordan did before you even try to call him the G.O.A.T., that be Jordans title, watch the games boy and learn. I wnat him to pass the ball to a player like jordan did too Stevey Kerr. I wan thim to take Smush under his wing like Jordan did with Pippen. I eant to not have to be like he’s a good player. I want to be able to love Kobe adn right now i can’t cause he won’t let me.
Nov.16 at 11:09 pm
engel says:
“Yeah he has better shoes…” i don’t like kobe, i never have, but the air zoom kobe 1’s are the best shoes iv played in. period.
Nov.16 at 11:12 pm
Max Airington says:
Al, People need to stop defending Kobe just cause he’s a good player, but Jordan was the consumate pro? Read “The Jordan Rules”. Then read “When Nothing Else Matters”. From Bulls to Wiz, Money was always acutely aware of his image and hardly a happy go lucky guy. But we excuse that because he won. We call it a “competitive spirit”. Ask Bill Cartwright and Kwame Brown about that spirit. Whether or not Kobe’s interviews are “tampered”, I’m certain it’s a page he pulled from Michael’s book. Amad Rashad? Michael Wilbon? Charles Barkley? The man has an assembly line of boot lickers at his beckon call. Like I said this morning, MJ was 27 before he won. Up until then he was branded a lone gunman. Without Pippen, Mike may have been just as frustrated as Kobe currently is, and would hardly be handled with such kid gloves by the media. Michael always had the upper hand with the press, which resulted in overwhelming praise. When the press began to turn rabid, he retired. When the press turned rabid on Kobe, he played some of the best basketball of his life. That is not to say that Kobe is better than Mike, but to say that we shouldn’t chastise Kobe and praise Jordan in the same breath.
Nov.16 at 11:18 pm
Elyse says:
chief. did you just equate smush and pippen? that is kinda funny. I am pretty sure that lamar is a more feasible comparison. And, kobe has taken him in. Who did lamar reach out to this summer? Kobe. And who has been playing awesome to start the year, with the encouragement of Kobe? You don’t want to love kobe. I have been reading your posts, and now you are just flat out lying. I had more respect for you when you were just vehement in your dislike. But don’t try to say you want to like him when every post is directed at disproving that. You obviously don’t watch many of the Laker games, b/c if you had, you would have seen that Kobe, (since the last 20 games of last year) has been able to rely on his teammates more. Especially because they know the triangle better now. For someone who adore’s MJ, you wouldn’t think that you would have a problem with large ego’s.
Nov.16 at 11:21 pm
DP says:
OH CHIEF YOU ARE SO COOL MAN. NO, ACTUALLY I JUS LIKE MAKING MY WORDS BIG. WHO ARE YOU ANYWAY DUDE? THAT MESSAGE WAS FOR THE HATERS, SO IF YOU ARE NOT A HATER, PLEASE DON’T RESPOND. THANK YOU. PLAY WIT IT.
Nov.16 at 11:29 pm
gd says:
I guess Salaam didn’t check out Kobe’s clutch shooting stats at 7-35 the last three years or just about worst in the league. He might be the 2nd writer to kill himself over that one since it’s no secret Kobe’s clutch accuracy is lower than dirt. Best in the league the last 3 years? Is this guy smoking crack? You can argue most-skilled but that’s it. Forgot about game 7? No weaknesses? How about taking too many treys? How about not being able to take it inside consistently? How about not making good mental decisions? Now with the knee, this article is SO OUTDATED anyway.
Nov.16 at 11:54 pm
Bryant Reeves says:
Has the ability to spell and use proper grammar been superseded by the need to speak like some thug or crackhead? Weird not wierd!!! LEARN TO SPELL I’m still waiting for a reply on what overstand is supposed to mean…
Nov.16 at 11:57 pm
scott says:
After Cleveland makes a deep run into the playoffs (maybe even the finals) and the Lake Show get bounced in the first round. Your 2007 NBA MVP LeBron James will be number one on the next list. Plus time is on LeBron’s side seeing how he is only 21 and Bryant will be 29 and is starting to show signs of breaking down.
Nov.16 at 11:57 pm
Big Al says:
I repeat. Kobe will never win another championship. Nobody’s going to want to play with him. His selfishness and ego turn everyone off. You guys think that nobody was watching what happened between him and Shaq? Do you really think Odom is happy to be on his team? I think not. Smush is probably the only person ‘happy’ to be there because he’s just happy to be in the nba. I used to ball with Smush at Stuyvesant high school in the evenings, and he’s just as much a jerk as kobe, so they probably get along just fine.
Mamba is a good name for him, not because he’s dangerous, but because he’s poison. He’ll have unbelievable statistical years, but he’s going to go down as the spoiled brat prince who couldn’t get it done without Shaq. AAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNDDDDDD. Another reason nobody’s going to want to play with him is because they wouldn’t be able to trust him. You all forget that he told THE COPS(!!!!!) that Shaq paid women off he used to sleep with!!! THE COPS!!! Who wants to be around some chump Narc!?!? He’s gonna be stuck with smush types and walton types all his career. Bench players in the starting lineup.
Nov.16 at 11:59 pm
scott says:
Just curious but if your were a G.M. and you could pick any player to build your team around for this season wouldn’t it be LeBron James.
Nov.17 at 12:00 am
Big Al says:
I always pick LeBron first in my fantasy draft in dynasty mode in NBA Live 07.
Nov.17 at 12:02 am
scott says:
Not a Laker fan but they got a huge steal with Andrew Bynum. Not many true centers left he could be a beast to stop in the near future.
Nov.17 at 12:07 am
Dylan says:
AMEN.
Nov.17 at 12:17 am
DP says:
ha ha ha. im about to go beast mode like lil boosie. ha yeah i don’t know how to spell! so what! play wit it.
Nov.17 at 12:19 am
Phila says:
3 titles, scoring title, 81 points in a game(second only to chamberlain), out of high school first rounder… and only 27… three more titles and we have a new Jordan. Glad my man Kobe finally got his props.
Nov.17 at 12:20 am
shoez_crazy@hotmail.com says:
THANK GOD SLAM DIDNT FUCK UP THIS ONE. KOBE IS THE BEST…LEBRON IS STILL WAY BEHIND…SAY 3 CHAMPS BEHIND…AND 81 PTS.
Nov.17 at 1:13 am
LordGefroh says:
yup.
Nov.17 at 3:30 am
rand33ep says:
Slam got the number one spot right… for those who say Kobe isnt number one are _____ _____ ____ is lebron as good as kobe on the offensive end? no…. is lebron as good as kobe on the defensive end? hahahahahahahhahaahhahahhahahaha …hahah.. no
Nov.17 at 6:21 am
Norway says:
I admit: Kobe might be a slightly better free throw shooter than Lebron. But that’s the only thing he does better.
Lebron dry humping Damon Jones during a game? Now, that is what I would call showmanship. Much more original than whatever Kobe does to try and emulate Jordan.
Kobe’s whole life seems to have been devoted to being the next Jordan, but guess what? He hasn’t even been close to succeeding and he neeeever will. 0 finals MVPs. 0 regular season MVPs. 0 olympic gold medals. 0 72-win seasons.
Kobe is the LAST player I would want on my team if I was an NBA player. And I believe most NBA players would agree. Top 5: 1.Lebron 2.Iverson 3.Wade 4.TD 5.Nash Def. ON the list: Baron Davis, Carlos Boozer, Larry Hughes, Deron Williams
Def. NOT: Andrea Bargnani, Darko Milicic, Josh Smith, Andrew Bogut
Nov.17 at 6:27 am
Harlem World says:
Although many of Khalid’s points were weak, you can’t front on Kobe being the best player as of today. Lebronze is obviously next in line and will take that title comfortably the 2008 season. However… Any talk of Kobe ever being able to match up against Jordan for G.O.A.T is ridiculously mis-informed. No matter how you position the argument, there is just no sound basis to come out in support of Kobe over Jordan - on any level. None. That’s about as informed as making a 2nd year player with only one full season of 16 and 8 a top 10 player in the league. Ryan, you out for real? Who’s going to take your spot? Also, just in case Ryan, Lang, Khalid, Sam, Jake or any of the Slam heads who have the balls to speak on it are reading this - what is your INDIVIDUAL take on the Scoop/Whitlock thing?
Nov.17 at 6:39 am
Harlem World says:
Khalid, for the record, it doesn’t matter who you are, you don’t ‘play dead’ in defiance of the media/haters or whoever in a game 7. I can’t believe you wrote that and actually believe that sh*t? C’mon… In sports, you play to the death. Unwritten universal code of conduct. “It was awesome, in only for its defiance”. Son, that might be the hottest piece of garbage I’ve ever read on Slam related media.
Ever.
Ever, ever.
Step your game up joe college.
Nov.17 at 6:41 am
Harlem World says:
no disrespect
Nov.17 at 7:16 am
Nes says:
Michael Jordan said it himself of who the best in the league is K O B E, nuff said.
Nov.17 at 7:25 am
Drolfe says:
Shiz vs Ryan is almost as entertaining as Bron vs Kobe.
I totally expected Kobe himself to drop the FIRST! after this article. You know he was waiting on it with bated breath like the rest of us.
Nov.17 at 7:30 am
Drolfe says:
Hey lookie you’re on the official website:
http://news.kb24.com/#45
Nov.17 at 7:38 am
Nes says:
HERE’S A LOSE-LOSE SITUATION: Kobe shoots the ball to get his team back into the game = he’s hoggin the ball and not being a team player. Kobe gets his team involved because it’s the only way to beat a team that scores like Wilt in a brothel (Suns) = quitting on your team. What would you do if it was you in his shoe in that Phoenix series? Nothing, just play the gameplan you had the whole series, and if it doesn’t work out (even tho your 1 rebound away from winning the series in Game 6), OF COURSE it will get blamed on you.
Nov.17 at 7:43 am
Roméo says:
Kobe number one. That´s fair. But why do I believe that I´d still choose LeBron over Kobe for my own team?
Nov.17 at 8:43 am
One Shot says:
No 1? Not liking that.
No question he’s skilled. Great offensively, good defensively, but . . .
I question his mentality. Specifically big game 7 mentality.
The playoffs are the focal point of the players season, it is the pinnacle of the profession where the greats (ring or no) are acknowledged. How many of them quit in a game 7? How many of them do you think would quit in that situation just to make a point to your team/media whoever? How many would change their play from what got them to that point to something they KNOW won’t work?
Would you want any player who had done that on your championship challenging team?
Only at the end of his career will we see if this was truly a one off mistake from a great player, but as of the now, in terms of value to his team, I don’t think anyone you can’t trust to do their upmost can be No1.
Nov.17 at 8:57 am
BBallR says:
Hey Every Slam reader!
I want to start another riot!
What is everyone’s best all time rosters?
aswell what is everyone’s modern day rosters?and what is everyone’s all available USA roster?
I,ve had a think and my all time roster is
C: S,O’neal
PF:T,Duncan
SF:S,Pippen
SG:M,Jordan
PG:M,Johnson C:K,Abdul jabba
PF:K,Malone
SF:J,Erving
SG:K,Bryant
PG:J,Stockton
RES
C/PF:D,Robinson
C:H,Olojawon
G:E,Baylor please resond shiz
Nov.17 at 9:01 am
BBallR says:
BBALLR AGAIN
My comment got cut short
i also want scott
Nov.17 at 9:08 am
kaponoe says:
How is not playing D “What’s best for your team” or “Making your teammates better”? Does that seem like a poor example to anyone else? What do ALL coaches preach? Defense wins championships? Was Game 7 a quitting effort or an act of submission to what Phil wanted: Get the ball inside to attack a soft PHX interior? No one knows, but Kobe so people take your negative opinions elsewhere, because if YOU were in a position such as his you would ask for some kind of respect. If you screwed up you would want another chance, right? Why does he not deserve the same treatment you would want? Bron makes his team better on the offensive as he gets open looks. What about the defensive accountability? Just something to think about. Bron’s got next KB24 got now.
Nov.17 at 9:12 am
BBallR says:
BBallR again
Also Scott,Elypse, Serbia23 and Max
Your all MVO’s (most valued opinions)
Slam please start this debate
Nov.17 at 9:49 am
tfn231 says:
To SLAM: Now that you have covered the top NBA players maybe its time to cover the story of how over-rated the NBA is.. US team defeated by Greece! US team cant hit an open jumper, cant defend the pick and roll.. all they did was cry about not getting star treatment.. You see, in the NBA you cant even defend without getting called, making the game only an offensive show.. What I mean is that can you really defend a mutant like Lebron from driving to the hoop when you’re not even allowed to touch him without getting called for a foul! One more thing.. who here enjoys watching free-throws? I ha