The Los Angeles Lakers won their 15th NBA championship Sunday night behind a 30-point performance from Kobe Bryant, who won his fourth title in the process.
Bryant has been compared to players from Michael Jordan to Magic Johnson. But the Laker’s guard has come under criticism for his failure to win a title without former teammate Shaquille O’Neal. O’Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to three championships from 2000 to 2002.
So how does this win affect Bryant’s legacy?
The St. Petersburg Times says compared to past NBA stars, Bryant’s accomplishments speak for themselves.
“Bryant, 30, already has won more NBA championships than Dr. J, and Karl Malone and Oscar Robertson and Jerry West. And if his previous three rings had come with O’Neal at his side, well, then, all five of Magic Johnson's titles were shared with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
In other words, this title does not create Bryant's legacy. It simply enhances it. It frames it.”
But not everyone is so convinced. A contributor on user-generated sports site Bleacher Report hasn’t seen enough from Kobe to call him one of the best ever.
“Kobe hasn’t done enough yet to prove that he belongs in [elite] company yet. Right now as it stands Kobe has led one incredibly talented team to a championship.”
The LA Times says forget Kobe versus Shaq – basketball’s a team game.
“He couldn't have won without Shaq, Shaq couldn’t have won without him, and neither were winning without the other dudes who filled in the roster… Why? Because no superstar wins by himself. Ever.”
A San Francisco Chronicle blogger has the perspective that Kobe had more to prove than winning without Shaq.
“Bryant played with a scowl on his face and something to prove. And he did. That he’s a
complete player. A mature person. A father. A community leader. And a nice person.”
So what’s the inside scoop on the Kobe – Shaq rivalry? Well Shaq sent Kobe this tweet at the end of Sunday’s game:
“Congratualtions kobe, u deserve it. You played great . Enjoy it my man enjoy it.”
The Los Angeles Lakers won their 15th NBA championship Sunday night behind a 30-point performance from Kobe Bryant, who won his fourth title in the process.
Bryant has been compared to players from Michael Jordan to Magic Johnson. But the Laker’s guard has come under criticism for his failure to win a title without former teammate Shaquille O’Neal. O’Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to three championships from 2000 to 2002.
So how does this win affect Bryant’s legacy?
The St. Petersburg Times says compared to past NBA stars, Bryant’s accomplishments speak for themselves.
“Bryant, 30, already has won more NBA championships than Dr. J, and Karl Malone and Oscar Robertson and Jerry West. And if his previous three rings had come with O’Neal at his side, well, then, all five of Magic Johnson's titles were shared with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
In other words, this title does not create Bryant's legacy. It simply enhances it. It frames it.”
But not everyone is so convinced. A contributor on user-generated sports site Bleacher Report hasn’t seen enough from Kobe to call him one of the best ever.
“Kobe hasn’t done enough yet to prove that he belongs in [elite] company yet. Right now as it stands Kobe has led one incredibly talented team to a championship.”
The LA Times says forget Kobe versus Shaq – basketball’s a team game.
“He couldn't have won without Shaq, Shaq couldn’t have won without him, and neither were winning without the other dudes who filled in the roster… Why? Because no superstar wins by himself. Ever.”
A San Francisco Chronicle blogger has the perspective that Kobe had more to prove than winning without Shaq.
“Bryant played with a scowl on his face and something to prove. And he did. That he’s a
complete player. A mature person. A father. A community leader. And a nice person.”
So what’s the inside scoop on the Kobe – Shaq rivalry? Well Shaq sent Kobe this tweet at the end of Sunday’s game:
“Congratualtions kobe, u deserve it. You played great . Enjoy it my man enjoy it.”
