Now that the dust has settled... Magic Johnson or Kobe Bryant

[AngelEyes]

There seems to be a near consensus that Kobe and Magic are the two greatest Lakers or at least have had the two greatest Lakers careers since Kareem spent several prime seasons in Milwaukee and Shaq was only in LA for 8 years. Who had the greatest Lakers career Magic or Kobe? And who is most identifiable with the team? I still think Magic has the slight edge because of how the league grew exponentially when he came around and the legendary rivalry with Bird. But Kobe probably isn't far behind and you could make a strong case for him based on his longevity and skills.

[TomCat]

Definitely Kobe.

20 years, going out with 60, 5 championships, drafted out of high school, seeing a kid turn to a man.

Even Magic, shaq, and Kareem says Kobe is the greatest laker.

[AlphaWolf24]

Nothing will ever take the place of the Showtime era or the impact of Magic vs Bird..you are right.....that era made the NBA what it is.

I believe that was the best Basketball ...or at least the best era of basketball..

but....

Individually..Kobe is the greatest Laker of alltime.
Skillwise and career / accolades...on top of 20 seasons 12 of those as the premiere player in the NBA.

Dominant Offensive player.....Dominant Defensive player ...Dominant Champion.



when Magic , Shaq and Jerry West say you are the GOAT Laker......you might believe you are the GOAT Laker

[feyki]

Magic .

[HenryGarfunkle]

Magic and it's not very close... Magic just had a way better feel for the game, and was more passionate and competitive than kobe. Magic was just a better player, a better teammate, and a better winner. Period.

[tmacattack33]

Magic has a decent case for top 5.

Kobe has pretty bad case for top 10.

[Cold soul]

Kobe is better individual player than Magic but Kobe can't lead and carry a team as well or inspire his teammates like Magic did he is better team player.

[Cold soul]

Magic has a decent case for top 5.

Kobe has pretty bad case for top 10.

Lol pretty bad case for top 10. Wow please stop trolling. Thanks!

[dazzer87]

Have to go with Magic......Just not happy that it took 50 shots to get 60 points. That was the tie breaker.

[Im Still Ballin]

Magic has a decent case for top 5.

Kobe has pretty bad case for top 10.

This

It was an epic performance by Kobe yesterday

But it was not surprising knowing who he is

Kobe doesn't have a top 5 case

He's a top 10 drifter

Floats between 8-12

Really depends on how you rate his lack of MVPs and FMVPs (The threepeat)

[bdreason]

Magic for me. Better all around player. Better leader. More entertaining. More intriguing personality.

[AirBonner]

So one 60 point game on average efficiency changes history? No. Magic is still far superior.

[AlphaWolf24]

Kobe is better individual player than Magic but Kobe can't lead and carry a team as well or inspire his teammates like Magic did he is better team player.

Going off actually NBA History......this is 100% incorrect.

Most of his teammates had their best seasons playing with Kobe...

He also led the Lakers in assists every Championship Run....all while being all NBA Defense ( something Magic did not do)....and the primary Closer of games.

[AlphaWolf24]

This

It was an epic performance by Kobe yesterday

But it was not surprising knowing who he is

Kobe doesn't have a top 5 case

He's a top 10 drifter

Floats between 8-12

Really depends on how you rate his lack of MVPs and FMVPs (The threepeat)

Kobe has a better case for top 5 then Larry Bird does.....that's a fact.

anyone who has Bird in top 5 and not Kobe.....is a basketball illiterate.

[Im Still Ballin]

Kobe has a better case for top 5 then Larry Bird does.....that's a fact.

anyone who has Bird in top 5 and not Kobe.....is a basketball illiterate.

Bird has 3 MVPs
3 Rings
2 FMVPs

I'm sorry but that's a better resume than Kobe's

If not on equal footing

Bird was considered the greatest of all time at one point

He faced great Laker hall of fame cast Laker squads time and time again in the finals