Draymond Green explains how LeBron James’ rise to fame pushed Kobe Bryant out of ‘GOAT’ conversation

Bryant's dominance coincided with LeBron James' rise to fame, which created a "tug of war" for the title of best player.

Draymond Green explains how LeBron James’ rise to fame pushed Kobe Bryant out of ‘GOAT’ conversation

Kobe Bryant, Draymond Green and LeBron James

Draymond Green believes Kobe Bryant should be in the conversation for the greatest player of all time. He shared his thoughts with Shaquille O’Neal on O’Neal’s podcast, the Big Podcast. 

Draymond Green cited two reasons why Kobe Bryant is often overlooked. He played with O’Neal, and people hold that against him as well as Bryant’s dominance coincided with LeBron James’ rise to fame, which created a “tug of war” for the title of best player.

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And while it wasn't going great, there was a young guy in Cleveland starting to make his way. And so, in the years where Kobe could have been dominating, which he was from a number’s standpoint, they weren’t winning. So in those years, LeBron (James) was making his way and starting to make his name as the best player… I don't think it was long enough for everybody to say to put him in that conversation because Bron then came and put his name in the conversation.
Draymond Green said on the Big Podcast with Shaq

Bryant’s resume is impressive with 18 All-Star appearances, two scoring titles, five championships, and two NBA Finals MVPs. He averaged 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game.

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Bryant is undoubtedly one of the greatest Lakers in history, with a statue outside the Crypto.com Arena in his honor. He cemented his legacy as a winner and champion.

Michael Jordan once chose Kobe Bryant over LeBron James in GOAT debate

Michael Jordan was asked to choose between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, and he gave a thoughtful answer. In 2013, Jordan said that in terms of dominance, it’s LeBron, but in terms of championships, it’s Kobe Bryant. He praised Bryant’s willingness to go to extremes to win, including guarding point guards at age 34 and playing 38-40 minutes per game.

In terms of dominance of the game of basketball, at this stage it’s LeBron. Championship-wise, it's Kobe Bryant. He wants it so bad and he's willing to go to the extreme. Guarding a point guard at the age of 34, playing 38 minutes, 40 minutes, that's ludicrous.
Michael Jordan said to veteran sports analyst Ahmad Rashad

Jordan acknowledged that choosing between Bryant and James was a tough choice. However, Jordan also noted that he and Bryant are “cursed” in terms of their intense competitiveness and drive to win.

The debate between Bryant and James is ongoing, with some arguing that James’ longevity and continued high-level play give him the edge. Others believe that Bryant’s pure career dominance and championship pedigree put him above James. 

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