- Austin Reaves’ brother responds to rumor of Lakers guard and Taylor Swift linking up
- Rui Hachimura addresses his future with Lakers, reveals what he’s looking for in free agency
- Report: Mavs have signaled ‘little willingness’ to execute Kyrie Irving sign-and-trade with Lakers
- Damian Lillard jabs Lakers for their treatment of Russell Westbrook as he discusses his future in NBA
- Lakers future draft picks: upcoming 1st- and 2nd-round draft picks
- Report: Lakers working out another batch of intriguing prospects
- Eastern Conference GM says it’s Chris Paul’s dream to play with Lakers and LeBron James
- Report: Chris Paul would be ‘very coveted’ by Lakers and Clippers
- C.J. McCollum ranks Anthony Davis over Nikola Jokic as tougher player he’s had to face in playoffs
- Patrick Beverley seemingly opposed to Nick Wright possibly replacing Shannon Sharpe on ‘Undisputed’
Jamal Crawford Takes Exception to Kobe Bryant Being Left Off ESPN’s Top 5 NBA Player Rankings
- Updated: May 14, 2020
ESPN recently released its all-time player rankings, with Kobe Bryant making it to the site’s top 10 players list, but Jamal Crawford isn’t too happy about it.
Bryant was listed at no. 9 by ESPN’s panel of experts, a ranking that Crawford took exception to.
Can't really honor any list Kobe isn't top 5…
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) May 13, 2020
Though Bryant’s inclusion in the prestigious list by one of the most reputable sports sites is quite an honor, his place among the league’s finest has often been a topic for heated discussions among fans, former players and media.
Here is the full list of ESPN’s top 10 players ever:
- Michael Jordan
- LeBron James
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Bill Russell
- Magic Johnson
- Wilt Chamberlain
- Larry Bird
- Tim Duncan
- Kobe Bryant
- Shaquille O’Neal
The Los Angeles Lakers have the most players on the list with six, including James, who is playing in his second season for the franchise. He is the only active player in the top 10.
Bryant has a case to be a top-five player because of his body of work encapsulated within a 20-year career.
He was an 18-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA team member, one-time MVP, two-time Finals MVP and five-time champion.
The Lakers retired two of his jersey numbers (No. 8 and 24) as a sign of honor to one of the greatest players in league history. Many consider him to be the greatest Laker of all time.
Bryant also earned an Oscar award for an animated short titled “Dear Basketball,” which was based on a poem he had written in 2015.