Kobe Bryant Reveals His List of Top 5 Greatest Lakers of All Time, Sparking Debate Among Fans and NBA Analysts

In a moment that electrified Lakers Nation and stirred up passionate debate across the NBA world, the late Kobe Bryant’s personal list of the five greatest Los Angeles Lakers of all time was posthumously revealed during a special segment of an upcoming documentary celebrating the Lakers dynasty. The list, which Bryant reportedly shared in an archived interview years before his tragic passing in 2020, offers rare insight into the Mamba’s deep understanding of Lakers history and his reverence for the legends who wore the purple and gold.

The five names Kobe selected—Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, Shaquille O’Neal, and himself—form a Mount Rushmore of Lakers greatness. Each of these icons helped shape the franchise’s championship legacy and global identity. However, as is often the case in sports debates involving “greatest of all time” lists, Bryant’s choices have ignited waves of reaction from fans, former players, and analysts alike.

Kobe’s Top 5: A Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at each of Kobe’s picks and what they meant to the franchise—and to him personally.

1. Magic Johnson

Lakers Career: 1979–1991, 1996
Championships: 5 (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
Stats: 19.5 PPG, 11.2 APG, 7.2 RPG

Kobe had always maintained that Magic Johnson was the standard-bearer of Lakers excellence. The “Showtime” orchestrator was not only a five-time NBA champion but also the face of one of the most glamorous and dominant eras in NBA history. Magic’s charisma, court vision, and leadership helped elevate the Lakers to a global brand.

Kobe often spoke about how he admired Magic’s ability to make his teammates better while still maintaining his own competitive fire. It’s no surprise that Johnson was the first name on his list.

2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Lakers Career: 1975–1989
Championships: 5 (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
Stats: 22.1 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 2.5 BPG (with Lakers)

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer until recently, Kareem’s skyhook remains the most unstoppable move in basketball history. His consistency, dominance in the paint, and stoic presence made him a pillar of Lakers success throughout the 1980s.

Kobe always respected longevity and excellence—qualities Kareem embodied. While their personalities were vastly different, their dedication to greatness aligned.

3. Jerry West

Lakers Career: 1960–1974
Championships: 1 (1972)
Stats: 27.0 PPG, 6.7 APG, 5.8 RPG

Though West played in an era long before Kobe’s time, his influence on the Lakers organization spans decades—as a player, executive, and even logo of the NBA. Kobe recognized West not only for his on-court excellence but also for his instrumental role in bringing him to the Lakers as a teenager.

West drafted Bryant in 1996 and orchestrated the trade that brought Shaquille O’Neal to L.A., laying the foundation for the three-peat dynasty. Including him was a nod to both history and personal gratitude.

4. Shaquille O’Neal

Lakers Career: 1996–2004
Championships: 3 (2000, 2001, 2002)
Stats: 27.0 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 2.5 BPG

While their relationship was famously complicated, Kobe and Shaq’s dominance together is undeniable. The three-peat from 2000 to 2002 marked one of the most physically imposing and statistically dominant runs in NBA history. Kobe often credited Shaq’s size and skill for easing his own transition into NBA stardom.

Including Shaq was a recognition of their shared success and mutual impact on each other’s careers, even if their partnership eventually frayed.

5. Kobe Bryant

Lakers Career: 1996–2016
Championships: 5 (2000–2002, 2009, 2010)
Stats: 25.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.7 APG

Of course, Kobe included himself. Known for his unshakable confidence and relentless work ethic, Bryant was never shy about his place in history. He spent 20 years with one franchise, won five titles, and became the Lakers’ all-time leading scorer. His influence on Lakers culture, global brand appeal, and player development transcended mere statistics.

His inclusion on the list was less about ego and more about legacy. Few have done more for the Lakers—on and off the court—than Kobe Bryant.

Fans React: Praise and Pushback

Reactions to Kobe’s list were swift and spirited. Many praised the selections as a perfect blend of Lakers history, honoring both the pioneers and modern legends. Others questioned the omission of players like Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, James Worthy, and Pau Gasol.

On social media, fans debated who should have made the cut:

• @LakersLegacy: “Kobe nailed it. These are the guys who put the Lakers on the map and kept them there.”

• @BasketballNostalgia: “No Baylor? No Gasol? It’s a solid list, but it could’ve gone deeper.”

• @NBAHotTakes: “LeBron’s already done enough in L.A. to deserve a mention, hasn’t he?”

The beauty—and challenge—of any “greatest” list is that it invites debate. What is indisputable, however, is that all five players Kobe named left indelible marks on the organization.

LeBron James Responds

Interestingly, LeBron James, who joined the Lakers in 2018 and helped secure the 2020 championship, responded to the list with respect and humility.

“Those guys are legends,” LeBron said during a media availability session. “I’m just honored to be mentioned in the same breath as them. Kobe was one of a kind. If that’s his list, I respect it fully.”

James’ response diffused any suggestion that he felt snubbed and reinforced the unity among generations of Lakers stars.

The Broader Impact of Kobe’s List

Beyond the immediate buzz, Kobe Bryant’s list serves as a reminder of the legacy-driven nature of Lakers basketball. The franchise is built on more than just wins—it’s about stars, storytelling, and setting standards. Bryant’s selections reflect a mixture of elite talent, leadership, loyalty, and influence.

Each player he chose helped define an era. Together, they form a timeline of Lakers greatness that stretches from the 1960s to the 2010s.

Kobe Bryant’s list of the five greatest Lakers is more than just a subjective ranking—it’s a legacy statement. It reflects his reverence for history, his deep ties to the franchise, and his understanding of what it means to wear the Lakers jersey.

As the NBA continues to evolve and new stars rise, debates like these will continue to shape the conversation around greatness. But one thing is clear: when Kobe Bryant speaks—or is remembered as speaking—basketball listens.

And when it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers, no voice carries more weight than the Mamba’s.