The ongoing debate about the greatest player in NBA history has primarily narrowed down to Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Jordan was long considered the consensus choice due to his six championships, ten scoring titles, and undefeated record in the NBA Finals. However, in recent years, an increasing number of people have argued that LeBron James deserves the title. This shift in opinion is evident in recent polls conducted by HoopsHype and The Athletic.

Nevertheless, one legendary player who often gets overlooked in this discussion is the late Kobe Bryant. Bryant led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships and achieved numerous individual accolades. His legacy and impact on the sport will never be forgotten.

Shaquille O’Neal, Bryant’s teammate during three of their championship runs, expressed his frustration with the GOAT debate on his podcast, emphasizing that Bryant’s name should be included alongside Jordan and James. O’Neal compared it to discussing the best luxury cars and failing to mention Mercedes alongside Lexus and BMW.

Many current NBA stars consider Bryant a significant influence and mentor. When Bryant, along with eight others, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in 2020, there was an overwhelming outpouring of grief and tributes to honor his accomplishments and the indelible mark he left on the world of sports.

This story was originally published on LeBron Wire.