LeBron James comparisons with Kobe and Jordan often spark passionate debates, and former Lakers teammate Danny Green recently shared his perspective on ranking these basketball legends. Speaking on the All The Smoke podcast, Green ranked Michael Jordan first, then LeBron James, followed by Kobe Bryant, explaining the reasoning behind this order based on skill and legacy.
Green, asked to evaluate the three players, called Jordan his GOAT (Greatest of All Time) but emphasized James’ unparalleled career achievements by stating,
“My GOAT is MJ. I think Bron [James] has had the greatest career of all time. I’ll go one and two – MJ and then Bron.”
Delving into why Kobe came in third, Green recalled that he once viewed Bryant as a mere imitator of Jordan, saying,
“It’s tough to put Kob three because, I think, as a young kid, I always liked Mike so much, I thought Kob was just the imitation of Mike.”
He clarified his feelings by adding,
“I wouldn’t say I hated on him, but I appreciated him more once I got to the league, playing against him. And then seeing years, how many years he’s played, and then after, of seeing how his mind worked, and his footwork, unbelievable.”
Green further described Kobe’s skills as superior in some respects, highlighting his intricate footwork and mental approach. He said,
“I think he, probably, is the most skilled out of all three. Mike was just – He did one move, you ain’t stopping it. I’m going to keep doing it. I’m going to shoot 60% doing it. I’m going to the free-throw line. Kob is probably the most skilled out of those three.”
Kobe Bryant’s reputation as one of the most technically gifted players aligns with this view. Known widely as a relentless student of the game, Bryant meticulously honed his skills throughout his career, developing a deep understanding of basketball’s subtle nuances. This dedication earned him a legacy as a basketball savant, even if he is sometimes overshadowed by frequent comparisons to Jordan.
Such comparisons began early in Kobe’s career, as many noticed his style closely mirrored Jordan’s, including details like the iconic tongue-out expression during intense moments. While their career paths differed, Bryant firmly secured his place among the all-time greats through his consistent excellence, posting career averages of 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game.
Michael Jordan’s legendary career, fueled by his dominance in the NBA Finals and inspiring countless athletes, is a standard by which many measure greatness. As the centerpiece of the Chicago Bulls’ 1990s dynasty, Jordan’s influence extends far beyond statistics, earning him GOAT recognition among a wide audience.
Comparing LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan remains a complex challenge. Each player excelled in distinct ways: Jordan with unrivaled success, Kobe with extraordinary skill and work ethic, and LeBron with versatility and career longevity. This ongoing debate continues to engage fans and analysts alike, reflecting the deep admiration and diverse talents of all three stars.
Danny Green’s View on the Lakers’ Championship Prospects With the Current Team
Beyond his reflections on basketball greats, Danny Green has expressed doubt about the Los Angeles Lakers’ ability to secure a championship with the current roster. While his comments on the team’s prospects have sparked discussion, they also underscore the ever-changing nature of NBA competition and the need for strategic adjustments to remain contenders in a demanding league.