9. Kobe’s 12x All-NBA Defensive teams to Jordan’s 9x
8. Kobe’s 11x All-NBA 1st team to Jordan’s 10x
Nov 18, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers fans react after Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) makes a basket as Atlanta Hawks guard
Jeff Teague(0) is shown on the play in the fourth quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Lakers won 114-109. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Another case of longevity as well as sustained success, Bryant’s 12 All-NBA 1st team selections is incredibly impressive. In total, Bryant has been named to one of the three All-NBA teams 15 times in his 18 years (not counting this season). If you consider his selection to the All-Rookie team his first year, then that takes the number to 16 of 18.
Bryant also takes a knock defensive when comparing him to Jordan, but few players were better in their prime. When Bryant was at his best, he was locking down the best player on the opposing team, no questions asked. Dating back to the 2008 Olympics, it was Bryant who asked Coach Mike Krzyzewski to defend each team’s best player to take them out of the game.
To maintain the level as one of the NBA’s best players in the league for 15 seasons is a testament to the dedication of Bryant. While Bryant may not reach that level of first team All-NBA status, he’s already stamped his name, and this right here is as good an example of that.
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