Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers matching Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls
Throughout his entire career, there is one player that Kobe Bryant was compared to above all else. The GOAT himself, Michael Jeffrey Jordan.
To some, this was an unfair amount of pressure to put on a young player’s shoulders comparing him to the greatest player who ever lived.
To Kobe Bryant and his Mamba Mentality, this was a challenge and the gauntlet had been thrown down.
Kobe spent the rest of his basketball career working on perfecting his craft, doing everything he possibly could to use every drop of talent he possessed to be the best player he could be.
Like Jordan, Kobe Bryant’s intensity, will-power, and work ethic were unmatched.
Kobe was able to claim 5 rings during his legendary career, a feat that has not been matched by many players in NBA history, but knowing Kobe Bryant, while he rests in peace knowing that he won 5 rings, he would always want to have won more, the fire within him would have pushed him to want to win every season.
With Chris Paul on the roster, you can bet that the likelihood of Kobe winning one more ring and matching his idol would have been a real possibility.
With the vetoed trade, the Los Angeles Lakers organization was thrown into turmoil.
Odom became disillusioned with the franchise and lost trust in the organization. Pau Gasol was not pleased with the outcome but remained professional. However the Lakers spent the next few seasons trying to offload Gasol for a star and that soured the relationship between Gasol and the Lakers’ front office.
The 5 rings that Kobe Bryant earned for the Los Angeles Lakers will always hold a close place in the hearts of Lakers nation. He gave everything for this franchise and his blood, sweat, and tears will always be appreciated, fondly remembered, and idolized by not just fans of the Lakers but the entire NBA community.
Rest In Peace Mamba.