Former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Damon Jones strongly believes that many people overlook Kobe Bryant when discussing the NBA GOAT. In Jones’s view, the late Los Angeles Lakers great has undeniably demonstrated the skills and accomplishments necessary to be included in the prestigious conversation.
However, Jones also highlighted an important factor that contributes to this oversight. He noted that some fans and analysts are reluctant to give Bryant the recognition he deserves, largely due to his time playing alongside prime Shaquille O’Neal.
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Specifically, Jones pointed out that Kobe won his first three NBA championships and O’Neal was named Finals MVP every single time during that stretch. For Damon, this fact often leads people to discredit Bryant’s individual contributions and achievements, overshadowing his immense talent and work ethic.
“I don’t think his name is pushed to the side,” Jones, who played alongside LeBron James in Cleveland for three seasons, said on “The Jim Jackson Show” earlier this year. “I think some people have him in the conversation. I think if anything, and this is all subjective, I think with the five championships that he won, the first three, Shaq was Finals MVP and you know, at that particular time in his career, he [O’Neal] was the most dominant player in the league and I think if anybody says that he’s not a part of the conversation, it would probably be because of that but nothing else.”
“He had the work ethic, he had the skill, he had the footwork and he had the drive to want to win every single night he went out there and you know, he put the work in, so if anybody would say that you know, he’s not in Michael’s or LeBron’s stratosphere as far as greatest of all time, it would probably be because of those first three championships where Shaq won Finals MVP,” the 11-year NBA veteran continued.
Shaq thinks Kobe is being disrespected in GOAT convos
Indeed, O’Neal garnered a significant amount of attention and accolades during his time with Bryant in L.A. However, even “Diesel” himself firmly believes that Kobe deserves a prominent place in the NBA GOAT conversation. For Shaq, it is a clear disrespect to both Bryant and his remarkable legacy.
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Shaq once expressed his frustration over the subject, stating that it really angers him when his former co-star is not mentioned in the same breath as staple GOAT candidates Michael Jordan and LeBron.
“I find it quite disrespectful that they don’t bring Kobe’s name up,” the 2000 NBA MVP once opened up. “That kind of pisses me off how they just skip over him and say, ‘LeBron.’ I don’t understand that. Because I was there with him, and he was a bad motherf*cker, too.”
Kobe is the GOAT in his own right
Regardless of the opinions aired about Bryant’s illustrious career, one undeniable truth remains: there has never been and likely will never be, another player capable of replicating the legacy he has left behind.
Kobe’s unique blend of skill, determination and passion for the game set him apart from his peers, making his impact on the game truly unparalleled. His journey is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to inspire countless fans and aspiring athletes around the world.
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All told it’s only right that Shaq and Jones advocate for a broader understanding of Kobe’s legacy, encouraging others to recognize his pivotal role not only in the championships he won but also in raising the bar for future NBA stars.