The NBA is filled with many great legends throughout its illustrious history since it first formed officially in 1946. Many players of all shapes, sizes, personalities, and different styles of play have blessed millions of founds around the world across the decades of its rich history.
There are numerous greats throughout the history of basketball, but some stand out more than others, such as the late great Los Angeles Laker icon Kobe Bryant. Bryant was a global icon in basketball and sports, a symbol of the 21st century. He helped open up the century with a three-peat alongside Shaquille O'Neal.
He played his entire legendary career with the purple and gold, where he finished as a five-time champion, two-time Finals MVP, 2008 MVP, 18-time All-Star, a record (for a guard) 11-time All-NBA First Team selection, and 12 All-Defensive selections. He was the Michael Jordan for millennials and Gen Z that many aspired to be.
Despite all the great players in the league today's great accomplishments, there are levels to greatness when it comes to the pecking order of the pantheon of greats, like elevators in a building tower. There are levels to this
Bryant's indelible legacy, insatiable drive to win, and psychopathic work ethic set him apart from many of his peers in NBA history. With how much the game has grown with an absurd amount of talent of stars today, not many will surpass the legacy of the Lakers legend. Let's dive into which five stars will not surpass Bryant's legacy or all-time ranking.