Kobe Bryant Solidifies His Place Among All-Time Greats

Love him or hate him, Kobe Bryant has truly solidified his spot among the best players ever to lace them up and play basketball. The Los Angeles Lakers’ star guard led the franchise to the 2008-09 NBA championship on Sunday night with a decisive Game 5 victory, 99-86, over the Orlando Magic in central Florida.

Don’t think that Kobe didn’t take it personal that people were trying to throw salt on his three prior NBA championships (won with Shaquille O’Neal). He turned the hate into desire that propelled him toward this championship and turned him into the kind of leader who helped mold a talented group of players into a championship team.

Congratulations to Bryant (MVP of the Finals), who I contend is the best player in basketball today and to Coach Phil Jackson, who set an NBA record winning his 10th championship as a head coach.