© Jonathan Daniel/Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesChicago Bulls’ legend Michael Jordan and Los Angeles Lakers’ veteran LeBron James.

Since Michael Jordan emerged as the NBA‘s dominant force, the debate over the league’s true GOAT has been relentless. The legendary Chicago Bulls star held lonely the crown for many years. However, the arrival and spectacular career of LeBron James introduced a serious contender. In a surprising twist, a former New York Knicks player recently weighed in with an unexpected choice, omitting both of these iconic figures.

“Yeah, Kobe (Bryant). And it’s not that I don’t know Michael Jordan. I was just eight years old, so me being a kid, being 12-13 and being able to feel the moments of Kobe Bryant winning Championships at the Staples Center. And being the part of that, that just hit home, that hit different for me,” Brandon Jennings, via All Facts No Brakes.

While Kobe Bryant might not always headline the GOAT conversations, his legacy within the NBA is nothing short of extraordinary. Over his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, he secured five championships and earned 18 All-Star selections. Beyond the accolades, his “Mamba Mentality” became a hallmark of the team’s culture, epitomizing his fierce dedication and competitive edge.

Bryant’s scoring ability was a constant throughout his career, with an impressive streak of maintaining a scoring average above 20 points per game for 14 consecutive seasons. Across 1,346 games, he amassed career averages of 25 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. These stats solidify his place among the franchise’s legends, standing shoulder to shoulder with icons like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson.

Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers.

Not only Jennings but also Allen Iverson believes that excluding Kobe Bryant from the GOAT debate is meaningless. “When you think Mike is the greatest, which he is, but then, Kobe Bryant come along. Then you got LeBron James. I get kind of upset at times when people talk about the comparison of LeBron and Mike. And I’m like, ‘damn.’ People kind of forget (about Bryant)...Nobody’s talking about The Mamba when comparing who’s the best that ever played?,” he said, via Hoop Genius.

Allen Iverson does not aim to elevate Kobe Bryant above Michael Jordan; rather, he strives to honor his often underappreciated legacy in the GOAT debate. It is no small achievement to shine on a roster featuring the likes of Shaquille O’Neal at his peak. Not only did Kobe accomplish it but also dominated the scene, solidifying his status as a franchise icon.