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Lakers Top Ten: Who’s the best player in franchise history?

By Keith Rivas

Dec 30, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) walks off the court during the second half of a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) walks off the court during the second half of a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kobe Bryant

Feb 6, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers small forward Kobe Bryant (24) gestures after hitting a three point shot during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers small forward Kobe Bryant (24) gestures after hitting a three point shot during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

We all known how Kobe Bryant went out last season — the only way he knew how.

With the Lakers not in the running for the post-season, Bryant’s last ooh rah came against Utah in 60-point performance.

It was fitting for the latest Lakers legend, who announced his retirement on his own terms through the player-oriented publication The Players’ Tribune.

Bryant leads the team in a plethora of categories, including games and minutes played. He also owns the team record for most free throw attempts and most free throws made.

The reason he comes in at number three instead of the second or top spot on this list is simple — his ego hurt him later in his career.

Last season, the Lakers were the definition, possible even the re-definition, of a train wreck.

Byron Scott didn’t help when he put an aging Kobe Bryant ahead of a young core trying to make the organization stay on top of its game.

It was evident in the last few seasons that Bryant was mainly worried about himself, not so much the players around him.

He’s expected to easily be a first ballot Hall of Fame player when he’s up for induction.

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