Lakers: Constructing the Franchise’s Mount Rushmore

Kobe Bryant

Before I get started about the legacy that Kobe is leaving behind, let me explain that these are in no particular order. While some of these players may have been more influential than others, we are simply looking at the top four in Lakers history.

Anyways, Kobe Bryant, to many fans, is the greatest player to ever play. We can make the Michael Jordan argument for days, so let’s just forget that for one minute. For many Laker fans Kobe is their savior, his killer instinct, dead-eye jumper, and leadership epitomized Laker basketball. Without Kobe Bryant this Lakers dry spell may have been much longer, as he carried the franchise on his back ever since Shaq’s departure .

Bryant is the all-time Lakers leader in games played, points, steals, field goals, three-point field goals, etc. While it can be said that he also leads the Lakers in shot attempts by over 6000, that is a discussion for another day.

With five rings, one MVP, and 18 all-star appearances, Kobe may be the most decorated player to ever play in Los Angeles. While the Lakers’ over reliance on him is certainly hurting him now, his ability to hold the franchise on his back until he physically couldn’t shows that Kobe Bryant is the definition of being a Los Angeles Laker.