Former NBA star Kobe Bryant dedicated his entire 20-year career to the Los Angeles Lakers, leaving a mark on the sport before his tragic death in a helicopter crash in 2020. While he may not always be the first name mentioned in GOAT debates, Bryant’s influence on basketball is unquestionable.
Recently, former NBA star Magic Johnson suggested that Bryant’s name would be more frequently included in the GOAT discussion if he were still alive. After his take, another former NBA star, Rashad McCants, also voiced his support for Johnson, sharing his appreciation for Bryant’s legacy.
“Ok. If I can’t say it. Then I know this guy can. So there are now two guys higher up than me that believes what I believe. Shaq and Magic!!!! Everyone else can do what???? You guessed it!!!! Move tf Around!!!!!” McCants posted on X.
However, many NBA fans disagreed with Johnson and McCants’ claims. They felt that the former players were letting their emotions cloud their judgment instead of relying on statistical evidence.
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Some fans pointed out that Bryant had already retired in 2016, years before his tragic passing. As a result, these critics dismissed Johnson’s and McCants’ opinions as unrealistic and based more on sentimentality than on actual basketball performance.
LeBron James and Magic Johnson Celebrate Kobe Bryant’s Legacy on His 46th Birthday
Kobe Bryant would have celebrated his 46th birthday on August 23, 2024. LeBron James joined the tributes by retweeting a post from the Los Angeles Lakers on X, commemorating Bryant’s birthday.
Another former Lakers star, Magic Johnson honored Bryant with a special birthday message.
“Happy heavenly birthday to the 5x NBA Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, Oscar and Academy Award Winner, and my friend Kobe Bryant! We all miss you, but your legacy lives on with us forever,” Johnson wrote in an X post.
Bryant retired in 2016 after a stellar career, during which he won five NBA championships and was named an 18-time All-Star. Even after his passing, Bryant’s influence on the game and the lives he touched remain as strong as ever.
Also Read: VIDEO: Jalen Brunson Gets Real On Lakers Legend Kobe Bryant’s Influence On Players And Fans.
