Kobe's PPG average was very similar from 1999-2002 as it was between 2008-2010. They also essentially averaged the same amount of points during 1999-2002, so I am not sure where you get this idea from that Shaq was way better thank Kobe. Shaq also only averaged about 3 assists per game during his time with the Lakers, so it's not like he was a great passing big man once the double team came. Also, he was a huge liability at the free throw line his entire career.


So, you say "The answer is Shaq every time". I don't agree with you, and neither do the stats.

Kind of a pointless argument because they both needed each other with Kobe to close out games and Shaq to dominate in the finals but if you want to use stats we can.


Shaq 2000 finals stats: 38 points 16.7 rebounds 2.3 assists and 2.7 blocks


Shaq 2001 finals stats: 33 points 15.8 rebounds 4.8 assists 3.4 blocks


Shaq 2002 finals stats: 36 points 12.3 rebounds 3.8 assists 2.8 blocks.


One of the most dominant stretches in NBA history by Shaq,he needed Kobe at times to close out games or beat the Pacers,and Kobe got better each year but Shaq was the best player in the league during those years.

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Kobe with 60 in final game. Amazing.

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Kobe with 60 in final game. Amazing.

 

and it only took him 50 shots  ..... LOL

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and it only took him 50 shots  ..... LOL

 

It was his final game and his team is horrific. Game 82 isn't exactly the time or place to create shots for your teammates. Enjoy it!

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and it only took him 50 shots  ..... LOL

He hit the go ahead shot and iced the game.

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He hit the go ahead shot and iced the game.

 

Nice consolation for holding the team hostage for 2 years with his $24m per year salary

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Nice consolation for holding the team hostage for 2 years with his $24m per year salary

 

LA and NY are no longer the NBA destinations they used to be. Both have been so bad for so long they have lost that aura about them. 

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LA and NY are no longer the NBA destinations they used to be. Both have been so bad for so long they have lost that aura about them. 

 

So true ... applies to the NFL as well.

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and it only took him 50 shots  ..... LOL

 

44% from the field isn't bad for a guard

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and it only took him 50 shots  ..... LOL

Watching the game, Kobe looked like he was in his prime at the end of the game when he was almost completely out of gas.  It was good to see him go out on a high note.

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Never argue with idiots. They drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

It was crazy to see Kobe take over like in his prime in his last game

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In this what have you done for me lately era of sports, it's hard to remember just how good the Black Mamba was in his prime.

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Yep, I can't stand him.

 

Ball hog, gunner, and the ultimate me-me-me player.  Couldn't stand sharing billing with Shaq when he was in LA.

 

Not to mention his off-the-court antics.

 

What's not to love?

 

Pretty much.

 

Steph Curry FTW...

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"You do your own thing in your own time. You should be proud."

Kobe is no Michael Jordan.

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Kobe is no Michael Jordan.

This is always the stock argument to bash Kobe. He isn't MJ, but it does not take away from his greatness.

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As die hard Laker fan since the 80's, you did good Kobe. What a great career.

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Kobe is no Michael Jordan.

 

He's just a kid who had an unusually long career because of entering very young.

 

This is the most (positive) memorable thing about Kobe:

 

Rookie season:  Jordan and the Bulls set the win record.

 

Retiring season: Curry and the Warriors set the win record.

 

He book-ended two legendary teams led by legendary players.

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"You do your own thing in your own time. You should be proud."

He's just a kid who had an unusually long career because of entering very young.


This is the most (positive) memorable thing about Kobe:


Rookie season: Jordan and the Bulls set the win record.


Retiring season: Curry and the Warriors set the win record.


He book-ended two legendary teams led by legendary players.

And in between that he managed to win 5 championships.

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He's just a kid who had an unusually long career because of entering very young.

 

This is the most (positive) memorable thing about Kobe:

 

Rookie season:  Jordan and the Bulls set the win record.

 

Retiring season: Curry and the Warriors set the win record.

 

He book-ended two legendary teams led by legendary players.

 

I just read an article where the number of shots that he has missed all time, would still rank in the top 100 of shots attempted,  And that was as of the end of the 2014/2015 season.

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Kobes prime was during a time when NBA stars could still create their own shots without needing 5 picks set.


The good old days!

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