Mamba Forever (Kobe's Legacy)

January 26, 2020 will forever be a day that you will remember where you were when you received the painful news. This is the day that we lost not only a Basketball Icon, but a Cultural Icon. I had just gotten out of Church and took a nap when I got the call about his death. When my sister told me about it, I thought it was one of those terrible Internet hoaxes where people make up news about someone's death. I thought the Internet made up a sick joke about Kobe being dead so that he could come back and say "I'm still here!". Sadly, that never happened as I checked Google to confirm the truth. Come to find out, this was the sad reality as multiple reports from TMZ, ABC News and others showed up as my results. Then, I went to Social Media (Instagram, Twitter, etc) to find my World crashing down. The most painful words that I could read were true (Kobe Bean Bryant, dead at the age of 41. 1978-2020). There have been deaths that hit very hard before (Michael Jackson, Prince, Macho Man Randy Savage, Nipsey Hussle to name a few) but NONE like this. Here was a death that hit me harder than a hit from Thor's Hammer, Mjolnir. Kobe's Career has spanned 20 years. TWENTY YEARS!! That has been the span of most of my life. His Career spans different stages of my life. From Elementary School, Middle School, High School and Adulthood. When talking about someone who is a Generational Hero, Kobe definitely fits that mold. Kobe was drafted in 1996, when I was 7 years old. I had just moved from Washington, DC to Lanham, MD and started going to Catherine T. Reed Elementary. His debut ran parallel with my debut at a new School in a new County. Kobe's beginnings did not get off to a rocket start, but rather a rocky start. He was not the brightest star coming out of that legendary 1996 draft, instead it was Allen Iverson. However, Kobe worked through his rookie learning curve and showed flashes of what would make him great later on. Even though his numbers did not immediately show it, Kobe drew early comparisons to his predecessor, His Airness Michael Jordan. The parallels were so strong that Kobe was voted as a Starter for the West in the 1998 All-Star Game, only his SECOND season. This was a testament of the great potential that Kobe would soon fulfill as he held his own against Jordan to show how hungry he was to reach that level of greatness. Obviously, Jordan himself as well as the world were all highly impressed. The impact of this would be felt the following year as Bryant was officially inserted into the Lakers starting lineup. After the bitter humiliation of a sweep at the hands of the Spurs, the Lakers needed a much needed change in leadership and scenery. The 1999-2000 season was the breaking of a new day in Los Angeles. The Lakers fired Del Harris and hired legendary Coach Phil Jackson as the Lakers moved into the Staples Center to start a new journey. The change was evident as the Lakers dominant presence was felt throughout the season. With Shaq as the MVP and Kobe as a rising star in the sidekick role, the Lakers marched through the season with a 67-15 record on their way to their first NBA Championship in 12 seasons. Kobe had his greatest impact in the WCF Game 7 when he delivered the Game-winning alleyoop to Shaq to secure the win over the Blazers to make it to the Finals. In the Finals, Kobe's 26 points and 10 rebounds were another sign of his evident breakout into being a bigger star. That impact would lead into the following 2000-2001 season as Bryant would play a much larger role. That season, he averaged at that time, a career-high 28.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 5.0 apg, which placed him even closer to Shaq as O'Neal averaged 28.7 ppg. Even though the Lakers finished the season 56-26, they rose their level of play higher than ever in the playoffs with an incredible 15-1 record. At this point, not only was Kobe closing the gap with Shaq, but he was also closing the gap with rival and league MVP Allen Iverson. Their history goes back to the '96 Draft as Iverson was drafted as 1st Overall while Bryant was the 13th Overall pick. This and the MVP award would be the much needed fuel that Kobe needed for his unquenchable competitive fire as he locked his eyes on Iverson as his next target. To add even more fuel, AI became a star in Kobe's hometown which escalated things. Fast forward to the 2001 Finals and the Lakers would destroy the 76ers in a "Gentlemen's sweep", winning their 2nd straight title 4-1. Shaq was Finals MVP once again, but Kobe zeroed in on Iverson as his defensive assignment. Bryant would continue to have the last laugh as he dominated Iverson and the East in the 2002 All-Star Game with 31 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Allen had no answer for the Black Mamba on that night.

The Lakers would continue their reign of dominance into the playoffs. After defeating the Kings in a gruesome 7 Game Series, the Lakers would obliterate the New Jersey Nets in a 4-game sweep. By this point, Bryant established himself even more as Michael Jordan's heir apparent as he cemented himself as the premiere Shooting Guard in the NBA. For years, Shaq and Kobe were called the Batman and Robin of the NBA. After the three-peat, Bryant transitioned from Robin to Nightwing as he made his first of 11 All-NBA 1st Team selections. This was also the season where Kobe got rid of the Fro and went with the short cut that he has had for the rest of his career. I even got my haircut just like his, to the point where my Mom said for years that I favored him. To hear your Mom tell you that you resemble your favorite Basketball star can be a huge boost. In 2002-2003, the Lakers would notice a shift in leadership as Kobe became the focal point of the Lakers offense. That season, he led the league in total points for the first time out of four different seasons with a total of 2,461. Bryant also led the league in field goals made with 868 on the way to averaging 30 ppg for the first time in his career. However, the Lakers fell short of winning their fourth straight championship at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs. The Summer of 2003 would begin a LONG Season for Kobe and would change his image in ways never seen before. Kobe was dealing with a sexual assault allegation that would cause him to miss much of the 2003-2004 Season as the Lakers added future Hall of Famers, Karl Malone and Gary Payton. The turmoil between Kobe and Shaq would reach its breaking point this season. Even though the Lakers made it to the Finals, the Pistons would conquer this Superteam 4-1. Shaq's time in Los Angeles would come to an end as he was traded to the Miami Heat. As a Lakers fan, this was the end of an era but I knew that it was inevitable. In a post-Shaq era, Kobe would undergo a transformation with his image and his game. He even got a tattoo as a sign that he would take on more of an edge as a player. This would also be a time where Bryant would go through a maturation phase as a man as well. During this phase, he also changed his number (more on that later). This coincided with my time in High School as I was making my own adjustments physically and socially. Just like Kobe, I was going through my own growing pains in an uncertain time. Kobe had the platform that he had been waiting for his whole career and he carried that team the best that he knew how to with what little that he had. However, life after Shaq was not very easy in that stage of his career. However, the highlights would be when Bryant led the league in scoring (points, ppg) for the first time in his career with an average of 35.4 ppg in 2006. The signature game of that season was when Kobe scored 81 points as the Lakers defeated the Raptors. Bryant also had a game against the Mavericks where he scored 62 points in 3 quarters. Kobe's brilliance was on full display as he became the centerpiece of the team. After that 2006 Season, Kobe would continue his identity change as he changed his number from 8 to 24. This symbolized not only that he wanted to win more than Jordan, but 8x3=24. That means that Kobe wanted to be 3 times the player that he was before, as it also meant to me that he was paying tribute to winning three straight rings with number 8. Kobe was turning over a new leaf. The biggest takeaway from this was also how determined Kobe was to surpass Shaq on the rings list after he saw Diesel win a ring in Miami with his new Tag-Team partner, Dwyane Wade. For me, it was like watching Andy exchange Woody for Buzz Lightyear. We also saw the return of the Zen Master Phil Jackson back on the Lakers sidelines. Kobe wanted to prove to Shaq and the rest of the world that they should NEVER count him out. This is what fed the Black Mamba even more. Knowing that Shaq's best years were behind him, I knew that Kobe would surpass him when all was said and done because he had much more in the tank. The Black Mamba's first season with number 24 was 2006-2007, when he averaged 31.6 ppg to secure his last scoring title. New number, same beast. Unfortunately, that did not translate into team success as there were talks of a possible trade. Little did we know that the only trade that would happen would be Kwame Brown going to Memphis in exchange for Paul Gasol. The Lakers would also draft Andrew Bynum while picking up some other key pieces to build a championship contender. In 2007-2008, we would witness Kobe's first and only MVP Season as he averaged 28.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 5.4 apg en route to winning this much deserved Award while the Lakers were on the mission for another trophy. However, the Boston Celtics were finally resurrected after free agent Hall of Famers Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen joined Paul Pierce to form a three-headed green monster. Ultimately, this rivalry was destined to be reborn as the Lakers and Celtics collided in another Finals battle for the first time in 21 years (Lakers won in 1987). However, as a Lakers fan I knew that Boston had too much firepower and momentum to let this slide through their fingers. The Celtics would defeat the Lakers 4-2 in the Finals with Paul Pierce winning Finals MVP. After that painful loss, Kobe and the Lakers went back to the drawing board to regroup. This proved to be a very interesting and pivotal time. As Shaq was rapidly declining, Kboe was shaping his legacy to cement himself among Basketball Immortals while also racing to move past his former teammate in the rings Department. Kobe would win back to back Championships in 2009 & 2010 as the Alpha Dog leader that he worked so hard to become. Ironically, Kobe won his fourth ring in '09 by destroying Shaq's original squad, the Orlando Magic 4-1. The Black Mamba would get the last laugh on Shaq Diesel as well as the Celtics by winning his fifth and final ring by defeating Boston in 2010. Bryant would also win back to back Finals MVPs in those series. From that point, there would be no question that Kobe became the 2nd Greatest Shooting Guard in NBA History right next to his predecessor, Michael Jordan. That fifth championship unquestionably placed Kobe in the Pantheon of Greatness, making him one of the illustrious Top 10 Players to ever play the sport. Shaq even joined the Celtics to ring chase, but fell short. After winning his fifth ring and the Lakers 16th Championship, Kobe never made it back to that stage. However, he still played at the highest level possible even through injuries while still making All-Star Games (winning his last ASG MVP in 2011). Along the way, Kobe finally surpassed his hero MJ in Career Total Points in 2013.

Bryant enjoyed the greatest final regular season game that anybody could ever have when he scored 60 points to defeat the Utah Jazz in 2016. Kobe enjoyed the honor of having both number 8 and 24 retired by the Lakers. Now, whenever someone turns 24 they say that they are entering their "Kobe year". Dave Chappelle even had a skit where he was shooting something in the trash and said "Kobe". Even Undertaker did the same thing in his "Last Ride" Documentary. These are signs that you have transcended into popular culture and have grown beyond the sport. Life outside of Basketball was just heating up for Kobe as he won an Oscar for his Movie "Dear Basketball". It was his love letter to a Sport that he loved and gave so much to as it gave so much back to him. He even made the cover of NBA 2k17 for the Legend Edition. Now, here is where we tragically come full circle to the year that rocked my World as a Basketball fan. The tributes for Kobe were flooding left and right in many ways, from t-shirts, signs, etc. The Hall of Fame Class of 2020 has become the strongest collectively that I have ever seen with Kobe, KG and Tim Duncan as the headliners. Now, NBA 2k21 has paid tribute with an exclusive Mamba Edition in honor of Basketball's National Treasure. Kobe's legacy is unparalleled because of his decorated career and impact. Mamba Mentality has become part of our lexicon because it represents the idea of working hard and diligently to become the very best version of ourselves. Kobe worked in ways behind the scenes to give back to the Community of Los Angeles after being their Champion and Superhero on the court for 20 years. He was also an advocate for Women's Basketball while supporting the WNBA. His foundation even donated $1 Million to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. This made me even MORE of his fan. Kobe's imprint is too large to be overlooked or replaced. I think LA Sparks Power Forward/ESPN Analyst Chiney Ogwumike said it best when she said, "Kobe was the biggest ally that we ever had for us 80's and 90's babies who grew up watching and idolizing his game, he was everything. That perfect combination of loyal to his city, winning multiple championships, fierce competitor and most important, human." I couldn't have said it any better. Mamba Out!

Greatest Finals MVP Performances in NBA History

This list is Specifically for Players that have won Finals MVP:

1. Michael Jordan (1993)
Opponent: Phoenix Suns
Result: Bulls over Suns, 4-2
Finals Stats:
PPG: 41.0
RPG: 8.5
APG: 6.3
SPG: 1.7
BPG: 0.7
FG%: 51%
FT%: 69.4%
3PT%: 40%

2. Shaquille O'Neal (2000)
Opponent: Indiana Pacers
Result: Lakers over Pacers, 4-2
Finals Stats:
PPG: 38.0
RPG: 16.7
APG: 2.3
BPG: 2.7
SPG: 1.0
FG%: 61.1%
FT%: 38.7%

3. Shaquille O'Neal (2002)
Opponent: New Jersey Nets
Result: Lakers over Nets, 4-0
Finals Stats:
PPG: 36.3
RPG: 12.3
APG: 3.8
SPG: 0.5
BPG: 2.8
FG%: 59.5%%
FT%: 66.2%

4. Magic Johnson (1987)
Opponent: Boston Celtics
Result: Lakers over Celtics, 4-2
Finals Stats:
PPG: 26.2
RPG: 8.0
APG: 13.0
SPG: 2.3
BPG: 0.3
FG%: 54.1%
FT%: 96%
3PT%: 50%

5. Shaquille O'Neal (2001)
Opponent: Philadelphia 76ers
Result: Lakers over Sixers, 4-1
Finals Stats:
PPG: 33.0
RPG: 15.8
APG: 4.8
SPG: 0.4
BPG: 3.4
FG%: 57%
FT%: 51%

6. Michael Jordan (1991)
Opponent: Los Angeles Lakers
Result: Bulls over Lakers 4-1
Finals Stats:
PPG: 31.2
RPG: 6.6
APG: 11.4
SPG: 2.8
BPG: 1.4
FG%: 55%
FT%: 85%
3PT%: 50%

7. LeBron James (2016)
Opponent: Golden State Warriors
Result: Cavaliers over Warriors, 4-3
Finals Stats:
PPG: 29.7
RPG: 11.3
APG: 8.9
BPG: 2.3
SPG: 2.6
FG%: 49.4%
FT%: 72.1%
3PT% 37.1%

8. Jerry West (1969)
Opponent: Boston Celtics
Result: Celtics over Lakers, 4-3
Finals Stats:
PPG: 37.9
RPG: 4.7
APG: 7.4
FG%: 49%
FT%: 84%

9. Magic Johnson (1980)
Opponent: Philadelphia 76ers
Result: Lakers over Sixers, 4-2
Finals Stats:
PPG: 21.5
RPG: 11.2
APG: 8.7
BPG: 0.3
SPG: 2.7
FG%: 57.3%
FT%: 87.5%

10. Michael Jordan (1992)
Opponent: Portland Trailblazers
Result: Bulls over Blazers, 4-2
Finals Stats:
PPG: 35.8
RPG: 4.8
APG: 6.5
SPG: 1.7
BPG: 0.3
FG%: 52.6%
FT%: 89.1%
3PT%: 43%

11. Dwyane Wade (2006)
Opponent: Dallas Mavericks
Result: Heat over Mavericks, 4-2
Finals Stats:
PPG: 34.7
RPG: 7.8
APG: 3.8
SPG: 2.7
BPG: 1.0
FG%: 46.8%
FT%: 77.3%
3PT%: 27.3%

12. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1971)
Opponent: Baltimore Bullets
Result: Bucks over Bullets, 4-0
Finals Stats:
PPG: 27.0
RPG: 18.5
APG: 2.8
FG%: 60.5%
FT%: 76.2%

13. Larry Bird (1984)
Opponent: Los Angeles Lakers
Result: Celtics over Lakers, 4-3
Finals Stats:
PPG: 27.4
RPG: 14.0
APG: 3.6
SPG: 2.1
BPG: 1.1
FG%: 48.4%
FT%: 84.2%
3PT%: 66.7%

14. Hakeem Olajuwon (1995)
Opponent: Orlando Magic
Result: Rockets over Magic, 4-0
Finals Stats:
PPG: 32.8
RPG: 11.5
APG: 5.5
BPG: 2.0
SPG: 2.0
FG%: 48.3%
FT%: 69.2%
3PT%: 1.000%

15. Moses Malone (1983)
Opponent: Los Angeles Lakers
Result: Sixers over Lakers, 4-0
Finals Stats:
PPG: 25.8
RPG: 18.0
APG: 2.0
BPG: 1.5
SPG: 1.5
FG%: 50.7%
FT%: 66.0%

Honorable Mention: Tim Duncan (2003), Kobe Bryant (2009), LeBron James (2012), Larry Bird (1986), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1985)

The Legacy of Kobe Bryant

An NBA Legend has announced his retirement. Now, Kobe Bryant is on his farewell tour after 20 storied NBA Seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant has been one of the most polarizing and influential stars in NBA History. On one side, you have those who love and adore him for his brilliance on the court along with his many accolades (5 rings, 2 Finals MVP's, etc). On another side, there are those who revile him like a classic wrestling villain such as Ric Flair for a number of reasons. There are fans that don't like his imitations of MJ (another story), his selfishness, his scandal from Colorado and how he was the main reason for Shaquille O'Neal being forced out of LA. Then, you have those in the middle who look for a fine line to draw between his greatness as a player and his frosty attitude.

No matter what, Kobe Bryant was a player made for the spotlight as he has created a fan base that is similar to a cult like following. Although Kobe is heavily criticized for his direct imitation of His Airness, he has also carved his very own unique place among NBA History. From the time that he first became a starter for the Lakers in 1998-99, Kobe has evolved tremendously into a more complete all-around player. As we all know, Shaq was Batman in Hollywood for the Lakers while Kobe was Robin. Eventually, Kobe transformed into Nightwing. Just like Dick Grayson, Kobe turned on the Leader of the Dynamic Duo. As we know, the rest is history. Bryant went through his share of turmoil in those three years without Shaq before the Lakers poached Pau Gasol out of Memphis as Bryant desperately needed a new Big Man to take some of the weight off of him. Bryant would later win two more championships, but this time as the leader of the pack. Even though Shaq was the leading cause of most of Kobe's championships, Bryant has transformed into a true alpha dog star in his own right. Many have argued that Kobe should have more than 1 MVP Award. Even Shaq himself believes that Kobe should have more MVP's along with himself. Instead, Steve Nash has two, but that's none of my business.

Kobe is currently third all-time in Career Total Points, as he is the only player to ever play 20 Seasons for one NBA Franchise. Kareem spent his first 6 Seasons in Milwaukee before playing 14 Seasons in the Lakers Purple and Gold. Bryant holds many team records from points, minutes, games, steals, etc. Bryant's hand prints are all over the teams record books. His longevity is remarkable along with his fearlessness and competitive will to win. His resume, track record and persona have all kept him among the elite for many years. Over the course of his career, Kobe has practically reinvented himself. When you talk about legends that defined their generation and transcend history, Kobe's name is in that discussion. Next to Tim Duncan and Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant is one of the superstar players that shaped the 2000's Decade of NBA Basketball.

When I think of the Legacy of Kobe Bryant, I think of someone who graduated from being the sidekick to a megastar. I think of someone that has added layers to his game and has become a chameleon in the NBA. On the other hand, I also think of someone who has let his ego get the best of him and his team many times, especially near the end. Someone who was too caught up in himself to the point that he ran off another Alpha Dog Player that was the Key to their initial success. Still, I have to respect his commitment to excellence and wanting to be the best competitor that he could be. The Legacy of Kobe Bryant is that of a very Complex Genius. Complex, but still regarded as a Genius nonetheless. Despite his flaws, nobody can take away Kobe's legacy and what he has meant to the Game of Basketball.

Jerry West vs. Kobe Bryant

Ever since the explosion of Michael Jordan, any and everyone at Shooting Guard has to be compared to him. Unfortunately, many of those players do not even get past Lakers Legend Jerry West. (Mr. Clutch, The Logo) Obviously, the modern era player that is compared to Jordan the most is Kobe Bryant. However, even he does not surpass West, because of the lack of consistency throughout his career. Jerry West was the original standard for Shooting Guards BEFORE Michael Jordan. His body of work is evidence as to why. More often then not, Jerry West bailed his team out of games. Kobe's teams bailed HIM out, but he gets much of the credit. This project is to further educate younger fans on the career of Jerry West. I have come across fans who only remember Jerry West with Wilt Chamberlain, when he did more passing and only associate him as a Point Guard. However, Jerry West was a Hall of Fame player BEFORE playing with Wilt. With this comparison, you will see how Jerry West was a more efficient scorer, shooter, more versatile, and rose his level of play when needed.

                                                                       Jerry West:

                                                                         
                                                                            vs.


                                                                     Kobe Bryant:

                                                                     




All-Rookie 1st Team:
Jerry West: Yes
Kobe Bryant: No

All-Star Selections:
Jerry West: 14
Kobe Bryant: 15

All-NBA 1st Teams:
Jerry West: 10
Kobe Bryant: 10

All-Defensive 1st Teams:
Jerry West: 4
Kobe Bryant: 9

MVP Awards:
Jerry West: 0
Kobe Bryant: 1

Career Games:
Jerry West: 932
Kobe Bryant: 1,225

Regular Season (Career):
Jerry West: 27.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 6.7 apg, 47.4% FG, 81.4% FT
Kobe Bryant: 25.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.7 apg, 45.4% FG, 83.8% FT

Scoring Titles:
Jerry West: 1
Kobe Bryant: 2

Steals and Blocks were not recorded until Jerry West's final season in 1973-74. If so, it would be a much different story in that aspect. If West played with the 3-point line, he would have had a field day.

The NBA didn't finally add All-Defensive Team Selections until the 1968-69 season. If they acknowledged them earlier, Jerry West would have won many more because of how disciplined he was as a defender.

Seasons with 30 ppg or higher:
Jerry West: 4
Kobe Bryant: 2

Seasons with 32 ppg or higher:
Jerry West: 0
Kobe Bryant: 1

Seasons over 50% shooting:
Jerry West: 1
Kobe Bryant 0

Seasons over 48% shooting:
Jerry West: 5
Kobe Bryant: 0

Seasons under 48% shooting:
Jerry West: 9
Kobe Bryant: 16

Seasons over 47% shooting:
Jerry West: 9
Kobe Bryant: 0

Seasons under 47% shooting:
Jerry West: 5
Kobe Bryant: 16

Career Player Efficiency Rating (Regular Season):
Jerry West: 22.9
Kobe Bryant: 23.5

Career Win Shares (Regular Season):
Jerry West: 162.6
Kobe Bryant: 171.7

Career Offensive Win Shares (Regular Season):
Jerry West: 124.6
Kobe Bryant: 122.9

Career Defensive Win Shares (Regular Season):
Jerry West: 37.9
Kobe Bryant: 48.8

Career Win Shares Per 48 Minutes (Regular Season):
Jerry West: .213
Kobe Bryant: .184

*Bonus (Olympic Gold Medals):
Jerry West: 1
Kobe Bryant: 2

All-Star Game MVP's:
Jerry West: 1
Kobe Bryant: 4

As you can see, Jerry West was clearly a more productive player than Kobe across the board, except for free throw percentage. Jerry averaged more points, rebounds, assists and shot a higher field goal percentage than Kobe. When Kobe broke the Lakers franchise scoring record held by Jerry West (25,192), he did it while playing many more games than West along with more minutes. In other words, he missed many more shots along the way, while Jerry set the record in less than 1,000 games (932). This was clearly a cover up by the media. As I have said countless times, Jerry West lacked the MVP Awards because he played in the same era as the Greatest Giants of all-time (Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell), who captured 9 out the 10 MVP's during that decade. Kareem would later come and win 3 during the end of Jerry's career.

*I firmly believe that he was robbed of at least 1-2 MVP's between 1969 and 1970.

If you thought that I would stop there, I am just warming up. Now, time for the playoffs.

Playoffs (Career):
Jerry West: 29.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 6.3 apg, 46.9% FG, 80.5% FT
Kobe Bryant: 25.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.7 apg, 44.8% FG, 81.6% FT

Career Player Efficiency Rating (Playoffs):
Jerry West: 23.1
Kobe Bryant: 22.4

Career Win Shares (Playoffs):
Jerry West: 26.7
Kobe Bryant: 28.3

Career Offensive Win Shares (Playoffs):
Jerry West: 21.3
Kobe Bryant: 21.0

Career Defensive Win Shares (Playoffs):
Jerry West: 5.4
Kobe Bryant: 7.3

Career Win Shares Per 48 Minutes (Playoffs):
Jerry West: .203
Kobe Bryant: .157

NBA Playoff runs over 50% shooting:
Jerry West: 3
Kobe Bryant: 0

Playoff runs over 48% shooting:
Jerry West: 5
Kobe Bryant: 1

Playoff runs under 50% shooting:
Jerry West: 9
Kobe Bryant: 15 (entire career)

Playoff runs under 48% shooting:
Jerry West: 7
Kobe Bryant: 14

Playoff runs under 46% shooting:
Jerry West: 4
Kobe Bryant: 11

Playoff runs under 44% shooting:
Jerry West: 2
Kobe Bryant: 7

Playoff runs over 30 ppg:
Jerry West: 7
Kobe Bryant: 4

Playoff runs over 32 ppg:
Jerry West: 2
Kobe Bryant: 2

Playoff runs over 34 ppg:
Jerry West: 2
Kobe Bryant: 0

In 1964-65, Jerry West averaged 40.6 ppg in the playoffs. He also had a series vs. The Bullets where he set the record for highest scoring average in a playoff series. (46.0)

Now, let's get ready for the Biggest Stage (The NBA Finals):

Finals Appearances:
Jerry West: 9
Kobe Bryant: 7

Finals MVP Awards:
Jerry West: 1 out of 9 tries
Kobe Bryant: 2 out of 7 tries

This is the major factor, and in the case with most fans the only factor that they take into account when they compare Kobe Bryant with Jerry West. Instead of saying Kobe was a member of 5 championship teams in 7 finals appearances (3 sidekick, 2 leader), they just simply give him blanket credit for all 5 (He has 5 rings). Meanwhile, people downgrade Jerry West, because of his lack of TEAM success (1 championship in 9 tries). Little do people really understand the fact that for most of his career, the Lakers were a top heavy team with a two-man combo (West and Baylor). Unfortunately for West, here is a list of circumstances that  HURT his team:

1. The Boston Celtics Dynasty (led by Bill Russell, coached by Red Auerbach)
2. The Lakers did not have an answer for Russell at Center for most of that time
3. Elgin Baylor's volume shooting.
4. They also lost twice to the Knicks

For the most part, Jerry West and his Lakers teams went up against more stacked teams. Meanwhile Kobe Bryant was on the opposite side of that situation, because the teams that he played on were more stacked than the opposing teams. It blows my mind to listen to people say that Jerry West constantly had powerhouse teams. If you REALLY want to look at other stacked Lakers teams outside of Shaq & Kobe, check out Magic & Kareem's Lakers. Wilt Chamberlain came later in Jerry's career. ('68-'73) Kobe played with Shaq for half of his career. ('96-'04) Throughout that time, and even later with Gasol, the Lakers were stronger than their opponents.

Now, let's look at their production in the Finals:

NBA Finals (Career):
Jerry West: 30.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 5.6 apg, 45.9% FG
Kobe Bryant: 25.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 5.0 apg, 41.2% FG

Jerry West:
1. 1962 NBA Finals: 31.1 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.7 apg, 45.6% FG
2. 1963 NBA Finals: 29.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 4.5 apg, 49% FG
3. 1965 NBA Finals: 33.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.4 apg, 42.4% FG
4. 1966 NBA Finals: 33.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 5.1 apg, 51.5% FG
5. 1968 NBA Finals: 31.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 5.7 apg, 48.6% FG
6. 1969 NBA Finals: 37.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 7.4 apg, 49% FG
7. 1970 NBA Finals: 31.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 7.7 apg, 45% FG
8. 1972 NBA Finals: 19.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 8.8 apg, 32.5% FG
9. 1973 NBA Finals: 21.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.6 apg, 44.2% FG

Kobe Bryant:
1. 2000 NBA Finals: 15.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.2 apg, 36.7% FG
2. 2001 NBA Finals: 24.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 5.8 apg, 41.5% FG
3. 2002 NBA Finals: 26.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 5.3 apg, 51.4% FG
4. 2004 NBA Finals: 22.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 4.4 apg, 38.1% FG
5. 2008 NBA Finals: 25.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 5.0 apg, 40.5% FG
6. 2009 NBA Finals: 32.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 7.4 apg, 43% FG
7. 2010 NBA Finals: 28.6 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 3.9 apg, 40.5% FG

*The 2002 Finals series was an anomaly for a player like Kobe, because the series was a 4-0 sweep. If the series went longer, his FG% would have dropped.

More often than not, Jerry West raised his level of play with less around him while Kobe has often lowered his level of play with MORE help around him. Jerry West played better in losing efforts than Kobe did in winning efforts. (Example: 1969 NBA Finals vs. Boston) You would never find anything about Jerry West being outplayed by the likes of an Austin Croshere like Kobe did in the 2000 NBA Finals for example. Kobe also deliberately shot his team out of the 2004 Finals vs Detroit, because he was tired of playing the sidekick role to Shaquille O'Neal.

Kobe's 40.5% FG in the 2010 NBA Finals has been considered the WORST Field Goal Percentage for a Finals MVP in NBA History! However, Pau Gasol and the refs bailed him out during that series, especially where he shot an abysmal 6-24 in Game 7. That night, he dodged the biggest silver bullet of his career.  Meanwhile, Jerry West recorded a Triple-Double in Game 7 of the 1969 NBA Finals, while his team fell apart against Boston. Jerry West's production in that series earned him the NBA Finals MVP Award. He became the first and only player to win on a losing team.

Personally, I believe that if you put Jerry West in Kobe's place for those first 3 championships, he could have helped out Shaq much more. At best, I say they win at least 5-6 championships, with Shaq staying as a Laker to the end. Players like West and Magic will always be respected for how they accepted their role to improve the team. They did not step outside of the system for their own personal agenda. Kobe has built his legacy out of that.

Kobe has been historically infamous for destroying team chemistry. NEVER EVER forget the way that Kobe put Shaq's personal business out in the open, to deflect criticism of his own. Not only that, but Kobe ultimately forced the hand of Lakers management to run SHAQ OUT OF L.A.! As a result, the media now holds him in higher regard than Shaq, and have blacklisted Shaq's run as a Laker. (Look no further than ESPN)

"Bryant told Jackson that O'Neal's presence on the team would affect his decision to stay with the Lakers, adding, "I'm tired of being a sidekick".

Translation: "Either he goes, or I go".

Jerry West has virtually been the best player on his team, at least until his last 2-3 seasons with the Lakers. Kobe did not become the best player, until the 2004-05 season. During that season, the Lakers missed the playoffs for the first time ever in Kobe's career. Who's fault was it for running off the franchise player, which caused the Lakers to bring in the likes of Smush Parker and Kwame Brown? You guessed it, Kobe. It wasn't until Kobe's trade demand where the Lakers restructured around him to keep him there for two more titles.

Kobe could not avoid the silver bullet for long. The same $90 million dollar roster that Kobe won Finals MVP with twice (2009 & 2010), is the same roster that got swept off the court and smoked by the 2011 Dallas Mavericks. Everyone wanted to blame players like Pau Gasol, when instead Kobe should have taken the fall.

Kobe's legacy as a leader is taking an even bigger hit with the implosion of this current Lakers team with Dwight Howard, Steve Nash, Pau Gasol and Ron Artest. Nash and Howard's numbers are being hindered playing next to Kobe. That is NOT the true sign of a leader, when you handicap the abilities of other marquee players. Kobe has NEVER made anyone around him better.

When Jerry West had the likes of Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor and Gail Goodrich, he dialed back his scoring. In fact, Gail Goodrich was the leading scorer (25.9 ppg) when the Lakers won the Finals in 1972. It could have easily been West, but he knew that in order to succeed with that team, he had to sacrifice his stats to make Gail Goodrich better. This is why West was the co-leader with Wilt.

I also notice those same Jerry West skeptics say that "Jerry West was too little", or "He would be on the bench in today's game". They also say that "Jerry West wouldn't survive in the 80s/90s era of perimeter players, because of his size". They want to degrade West, because he was a "small, white guy". Well, Larry Bird turned out great in that era in spite of his athletic disadvantages in the strongest era of all-time. In fact, Larry Bird CONQUERED his era, as a "white guy", out playing the best black players of any era. Last time I checked, he was no more athletic than Jerry West, just 5-6" taller and 35-45 pounds heavier. West is actually between 6'3"-6'4".

In fact, if you send Kobe back in time to the 1960s, where he doesn't have Michael Jordan's influence as an advantage, he would not thrive the way that he does now. He would have fewer players to emulate, with practically next to none, outside of Jerry, Oscar and Elgin. Instead, he would have to play AGAINST those guys on a night-in, night-out basis.

Conclusion:

Jerry West was an innovator, while Kobe Bryant is an imitator. What Jerry West did for his era, and NBA history is remarkable. West did not have the benefits of the Modern Game, with the Anti-Aging Supplements, Weight Training, and Nutrition. Jerry West also did not have the opportunity to have other great players to come before him to pattern himself after. Basically, he had no other choice but to be original. Jerry West was a more productive, and consistent player in all stages. (Regular Season, Playoffs, Finals) The facts are staring you right in the face, with no lie. Kobe only has the advantage in longevity, team accomplishments, and volume achievements such as career total points. His style of play was much more conducive to team basketball, no matter the lack of championships on his side. No matter how many fans, analysts and ex-players prop up Kobe, West will always leave a greater mark on the game. Before Michael Jordan and Larry Bird, Jerry West was the ultimate clutch player.


                                               Here is a greater glimpse of Jerry West: