Lonzo Ball Doesn’t Have Kobe Bryant On His Mount Rushmore!

Lonzo Ball’s Controversial Mount Rushmore

Lonzo Ball’s Mount Rushmore of basketball greats comprises LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Steph Curry, and Shaquille O’Neal. The omission of the iconic Kobe Bryant sparked curiosity and criticism, as Bryant is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Lonzo Ball reportedly excluded Kobe because he was “never the best player” to him and due to Kobe’s record for missed shots in NBA history.

Addressing Lonzo Ball’s Claims

Ball’s claim about Kobe’s missed shots, while factually accurate, doesn’t tell the entire story. As pointed out by Matthews, LeBron James, whom Lonzo includes in his top four, actually holds the record for the most missed shots. Furthermore, evaluating a player’s greatness solely based on missed shots overlooks numerous other impactful aspects of their gameplay.

Ball’s assertion that Kobe was never the best player in the league is also contentious. Judging the best player can be subjective, encompassing more than just statistics. Kobe Bryant’s ability to lead his team to championships and the respect he garnered from his peers as a fierce competitor can’t be understated.

Breaking Down Ball’s Selection

The podcast sheds light on the curious elements of Ball’s Mount Rushmore list. For a pass-first point guard like Lonzo, choosing players renowned for their scoring prowess like Shaq, Steph, and even LeBron seems at odds with his preferred play style and position. The absences of players like Magic Johnson, known for his playmaking skills, on such a list may have been more aligned with Ball’s play style.

Kobe Bryant’s Enduring Legacy

Critics argue that since his retirement and unfortunate passing, Kobe Bryant’s legacy is occasionally overshadowed. Despite his omissions on certain lists, Kobe’s impact on the game remains profound. The podcast posits that factors like his era of tough defense, where scoring was more challenging, and his duality as both an offensive and defensive powerhouse augment his greatness beyond mere numbers.

Kobe’s accolades, which include five championships, two Finals MVPs, and a lauded competitive spirit, contribute to his stature as one of the all-time greats. His skill set extended beyond just scoring, manifesting in his defensive prowess and leadership abilities.

Conclusion

While Lonzo Ball’s omission of Kobe Bryant from his Mount Rushmore is his personal perspective, it invites a broader discussion about how we evaluate basketball greatness. Kobe Bryant’s game encompassed facets that transcended simple statistics, embedding him deeply in the fabric of basketball history. Ultimately, personal biases toward different eras and play styles influence opinions and, in turn, shape discussions like these. For basketball fans, often the debate itself becomes a testament to the players’ enduring impacts on the sport.