Since the retirement of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant has been the closest thing to number 23 in the NBA.
Granted, even Lakers fans confess, Kobe is far from being as endearing as MJ. But no one can argue his dominance. Here's a quick glance of what the Black Mamba has achieved:
So far in his NBA career that started (17) years ago, Kobe Bryant has won 5 championships, earned 14 selections for All-NBA teams and 12 for All-Defensive teams. He has also led the league in scoring twice, won the Slum Dunk challenge and got 4 All-Star Game MVPs in 14 appearances.
He won his Season MVP in 2007-08, won the Finals MVP in the next two years and the list of his achievements.
Greatness aside: Has the Achilles tendon tear ended the Bryant era?