Kobe Bryant on Pau Gasol: "When he retires, he will have his number in the rafters next to mine. I dont win those championships without Pau. I really look forward to the day when he's giving his speech at center court."

2010 Lakers vs Thunder Game 6 last 3 minutes Pau Gasol hits the game winner to eliminate OKC

Kobe passing and playmaking

The Press Box Brian Windhorst on LeBron He was chasing the figurative ghost with Jordan and now he has to play against a literal ghost the spirit of Bryant He would have never equaled Kobe in Lakers fans' eyes people are at that statue 247

Kobe Shaq post-game interview after going up 2-0 on the Spurs in 2001 At this point the Lakers haven't lost a game in 7 weeks

Kobe hits the game winner against Dwyane Wade in 2009 D-Wade's jaw dropped and was in disbelief

Charles Barkley on July 7 2026 The biggest criticism of LeBron has always been that he packs his team Because hes always packed his team Hes chasing this imaginary Michael Jordan ghost which he needs to let go Barkley also said he ranks both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant ahead of LeBron