By the way...i often moonlight as a technical director for on/off broadway shows in NYC...(the fella that controls the boards). Dr. J himself comes to see several shows i've worked on as he's an avid follower of theater...that and he's "friends" with some of the gals in the productions. Long story long...i've had several b-ball conversations with him and he's acknowledged that he believes the best basketball player currently in the world is Kobe. He made a very valid point, not to compare him with Jordan but something to take note of. He mentioned that there were several players that were able to effectively defend Jordan in his prime...players like Joe Dumars, Mitch Ritchmond, Clyde Drexler ...however, there isn't a single player, currently, that can effectively guard Kobe. And if there is, in a particular game or series, Kobe seems to make adjustments to control the matchup with an assassin-like mentality.

This was from the Dr. himself...and i couldn't argue as it's a valid point. Several other past players have reverberated the same, that Kobe is currently the best player in the world, including one of my all time favorite Tar Heel point guards, Kenny Smith, who played alongside Jordan.

Jerry West feels otherwise but he raises some good points as Lebron may edge Kobe in distributing the ball within offensive and scoring execution (assists). If Miami Heat were in the post-season, i assume D. Wade would be in similar debates.

There are great points in this thread but, StartX5, i believe most of your points are base-less and fueled by a dis-like of Kobe. If you feel otherwise, you need to expound on your statements. I suggest you join a neighborhood YMCA basketball league or tournament for just one season...then circle back with your thoughts...I guarantee there will be a different perspective.