And Magic says …. Kobe is the best

November 18th, 2008, 7:04 am · 2 Comments · posted by JANIS CARR, OCREGISTER.COM

Magic Johnson insists he’s not biased (yeah, right). But the Lakers legend followed his heart when he told Boston reporters last week that Kobe Bryant is the best player in the league.

Not Paul Pierce.

Johnson praised the Celtics forward, went so far as to say Pierce was better in the NBA Finals, but sided with Bryant after comparing both players by the consistency of their accomplishments.

“Paul would like to think he’s better than Kobe,” said Johnson. “But Kobe Bryant is the best closer in the game. He’s the best player in the game. You have to remember he’s done it for a long time at a high level.

“Now, was Paul Pierce better than Kobe in the Finals? Of course, he was better than everybody in the whole playoffs. Is he one of the top three or four players in the league right now, Paul Pierce? Of course he is. It’s hard to find a guy who can go inside and outside and also a guy who can put it on the floor, then make plays for other people.

“Yes, I think he’s right up there with Kobe, right up there with LeBron [James]. It’s hard to pick one of those three guys.

“I’m not biased. I’m going to tell it like it is. Kobe Bryant has won three championships for a reason. Shaq [O'Neal] got us to the fourth quarter, but always Kobe Bryant closed the deal. We have to remember that.

“There’s nothing biased. If Paul was the best player in the league, I would say it. But he’s right there as one of the best. No question about it.”

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titi says:

November 18, 2008 at 8:54 am

he is NOT biased, if you knew what you were talking about, magic rarely says anything good about kobe.

he’s right, he’s never biased about the lakers, never. he needs to be more biased about them. like byron scott is, even though he’s the hornets coach.

Richard says:

November 18, 2008 at 12:13 pm

Not a fan of Kobe, but yes, he’s the best NBA Player as of right now. I wasn’t a Jordan either, btw. But appreciate good/great players. I see Kobe winning 2 more rings when all’s said and done; he’ll have one more than Shaq. Be in that echeleon with Jordan, Magic. And be regarded as one of the best. Duncan, and especially Shaq, are on the decline of their careers. Maybe not so much Duncan yet,(but he’s getting close), but winning another ring won’t be happening.

Ok, Shaq most likely won’t win another championship, unless: Amare carries them, or a trade brings a player who can help Phx. The current roster is good for a playoff appearance only. At best. Duncan: yes, never count out San An, at least for the next 2 years, but with the Lakers playing at this level, who besides San An, N.O. , Utah, (maybe), or Houston (probably not/injuries) is going to stop them? Pencil in L.A. for the next few Finals. Sorry; just the way it is. That’s Life….At least it’s good for the NBA ratings, right? :)….