Kobe:Top 10?

Now that Kobe Bean Bryant can finally silence the ridiculous criticism about his championship pedigree, we can finally take a look at where he ranks among the greats. No longer is he subjected to the absurd argument of not being able to win without Shaq. In the history of the game I've never seen a player with championships under scrutiny and held against the players legacy. As Kobe stated, his pairing with Shaq was the only duo with "Two alpha males." No player has ever won a title on his own, yet for some reason everyone pretends like Jordan played by himself. So now that Kobe has won his long waited title with out the "Big Aristotle", how does he measure up against the legends of the game?

Before Kobe held his long coveted finals MVP, Ahmad Rashad spoke with the TNT crew about Kobe's place in history. The question came up and was presented to E.J., Kenny and Charles--"Is Kobe one of the top 10 greatest players of all time?" Personally, I've always had Kobe in the top 10 and when I first heard the question I laughed. Of course he's in the top 10 I said to myself. Then Barkley opened his big mouth, and said "No way." What?! Barkley had the nerve to say he didn't merit a top 10 spot because he's only won one title by himself.(Just know that Sir Charles doesn't like Kobe, and this proves it). Kenny had him at number 10, I disagree, but I wasn't upset with the list. He had Jordan(duh), Magic, Bird, Wilt, Russel. Kareem, West, Oscar, and Shaq as the 9 above Kobe. That is a more than legitimate nine to have over him. I have Kobe ranked over West and Oscar. Jerry West and Oscar Robertson both have only 1 Chip. Jerry won his first after years of disappointment at the hands of the Celtics. Oscar is known for averaging a triple double(I still can't believe that), but didn't win a title until he played with Kareem.

Jerry West was quoted recently saying that Bryant was the "Best Laker Ever". Well, if that's the case, that would put him over Magic wouldn't it? I don't know if I'm ready to go there just yet, but I don't think there is a question Kobe is in the top 10, maybe even top 5. Sound off in the comments.