The legacy that Kobe Bryant has left will be etched in the league’s books for eternity. Spending his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers, he has not just become the face of the franchise, but also made it one of the most popular in the league. With that being said, how fascinating is it to know who he thinks is the Lakers’ All-time starting five?

As Jerry West had predicted, Bryant would restore the Lakers’ glory days, and he did exactly that. With his leadership and partnering with Shaquille O’Neal, the franchise won three straight NBA titles. This was during the first three years of coach Phil Jackson’s guidance. When they accomplished their three-peat, Kobe Bryant was just  23 years old. Even then, everyone knew this athlete is no ordinary man.

However, in an unexpected turn of events, Kobe Bryant passed away earlier this year in a tragic helicopter accident. The whole world mourned the loss of the greatest player of all time, but his memories seem to live on. Let’s look at Kobe’s All-time Lakers starting five.

Kobe Bryant doesn’t include himself?

Around the time when Kobe had just won his fourth NBA championship against the Orlando Magic, Neil Everett from ESPN has a sit down with him to discuss certain topics. Neil asked Bryant, “How about your All-time Lakers’ starting five?”

Kobe started listing down his preferences, and surprisingly, did not even include his own name. “Magic, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Kareem, and Wilt.” said the Lakers star. Although Kobe did not include himself, there is no doubt that these five are also excellent choices.

While Magic Johnson is the greatest point guard to exist, Jerry West is the all-rounder guard of all time. Elgin Baylor is the most underrated player and isn’t considered one of the greatest because of his inability to win an NBA championship. At that time, the Lakers consistently lost to the more talented Boston Celtics.

Kareem Abdul Jabbar is considered the most accomplished of all, and Wilt Chamberlain is known for his dominance of the court. Imagine how unstoppable the Lakers would be if they all were the starting five.

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However, if you had a choice to fit in Kobe too, whom would you replace him with, and why?