According to Matt Moore of CBS Sports Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers is the sixth best player currently in the NBA. His teammate, Pau Gasol, is also listed in the top 10.
CBS Sports has been counting down the top 100 players in the NBA, and seeing two players from the Lakers crack the top 10 is certainly a testament to the level of talent the team has on the roster.
The reasoning behind the decision is mainly mathematical, as Bryant’s age is increasing rapidly. Despite Bryant’s fierce competitive drive and desire to be the best, he can’t defy time forever.
However, the fact that Bryant is still this high after playing as many games in the league as he has. If Bryant continues to stay relatively healthy he will continue to march up the all-time scorers list, and while he may not catch Kareem Abdul-Jabbar he will certainly be looking to pass another prominent shooting guard from the last 20 years.
While the top five hasn’t been revealed yet, players like LeBron James, Dirk Nowitzki, Dwight Howard and Dwyane Wade are certainly going to be on the list.
For the complete list of the top 100 players in the NBA be sure to check out CBS Sports.
Here’s a brief compilation of Bryant’s best highlights from the 2010-11 NBA season:
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8_RbPbktb4
Los Angeles Lakers(96) - Minnesota Timberwolves(103)