Hall Of Famer Dirk Nowitzki Doesn't Include LeBron James Or Michael Jordan On His Top Player List

Dallas Mavericks great Dirk Nowitzki calls Kobe Bryant the best player he's faced

The NBA greatest player debate often comes down to two players: LeBron James and Michael Jordan. 

If it were up to retired Dallas Mavericks superstar Dirk Nowitzki, the title wouldn't go to either. In a recent interview with Rachel Nichols, he said Kobe Bryant tops his list. 

"To me, he's still the best player I've ever played against in my career," Nowitzki said. 

Another fun one from Dirk from our Headliners interview - about the time Kobe tried to recruit him to play for the Lakers. Dirk also noted that “MJ is my GOAT,” but since he never played against Michael in his prime, he’s going with Kobe as “the best player I ever played against” pic.twitter.com/nOFO6c5Afu

— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) April 20, 2023

The late Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash in 2020, is often left out of the G.O.A.T discussion. He has five championships, which is more than James. He's also one spot ahead of Jordan on the all-time scoring list. The only knock against Bryant he was the secondary player to Shaquille O'Neal on three of his championships teams. 

Other than that, Nowitzki makes a great point about Bryant belonging in the conversation. 

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