"Biggest agenda push", "Without a doubt" - NBA fans divided on Magic Johnson's GOAT conversation take on Kobe Bryant

LA Lakers legend Magic Johnson recently weighed in on late franchise legend Kobe Bryant's NBA GOAT case. Johnson highlighted how Bryant's untimely demise has affected his placement among the league's all-time greats, dividing NBA fans.

The ongoing GOAT debate has long primarily featured Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan and Lakers superstar forward LeBron James. However, in recent years, a growing number of fans and former players have asserted that Bryant has an equally strong case.

For many, Bryant's unexpected death in a 2020 helicopter crash elevated his illustrious career's aura, further immortalizing him. Thus, it arguably became easier for fans to make the five-time NBA champion's GOAT case without facing as much backlash. However, according to Johnson, the opposite is true.

During a Friday interview with NiteCast Media, the Hall of Famer was asked, "If Kobe Bryant were still alive today, would the GOAT conversation be more of a three-man race?"

Johnson concurred, making Bryant's case for being in the GOAT conversation.

"Yeah, because we know Kobe belongs in that conversation even today," Johnson said. "... I think about what Kobe meant to the game of basketball worldwide, and to me, offensively, he’s the second-best dude in terms of at the shooting guard and small forward positions behind Michael Jordan. When you think about scoring-wise, nobody could stop Kobe just like nobody could stop Michael Jordan."

Fans on X/Twitter were split on Johnson's take. Some agreed that Bryant should be heavily featured in the GOAT debate.

"Without a doubt, Kobe is in the GOAT discussion," @The_BroDad said.

"Kobe [is] still in the GOAT conversation no matter what!!!" @NYCDaFuture_ wrote.

"Kobe is one of the GOATs, man," @LakersOnX said.

However, others argued that Bryant's tragic death is the main reason he is mentioned in the GOAT discussion.

"It’s actually the opposite. I feel like since his passing people rank him higher than where he should be," @BronGotGame said.

"The only reason he is even considered as a GOAT by some people is because he is deceased," @kawhi_ring wrote.

"Kobe is the player with the biggest agenda push in NBA history," @Landof30 said.

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Magic Johnson reflects on Kobe Bryant's legacy

Later in his NiteCast Media interview, Magic Johnson reflected on Kobe Bryant's career and legacy, emphasizing his relentless competitive spirit.

"We will always remember this man winning five championships and playing every single game like it was his last game," Johnson said. "... There is never going to be another Kobe."

Johnson added that Bryant's impact extends beyond his Lakers career, as he regularly mentored the next generation of hoopers and elevated basketball's global popularity.

"And then what he did for women's basketball. He was an ambassador for the game," Johnson said. "He also worked out with every player who wanted to work out with him. ... So, give Kobe a lot of credit for changing the game of basketball and helping the game of basketball grow worldwide."

While Johnson may be slightly biased toward his fellow ex-Laker, most would probably agree Kobe Bryant is one of the most influential players in NBA history.

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