NBA: LeBron, Jordan, Kobe… When Tony Parker revealed the name of the greatest player of all time

Tony Parker is one of the rare players to have faced three of the biggest names in NBA history, namely, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Arriving in the Great League in 2001, the Frenchman experienced the last years of Jordan, the exploits of Kobe with the Lakers and the rise of LeBron with the Cavaliers then the Heat. But who does he think is the best?

Even if his track record does not necessarily reflect it, Tony Parker came into the league during one of the most competitive eras in history. Four times champion with Spurs of Victor Wembanyamathe French leader had the privilege of crossing swords with the American legends that are Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant et LeBron James, and this several times. An incredible chance, of which he is not a little proud, which allowed him to decide between the three men.

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Jordan, « Greatest Of All Time »

It was in 2020, when he was invited to Konbini to look back on his exceptional career, TP revealed for the first time the name of the best NBA player of all time. And at the time, according to him, there was no photo. It is Jordan who deserves this honorary title: “ I played against LeBron and Kobe in their prime and against Jordan at the end of their career and for me, the best of all time is Jordan. When you look at the history of the NBA, one of the best players of all time, LeBron, he is only 3 rings away (4 now, editor’s note). Same for Steph Curry (also 4 nowadays, editor’s note). It’s hard to win 4, 5, let alone 6 rings like Jordan. It’s very, very hard. »

Kobe in front of James

And yes Jordan is the GOAT for Tony Parker, Kobe is not far behind. The Frenchman admitted three years ago to having greater respect for the Black Mamba that for LeBron. « Kobe was incredible. Afterwards, LeBron, of course, he is very, very strong but I found that Kobe was even stronger! When we played the Lakers with the Spurs, it was a big rivalry. So I never told myself that we had beaten the best player in the world twice (in the Finals), because for me, it was Kobe at that moment! “, he confided. It remains to be seen whether the title won in the Orlando bubble by LeBron in 2020 has encouraged Parker to review his hierarchy since!