Kobe Bryant is the second best basketball player of all time.

So lets get started. First, let's compare him to five other players fighting for second place. These players will be Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Bill Russell, and Wilt Chamberlain. Kobe vs. MagicMagic Johnson and Kobe have the same amount of rings with the same team. Magic, however, is a 3x MVP, 3x Finals MVP, and was an overall "more likable" guy. However the big difference between two of the greatest Lakers of all time (other than Magic went to college) is that Kobe is the better all around player. Magic was great at running an offence, but when it comes to scoring, defense, and athleticism, Kobe dominates Magic. Basically, everything that makes Jordan better than Magic, makes Kobe better than Magic. Kobe vs. BirdIf you took everything you take Lebron James and make him a better shooter, you get "The Hick from French Lick". If you look at Larry Bird's accolades and Kobe's, you can see Kobe's been the most successful one. Even though Bird's statistics really dominate Kobe's, I'm still giving this one to Kobe Bryant because of his accolades. Why, you may ask? Well, even though stats are really important, in the end, the awards are what get you over. This is what makes Charles Barkley and Karl Malone one step behind Tim Duncan. Kobe vs Kareem Kareem was an unstoppable force back in his day. Especially with his signature "Sky Hook". With the accolades and the stats, Kareem looks great on paper against Kobe. However, the reason why he is under Kobe is the fact that in order to gain six championship rings, he left his team. This could be easily debated and I expect my opponent to attack me on my "team-switching" logic. Kobe vs RussellWhen the finals MVP trophy is named after you, you got to at least be halfway decent. Bill Russell was a rebounding machine. He was always the man to get the ball. Perhaps the greatest rebounder of all time. However, what else is there. Rebounding and defense was it. Kobe is obviously the more versatile player. This comparison may seem unfair because of the position, but people make unfair comparisons all the time (ex. you vs a super-model). Kobe vs Wilt100 points in one game! 30.1 points per game in his career! 22.9 rebounds per game in his career! Change the debate topic! Let's start the MJ COMPARISONS! Wait, but when did he play? Yes, the 60s. Not taking anything away from the late, great, Wilt "the Stilt" Chamberlain, but it was just a different games back then. It's as simple as that. I would now like to open the floor for my opponent. (Disclaimer: Out of all of the players I have named, the only one that I have seen play is Kobe Bryant. All other players are coming out of prior knowledge and highlights. )Sources:. http://www.basketball-reference.com...http://www.basketball-reference.com...http://www.basketball-reference.com...http://www.basketball-reference.com...http://www.basketball-reference.com...http://www.basketball-reference.com...Sources (Wikipedia, used it for accolades only):. http://en.wikipedia.org...http://en.wikipedia.org...http://en.wikipedia.org...http://en.wikipedia.org...http://en.wikipedia.org...http://en.wikipedia.org...