I can’t believe it has been 10 years since Kobe Bryant set up Shaquille O’Neal with that memorable lob pass in Game 7 of the 2000 Western Conference finals that resulted in a earth-shaking one-handed slam dunk that changed the landscape of the NBA and ignited one of the best runs in league history. This past decade, from 2000 to 2009, will forever be known as the Shaq and Kobe Era. No two players commanded the spotlight on and off the court better than The Diesel and The Black Mamba. They each have four NBA championships (three of them as teammates), and between them they have four NBA Finals MVPs and two regular-season MVPs and 27 All-Star Game appearances. Their on-court dramatics nearly matched their off-court soap opera. Their legendary feud was the best long running reality TV in the NBA. Bryant and O’Neal head a list of the 10 players, compiled by OneManFastBreak.net, who defined this past decade (from 2000-2009) regardless of position.

10. STEVE NASH, guard: Nash was a very good point man in Dallas and posted some very good numbers. But when he got traded to Phoenix, some media members must have developed some kind of Alzheimer’s because they voted him MVP…twice! Sure, his stats got better and his Suns teams were fun to watch. But Nash’s game hasn’t changed since Don Nelson made him a full-time starter. The knock on Nash is that he’s the only two-time league MVP who has NEVER gotten past the conference finals.

9. DIRK NOWITZKI, forward: Zeeee German has easily been the best European player the past 10 years and is still the only Euro to win the Maurice Podoloff  trophy as the regular season MVP. Nowitzki, who has redefined the power forward position as the “soft” forward position, can sometimes get lost in a physical battle but when he’s allowed to float near the top of the free throw line, he is one of the deadliest shooters the game has ever seen.

8. DWYANE WADE, guard: When Pat Riley drafted Wade in 2003, the fortunes of the Miami Heat turned for the better. Nicknamed “The Flash” by Shaquille O’Neal, D-Wade rose to prominence with his spectacular play in the postseason. He powered the Heat to the Eastern Conference finals in 2005 in only his second season, and then lifted the Heat to a NBA championship in 2006. His place his history was permanently etched when Wade captured the MVP of the Finals with a spectacular series against the Mavericks.

7. CHAUNCEY BILLUPS, guard: His career took off when Larry Brown became the head coach with the Pistons. At 6-3 and well over 200 pounds, Billups is one of the most physical point guards in the league. He overpowers smaller guards and he is deceptively quick enough to get past most PGs. Billups’ crowning achievement came in 2004 when he led the Pistons to a victory over the Lakers in the NBA Finals and was named the series MVP. Nicknamed Mr. Big Shot, Billups is one of the best clutch shooters when the game is on the line and his supreme confidence never wavers.

6. ALLEN IVERSON, guard: From 2000 to 2007, A.I. had all the answers. He was the most dominated little man in the game and a certain Hall-of-Famer. Iverson was an explosive scorer, a player who can had the great ability to overcome any type of defense. All defenders were at his mercy when he isolated at the top of the key. During the decade, Iverson hit the 30-point scoring average five times and was named the 2001 league MVP. He took the Sixers to the NBA Finals that year, but lost to the Lakers in five games. A.I. was also a polarizing figure off the court. He was the poster boy for the Hip-Hop generation with his trademark cornrows and countless tattoos. His “we’re talking about practice!” soundbite has become a timeless loop on SportsCenter.

5. LEBRON JAMES, forward: Even though he came to the party late, LeBron James has certainly left an indelible mark in just seven seasons. He was the most heralded and super hyped high school player to ever enter the NBA, and was tabbed the Chosen One by Sports Illustrated. King James has changed the culture in Cleveland after the Cavaliers made James the No. 1 overall selection in the 2003 draft. James’ arrival gave Cleveland sports fans a ray of hope, something that has been absent for years because of past failures by the Cavaliers, Browns and Indians. In his fourth season, James powered the Cavs to the franchise’s first appearance in the NBA Finals. Then, in 2009, James captured the league MVP, joining Jim Brown, Otto Graham, Brian Sipe, Al Rosen and Lou Boudreau as the only Cleveland pro athletes to be named MVP. LeBron will move up on this list if he ever wins a NBA title.

4. KEVIN GARNETT, forward: The Big Ticket has redefined the power forward position. Before KG, power forwards were like plow horses whose were main jobs were to protect the centers and the guards and, outside of a few guys like Kevin McHale, Charles Barkley and Karl Malone, did most of the dirty work. But Garnett had the unique ability to play inside and outside and could outrun most guards in the open court. From 2000 to 2005, KG’s stat line was 22-12-5. His length was also a huge weapon on defense as he could defend any of the five position players. KG was named regular-season MVP in 2004 and, after getting traded from Minnesota to Boston, won a championship ring with the Celtics in 2008 that pretty much sealed Garnett’s legacy. If it weren’t for the next guy on this list, Garnett would be the No. 1 power forward in the history of the Association.

3. TIM DUNCAN, forward: Nicknamed The Big Fundamental by Shaq, Duncan was a picture of consistency the past 10 years and the foundation of the San Antonio Spurs’ mini-dynasty. Duncan was named regular season MVP in 2002-03, earned NBA Finals MVP in ‘03 and ‘05, and a member of the All-NBA first team seven times. The Spurs were consistently one of the better defensive teams in the league because Duncan was such a great help defender. At times, Duncan was overlooked because his game is unspectacular. But let me ask this? Is averaging 20-plus points, grab 10-plus rebounds and block nearly two shots a game unspectacular? Thought so. My only knock on Duncan is that he was reluctant to play center because of the physical nature of the position. He was more finesse. But I’m not hatin’ on Timmy D. He will go down in history as the greatest power forward in the history of the game.

2. SHAQUILLE O’NEAL, center: Dominant. That’s the best way to describe Shaq, also known as The Diesel, Superman, The Big Aristotle, and The Big Shaqtus. Though he only won one regular season MVP award (2000), you could argue that Shaq was the best player in the Association from 2000 to 2005, and could have easily won five consecutive MVPs. He did, however, manage to win three consecutive NBA Finals MVPs. The only person to ever pull that off is the great Michael Jordan. O’Neal averaged 30.7 points and 15.4 rebounds in 23 playoff games in 2000, and averaged 30.4 points and 15.4 rebounds in powering the Lakers to a record-setting 15-1 mark in the 2001 playoffs. In his prime, and when healthy, no player in the league commanded such big attention as O’Neal did. Sometimes a double was not enough to slow down Super Shaq because he would simply overpower mere mortals who got in his path.

1. KOBE BRYANT, guard: Bryant scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in 2006. Meditate on that one for a few seconds…EIGHTY-ONE points! I never saw Wilt Chamberlain score 100 points in 1962, and no one seems to have any footage of that game. I’ve seen the box score but that’s it. I have Kobe’s 81-point game at Staples Center on my DVR and I still can’t believe a NBA player, while competing against paid professionals, can score that many points. Michael Jordan’s best scoring output was 69 points. Kobe surpassed that in the third quarter! Jordan is the ultimate barometer for today’s NBA superstar. His six NBA championships is considered the benchmark because, let’s face it, nobody is going to beat Bill Russell’s 11 rings. Jordan supporters say MJ was a once-in-a-lifetime player and there will never be another like him. ESPN’s SportsCentury series tabbed him the No. 1 athlete in the past 100 years. Well, obviously those people who said MJ is the greatest is completely ignoring Kobe Bryant.

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LeBron James won Round 2 of his showdown with Kobe Bryant, and I have a funny feeling it won’t be the last time we’ll see those two dueling on the basketball court this season.

LeBron James scored 12 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter as the game turned into a playoff-style, possession-by-possession struggle. Bryant tried to match James shot for shot, but his impatience and single-minded approach ultimately led to the Lakers’ downfall. The Cavs won, 93-87, despite not having point guard Mo Williams (who is out a month with an injured shoulder) in part because Bryant tried to beat James instead of beating the Cavs.

Bryant led the Lakers with 31 points but it took 31 shots for him to reach that total. He made just 12 field goals for the game and was 1-for-6 in the fourth quarter for four points.

LeBron James not only won his individual battle with Kobe Bryant (James scored 37 points, Bryant had 31), but he also led his Cavaliers to second victory over the defending world champs. (NBAE/GETTY IMAGES)

Cleveland’s physical defense forced the Lakers out of their comfort zone and the Cavs big men scored a surprising draw with the more talented Lakers frontline.

Shaquille O’Neal outscored his younger counterpart Andrew Bynum 13 to 7, J.J. Hickson (11 points, 14 rebounds) had a stalemate with Pau Gasol (13 points, 8 rebounds), and Anderson Varejao (11 points, 8 rebounds) nearly matched Lamar Odom’s output (10 points, 10 rebounds).

“Their big [players] were very active, very physical and wore us down,” said Bryant told the Los Angeles Times. “I think last year we were probably a little hungrier and played a little harder,” he said. “This year, when we played them two times, they were the hungrier team. They sense that they want to win a championship, they want to go after it, so they’re playing with a sense of urgency that we played with last year.”

Bryant was quick to blame his bigs for a poor effort, but what he should be doing is blaming himself for not trusting his supporting cast. The Lakers are a good team when Bryant takes over, but they are a championship team when Bryant gets his teammates involved.

Sure, Gasol needs to be tougher, Bynum needs to be more active and Odom needs to be more aggressive. But Bryant holds the key to the Lakers’ success. He can’t get into one-on-one battles like in previous years. He is now surrounded with great talent.

The Lakers got off to a great start but then stalled in the second quarter and the rest of the game was played at Cleveland’s pace. The Lakers came into the game thinking they can exact revenge for what the Cavs did to them on Christmas Day, but now it seems the task of taking down the Cavs will be a lot tougher than expected.

“[The Cavs] are physical, tough-minded and hard-nosed-type team,” Bryant told reporters after the game.  “We have to step up and match that — that’s not part of our DNA.”

Can’t wait for Round 3 of Lakers vs. Cavs.

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Kobe Bryant has been abusing defenders for much of his career. But last week against the Golden State Warriors in front of all his fans at Staples Center, Bryant felt a little rejected and it came from a familiar face.

Warrioars forward-center Ronny Turiaf turned the tables on his former Laker teammate when he challenged Bryant at the rim and won. Golden State went on to lose to the Lakers, but Turiaf turned in the play of the night.

Check out Turiaf’s incredible left-handed block on Kobe’s dunk attempt on a fastbreak, an early nominee for defensive play of the year. It is certainly the best block of the young season.

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Dear Santa:

Last June, I was deprived of a Kobe Bryant-LeBron James matchup in the NBA Finals when LeBron and the Cleveland Cavaliers were unceremoniously dumped by the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference finals. I know I’ve already asked a ton of gifts this Christmas but I would like one more present. I would like to watch Kobe and LeBron play on Christmas Day.

Sincerely, OneManFastBreak

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Dear OneManFastBreak:

You’ve got your wish.

The main course on the Christmas Day menu that has everyone salivating is the matchup between the Lakers and the Cavaliers at Staples Center (5 p.m. ET, ABC), featuring arguably the two best players in the Association in reigning NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant and reigning regular-season MVP LeBron James.

LeBron James will try to uncrown the real king, Kobe Bryant, on Christmas Day.

And, oh by the way, Shaquille O’Neal returns to the city he helped produce three NBA championships – as well as two very bad movies: “Kazaam” and “Steel.”

Ho!…Ho!….Ho!….

L.A. enters the marquee event with a league-best 23-4 record while the Cavaliers carry a 22-8 mark. The Cavs are on the tail end of a four-game trip while the Lakers have barely left the West Coast for two months.

The Lakers – playing in their 36th Dec. 25 game which is second only to the Knicks, who have been scheduled on Christmas 45 times – are 12-6 at home on Christmas and 20-15 overall. The Cavaliers are relative newcomers to the NBA’s long-standing tradition, making only their third appearance on Christmas in the LeBron James era and ninth overall. Cleveland is 5-0 when they play at home and 0-4 on the road.

As much as the general public and the suits at ABC would like this game to be competitive, the reality of it is the Lakers are far more superior than the Cavaliers, and the only thing Cleveland can hang its hat on is the fact that James could have a huge day and single-handedly influence the action.

However, one ace can’t trump a full house.

Ho!…Ho!….Ho!….

With the exception of guard Derek Fisher, who is barely 6 feet tall with shoes on, the Lakers boasts five studs 6-6 or taller: Bryant (6-6), Artest (6-7), Odom (6-10), Gasol (7-0) and Bynum (7-0).

The Lakers’ talent and length have been overwhelming the opposition since stealing Gasol from Memphis in February of 2008, winning a remarkable 109 of 121 regular-season games.

Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak is probably not going to get any Christmas cards any time soon from Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley. In fact, Heisley just told me to send over a bunch of coal to put in Kupchak’s stockings.

Needless to say, the Lakers have benefited greatly from the presence of the 7-foot Spaniard, whose high basketball IQ and low-maintenance personality has been the perfect complement to the hard-driven, super-confident Bryant.

In two meetings against the Cavaliers last season, Gasol averaged 20 points and 12.5 rebounds. He made 11 of 13 shots from the field in the Jan. 19 game at Staples, and three weeks later Gasol and Odom combined for 46 points and 29 rebounds in a 101-91 Laker win on Feb. 8.

The Lakers’ frontline thoroughly dominated the Cavs, 104-52, in points in the paint in the two games. Add Artest in the mix and the Lakers will have an even bigger advantage.

Cleveland tried to fix its frontcourt issues this offseason by trading for O’Neal. The problem is, O’Neal’s best days are behind him and his level of play is more in line with DJ Mbenga than Bynum.

Ho!…Ho!….Ho!….

With Shaq no longer Shaq, the Cavs have been leaning Mo Williams to help LeBron on offense. Unfortunately, Williams is more like a starting pitcher than a starting point guard, finding his groove on every fifth day.

So, unless Williams and O’Neal have an out-of-body experience and play out of their minds, expect two things to happen on Christmas Day: the Lakers should dominate the Cavs…again…and Nike will blitz the audience with an endless stream of Kobe and LeBron puppet commercials.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Ho!…Ho!….Ho!….

Sincerely, Santa

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Apparently, Stephen Jackson is not done talking.

After his much publicized blow-up during an exhibition game earlier this month against the Los Angeles Lakers where he picked up five personal fouls and one technical in less than 10 minutes, the former captain of the Golden State Warriors claims that Kobe Bryant is being allowed to play a certain way that affords him an unfair advantage.

“To beat a dead horse, (Bryant) was just playing dirty,” Jackson told the San Francisco Chronicle. “He was getting favoritism out there. I’m not saying the refs were cheating. I’m not saying that at all. I think he was getting away with stuff that I couldn’t get away with, and I didn’t think it was fair.

“So I reacted on it, and if it happens again, I’m going to react the same way.”

Stephen Jackson, left, is not a big fan of Kobe Bryant these days. (GETTY IMAGES)

Jackson added: “I’m not a fan of Kobe. I’m not somebody who looks up to him. I’m a grown man, so when I go out there and play the game, I play the game. I feel like I’m just as good as him. I might not get the publicity or the notoriety he gets, but I feel like I can play with anybody in the NBA.

“I think everybody should feel like that. Everybody should be a competitor, and I don’t back down from anybody. I’ve never been like that, and I’m not going to start today.”

This makes for an interesting Jackson-Bryant rematch next week when the Warriors play the Lakers again Tuesday in Ontario, Calif.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Each year, OneManFastBreak.net ranks the five best players in the NBA. The ranking system is based on ONE MAN’S opinion and doesn’t conform to the All-NBA format where you have to pick one center, two forwards and two guards. It is strictly based on last season’s performance, regardless of position, with more weight placed on the playoffs. Last season’s top five included Kobe Bryant (1), LeBron James (2), Chris Paul (3), Paul Pierce (4) and Tim Duncan (5).

OneManFastBreak.net rates the five best players in the NBA (rankings will change from year to year):

5. DWIGHT HOWARD
Orlando Magic, Center

Superman II made the biggest leap of any player on this list. He surpassed San Antonio’s Tim Duncan as the best post player in the league. Though his statistics were slightly lower last season compared to 2007-08 (his points per game dropped from 20.7 to 20.6 and his rebounds went from 14.3 to 13.8, but his blocks went up from 2.2 to 2.9), Howard’s team got better as he improved his defense and his awareness on offense. Behind Howard’s more focused approach, the Magic reached the NBA Finals before losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in five games. Howard has very little competition at the center position so he should be able to lock up first-team status for the next five to 10 years.

4. CHRIS PAUL
New Orleans Hornets, Point Guard

There is no denying CP3 as the No. 1 PG in the league. His competition is either too old (Steve Nash and Chauncey Billups), too young (Derrick Rose) or took step back a year ago (Deron Williams). Paul’s ability to get to the rim going to his right as well as his left without losing any speed is second to none. And throws one of the prettiest alley-hoop passes I’ve ever seen since Sherman Douglas. He has become the most dominant player under 6-foot-1 the league has seen since Isiah Thomas and if he gets any help from newly acquired center Emeka Okafor, the Hornets should be a factor in the West. Hornets coach Byron Scott should thank Paul for saving his job, which was on the ropes four years ago. CP3 has single-handedly changed the whole culture in New Orleans and will always be in consideration for MVP.

3. DWYANE WADE
Miami Heat, Shooting Guard

D-Wade is back! After a subpar season in 2007-08 (if you consider scoring 24 points per game below par), Flash returned to the elite level, lifting Miami back into the playoffs and winning his first scoring title (30.2). Tim Grover, Michael Jordan’s super trainer who put D-Wade back together during the offseason, should get some kind of residual check for helping Wade get his explosiveness back and added strength to his frame. After playing in just 51 games the previous two seasons, Wade played a career-best 79 games in ‘08-09′ and the added burden of being the undisputed superstar of the franchise didn’t hinder the 2006 NBA Finals MVP.

And now, for the top two. Drum roll please ….

In order for LeBron James to win that elusive ring, he'll need to go through Kobe Bryant.

No big surprise here. In fact, you can probably pencil these two for next year as well.

2. LeBRON JAMES
Cleveland Cavaliers, Forward

I apologize for sounding like a broken record but…I’ve always believed that if LeBron James ever got that second option, that all-star type player who can take some of the pressure off LeBron, the Cavaliers easily becomes the best team in the NBA. Mo Williams was suppoed to be LeBron’s Scottie Pippen a year ago but he fizzed during the postseason. Enter Shaquille O’Neal. The Diesel has promised to “get a ring for The King” so LeBron is going to hold him to that statement come June. That’s how good James is. He’s like a one-man army. But to win an NBA championship, James needs a little help from his friends. Remember, he took the Cavs to the NBA Finals in 2007 despite playing with a rookie point guard, an old center, average-to-subpar power forwards and a coach who doesn’t know a thing about offense. Last season, the Cavs were ousted by the Magic mainly because Howard simply overpowered the Cleveland big men and James could not possibly guard both Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu at the same time. Whoever LeBron didn’t guard, that was the player the Magic targeted and made the big shots down the stretch. A championship ring is the only thing separating LeBron and being officially crowned king of the NBA.

1. KOBE BRYANT
Los Angeles Lakers, Shooting Guard

Speaking of The King, even though he goes by the nickname “The Black Mamba” Bryant is…and always has been for the past four seasons, the BEST PLAYER ON THE PLANET. The reigning NBA Finals MVP added a fourth championship ring to his collection box and his No. 24 jersey is No. 1 around the world. He finally shed the “couldn’t win without Shaq” label last season when he pushed the Lakers past the Magic in the NBA Finals. With the addition of Ron Artest, the Lakers should roll through the West again and Bryant could potentially face LeBron and Shaq or Howard and the Magic or Kevin Garnett and Celtics in the Finals. At this stage of Kobe’s career, he’s not as into statistics and individual awards. He knows his Lakers are built for the long haul and he doesn’t have to carry the load night after night. Besides, at 31 years old, Kobe understands that he needs to start preserving his body for the playoffs. Although when challenged, he can always put on his Black Mamba game face and devour anyone who tries to get in his path. He knows his legacy is secured and his Hall-of-Fame pass is waiting for him at the doors of Springfield, Mass. About the only thing missing on his checklist is the No. 7. That’s the number championship rings he needs to win to surpass Jordan.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Michael Jordan left a lasting impression in the game of basketball.

What would the world look like without Michael Jordan? For one, there would be no Kobe Bryant. Two, there would be no Dwyane Wade. And three, there would be no LeBron James.

Greatness can’t be measured by statistics. True greatness is defined by a player’s legacy. Michael Jordan’s impact in the sport can be seen through his basketball sons: Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

In a lot of ways, Jordan can be held responsible for practically raising Bryant, 31, Wade, 27, and James, 24, through his profound impact in the game. He educated them in how to work hard, play hard and dominate, setting the bar for them to jump over.

In short, Air Jordan showed his apprentices how to be great.

When we see Kobe, aka The Black Mamba, we see Jordan’s thirst for perfection, his mannerisms and incredible will to win. When we see D-Wade, aka The Flash, we see Jordan’s history in Chicago and the impact he’s had in that community where Wade grew up in. And when we see LeBron, aka King James, we see No. 23. We see the relentless attacking style that Jordan unveiled early on in his career. It is style that features an ability to get to the basket, absorb contact and score, and finishing with power.

Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant are still chasing Michael Jordan's shadow.

“He’s the master. He’s the guy that really perfected the game. Taught me a lot about the game of basketball, and how to prepare and leadership and competitive spirit,” Bryant said of Jordan, a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2009, a class that includes John Stockton, David Robinson, Jerry Sloan and Vivian Stringer.

Because Bryant came into the NBA in 1996, he is one of just a handful of active players who had the opportunity to go head to head against Jordan when he was still considered the Top Gun. Wade and James entered the league after Jordan retired for the third and final time and never got a chance to test their skills against the six-time NBA Finals MVP, five-time regular season MVP, 10-time scoring champion and six-time world champion.

Bryant, Wade and James are no different than any other player in the Association. Even though all three All-Stars have already accomplished a lot in their careers (Bryant is a four-time NBA champion and 2008 MVP, Wade is a world champion and 2006 Finals MVP and James is the reigning league MVP), in some ways they’re still following the template Jordan built more than 25 years ago. In so many levels, they’re all chasing his records, his championships and his enormous fanbase, and jealously admiring the Air Jordan silhouette that is embedded on shoes, billboards, headbands, beverages, baseball caps, sweaters, T-shirts, shorts, sweat pants and socks.

Before Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, people got to see Michael Jordan through the power of videos. VHS style! If you were a true basketball fan, you owned a tape of “Come Fly With Me” and “Michael Jordan’s Playground.”

As products of the ESPN generation, Kobe, D-Wade and LeBron – along with millions of fans around the world thanks to the growth of cable television – got see Jordan up close and personal through video highlights on SportsCenter. They mimicked his every move from the tongue action, to the way he wore his shorts, to the one-handed ball fakes, to the way he licked his fingers and how he chewed his gum, to the way he dominated the basketball, to the way he clamped down on defense and to the way he imposed his signature in each and every game he competed in.

Sometimes, they even sound like Jordan.

Try watching one of Bryant’s interviews or Wade’s or James’ and tell me how many times they refer to the sport as “the game of basketball.” Kobe just did it a few paragraphs ago. That’s a Jordan influence.

Because of his undeniable influence in today’s generation of superstars, Michael Jordan’s legend has grown exponentially. MJ may be retired but we still see flashes of him.

Everybody still wants to Be Like Mike.

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Kobe Bryant screams after sinking a 3-pointer during a playoff game against the Denver Nuggets last year. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

As the world mourns the loss of Michael Jackson, giants from the entertainment and athletic realm have publicly stated their sadness and deep appreciation for the pop culture icon and music legend.

Kobe Bryant, four-time NBA champion and All-Star guard of the Los Angeles Lakers, recently spoke to MTV and CNN about the impact Jackson had on his life.

Bryant revealed during a Michael Jackson video retrospective that he has had several conversations with the King of Pop prior to his unexpected death on June 25.

“I think it’s probably deeper than people would expect, actually,” Bryant said. “Being out here in L.A., I had numerous conversations, just over the phone and also at his house, just talking about work ethic and paying attention to details. Not skipping steps.”

Bryant and Jackson have a lot more in common than people realize.

Aside from being hailed as the best in their chosen profession, Bryant and Jackson are both ultra-competitive and always in constant pursuit of perfection. They also walked the same path in terms of being misunderstood, becoming a polarizing figure to fans and the mainstream media.

“He was extremely inspirational for me because he helped me understand that it’s OK to be different,” Bryant explained.

“And when I say different, I mean different in the sense of being obsessed with your craft; paying attention to detail, and working your tail off and being consumed by what you do. He helped mentor me in that department. I think we lost an absolutely brilliant, brilliant mind and just a genuine nice person.”

Bryant mentioned that one of the books Jackson gave him was “Jonathan Livingston Seagull,” a story of a seagull who develops an affinity for self-perfection. Because of his unwillingness to conform, spending too much time perfecting his flying form instead of concentrating on getting food, the seagull is ostracized by the rest of the flock. An outcast, he continues to learn, becoming increasingly pleased with his abilities as he leads an idyllic life.

On many levels, Bryant and Jackson are two individuals who distanced themselves from conformity. They were embroiled in squabbles with the flock, at least during Bryant’s early years with the Lakers, and decided to do things on their own.

Whether it was because of desperation or his thirst for perfection, Bryant’s solo flights were executed to influence the outcome of basketball games. Jackson’s flight was triggered mainly to launch his burgeoning solo career and, in some ways, preserve his personal sanity.

Growing up in Gary, Ind., Jackson was a basketball fan and has included the likes of Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson in his music videos.

He had a basketball hoop at Neverland Ranch, and when you watch him in that “Jam” video with Jordan, Jackson had decent handles and his jump shot was not too shabby. On defense, he definitely needed to squat down and not go for the pump fake so much. But, overall, Jackson was a better basketball player than Jordan was as a dancer.

Jackson is one of the few people in the world that Bryant could relate to. Kobe has been in the spotlight since he turned pro in 1996 at 18 years of age, and has used the NBA as his personal playground.

Because of the heavy demand in his sport, Bryant was never allowed to be a kid and had to grow up quickly. Jackson, unfortunately, suffered the same fate in a much greater scale.

“I don’t think people understand the amount of effort and time that he put into his work to make millions and millions to make people extremely happy across the world,” Bryant said of Jackson, who not only broke standards with his record-setting albums, but also pioneered the production of music videos. MTV, BET, and VH1 owe their livelihood to Jackson.

Jackson’s legacy has stretched into this decade, influencing today’s artists such as Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, and Usher.

Bryant may not have the same influence in the NBA, but he is considered by his peers as the best clutch player today. His competition—LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul—are all chasing his four championship rings.

“Beyond the genius of what he is, he’s just a genuinely, genuinely nice person. He got me hooked on movies that I would normally never watch. Fred Astaire movies. All the old classics,” Bryant added. “I would never, never watch those.”

“I remember my fianceé and I telling him we were getting married, and him just being really excited, and actually just offering up the ranch to have our wedding there, because privacy was going to be an issue,” Bryant continued.

“We wanted to get married in a church, so that’s what we wound up doing. But he made the offer. He’s just a genuinely nice person, who is exceptionally bright, exceptionally bright, and driven, and talented. You mix those things together, man, you have Michael Jackson.”

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By winning his fourth NBA championship and his first Finals MVP trophy, Kobe Bryant earned his MA in being a team leader. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Winning an NBA championship is kind of like graduation. You work all year to accumulate points and, once it’s done, you get to enjoy a big celebration in June.

On June 14, 2009, Kobe Bryant graduated from all-star to uber star. He scored an A-plus on his NBA report card and finally completed this master’s degree in leadership.

Being named most valuable player of the NBA Finals signifies that you are the best player in the world. When Kobe Bryant was handed the Bill Russell MVP trophy on Sunday night after leading the Los Angeles Lakers to an NBA championship, he officially became a Jedi Master – one who can force his will on his own team as well as his opponent. If LeBron James is the MVP of the NBA, then Bryant is the MVP of a galaxy far, far away.

“He is the guy that LeBron and all those other guys are chasing. He’s Machiavelli. He’s a throwback,” former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy said of Bryant while comparing him to the great Italian philosopher. Bryant averaged 32 points per game, six rebounds and seven assists in the five-game series against the Orlando Magic en route to claiming his first Finals MVP and his fourth NBA championship ring.

“MVP. Championship. The legacy continues. This guy now, in my opinion, is in the top 10 players of all time. He’s No. 10 in my book,” TNT’s Kenny Smith said about Bryant, who is widely regarded as the best closer in the game.

Though he won three championships from 2000-02, this year’s title resonates more with Bryant, a player who balances being the most beloved player in the league and its most hated villain. He entered the league as a cocky and sometimes irritating 18-year-old know-it-all and now, at 30 years old, his unparalleled swagger is viewed as intimidating.

Bryant recently admitted he is a much better all-round player now and went as far as saying he had a better year in 2009 than 2008 – and ‘08 was his MVP season. Winning a fourth NBA championship definitely cemented Bryant’s place in NBA history. He now has his championship without Shaquille O’Neal, proving to critics he can lead a team to a championship as the main Alpha Male.

“It was just annoying. It was like Chinese water torture,” Bryant said of the chatter that he couldn’t win a title without Shaq. “I would cringe every time. I was just like, it’s a challenge I’m just going to have to accept because there’s no way I’m going to argue it. You can say it until you’re blue in the face and rationalize it until you’re blue in the face, but it’s not going anywhere until you do something about it.

“I think we as a team answered the call because they understood the challenge that I had, and we all embraced it.”

O’Neal posted a congratulatory message on his Twitter page following the game: “Congratulations kobe, u deserve it,” O’Neal wrote. “You played great. Enjoy it my man enjoy it.”

It took Bryant 13 years to finally shed the selfish moniker he’s been unceremoniously branded with. He dropped the hot dog, mustard and the relish off his game and developed a healthy diet of highlight-free moves. Although he still showcases a spectacular move once in a while, for the most part he has become more efficient on offense and defense. Because he’s a little bit older and does not jump as high, Bryant has ditched the fancy crossover dribbles and the ill-advised pull-up 3-pointers in favor of turn-around jumpers in the post and more high-percentage mid-range jump shots.

The biggest improvement in Bryant’s game is his passing. He is now willing to share the ball with his teammates, a part of his game that he really struggled with during the early part of his career. There was a time when he led a fastbreak and no one ran with him. He was the lone wolf of the pack. Now, when he leads a fastbreak, the pack is running with him.

When Kobe Bryant got his teammates involved, the Lakers became world champions.

His coach of eight years, Phil Jackson, has witnessed Bryant’s growth as a player and as a person.

“There was a point in Kobe’s first or second year [with me] when we sat together and watched tape. I wanted him to understand his impact on the game a little bit and my feeling on his impact on the game,” Jackson said.

“We had a game in Toronto and he had gotten hooked up with Vince Carter in the middle of a fourth quarter, and they kinda exchanged baskets and I thought it took our team out of our team play. The game was much harder than it should have been,” Jackson recalled. “So I talked to him a little bit about leadership and about his ability to be a leader and he said, ‘Yeah, I’m ready to be a captain right now.’ And I said, ‘But no one is ready to follow you.

“But he was 22 at the time. He was a young guy,” Jackson continued. “In those eight years that ensued from that period, he’s learned how to become a leader in a way in which people want to follow him. I think that’s really important for him to learn that. He knew that he had to give to get [something] in return. He’s become a giver rather than just a guy who’s a demanding leader. It’s been great to watch.”

Bryant’s willingness to share the ball was evident in Game 4 against the Magic. He set up Pau Gasol’s dunk with 32 seconds left with a whirling-derbish move ala Earl Monroe. With the Lakers down 87-84 with 10 seconds left, the Magic double-teamed Bryant and, without hesitation, he passed the ball to Trevor Ariza and started a mini-fastbreak, culminating in a 3-pointer by Derek Fisher to send the game into overtime.

In overtime, Kobe’s recognition of a double team resulted in a wide-open 3-pointer for Fisher at the top of the arc for what proved to be the game-winning shot of Game 4 and the defining moment of the ‘09 Finals. Those two plays were clear indications that Kobe Bryant has grown into his role as the most complete player in the world. He no longer needs to be told that. He knows it.

“This is one bad man,” former NBA guard and current ABC/ESPN analyst Mark Jackson said. “You’re talking about a complete basketball player. I don’t really think you appreciate how great this guy is. I learned as a broadcaster you don’t want to throw around the word ‘great.’ I’m gonna go out on a limb and say, ‘This guy is great.’ As good as we’ve seen at the two-guard position.”

When Bryant realized that he can’t win on his own, no matter how hard he tried, he evolved as a player. His single-mindedness and incredible drive, which is both a curse and a gift, now permeates to the rest of his team. He has become a better teammate. He still has some venom when he rips into his guys, but he has done it less and less.

The transformation began in 2007-08 when Bryant won MVP during the regular season. The arrival of Gasol gave Bryant the much-needed support he has craved for since O’Neal left town in 2004. With Gasol playing the No. 2 scoring option and Fisher as wingman, Bryant took HIS new-look Lakers to the NBA Finals in ‘08 but fell short against the Boston Celtics. Instead of having another meltdown during the offseason, Bryant went back to the lab and helped HIS teammates get stronger – physically and mentally. Bryant knew he needed to build HIS team back up – one pass and one shot at a time.

“Losing in the Finals last year brought us closer together,” Fisher said. “This team is closer because of the combination of guys in terms of their ages and where they’re at in their careers. With these guys, everybody being early to mid-20s, there was a willingness to learn and be around me, to be around Kobe, and be around people that they can learn from.”

With Bryant as their undeniable leader and captain, the Lakers knocked off every Western Conference foe in surgical fashion and slapped the exclamation point with a victory over the Magic in the Finals.

Having been to the top in Stage 1 of his career, Bryant has talked about climbing the mountain top again. With Stage 2 well underway, he is more refined and building a legacy that could land him above his idol, Michael Jordan. “I just want to be the best – simple and plain. But to be the best, you have to win. That is what drives me,” Bryant said.

Three more championships and Bryant will surpass Jordan.

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Lakers star Kobe Bryant is now three victories away from winning his fourth Larry O'Brien Trophy. (GETTY IMAGES)

After driving his Los Angeles Lakers to a 100-75 bashing of the Orlando Magic in Game 1 of the NBA Finals Thursday night at Staples Center, Kobe Bryant is beginning to scare a lot of people.

Bryant is so close to winning his fourth Larry O’Brien Trophy that he’s starting to grind his teeth after each jump shot. He’s constantly urging his teammates to strive for perfection. He’s on such a roll that Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy and the Magic players are looking completely deflated. And several members of the media are feeling uncomfortable with his almost grumpy behavior.

Bryant is so close to accomplishing his ultimate goal he can almost taste the victory champagne. The scowl and the serious demeanor show his heightened focus and determination. His will to win has never been higher, which says a lot considering Kobe has been to the mountain top three times in his illustrious career.

But this time it’s different.

He is now three victories away from winning his fourth championship ring, which would cement his legacy in the sport. More importantly, he is three victories away from removing the 7-foot-1, 350-pound gorilla off his back. He is three victories away from being named the Finals most valuable player and re-establishing himself as the best player on the planet.

“I just want it so bad that’s all. I just want it really bad. It’s just putting everything you have into the game and the emotions kind of flow out of you,” Bryant said after lighting up the Magic for 40 points. He also added eight rebounds and eight assists, the fourth player to post 40-8-8 in the NBA Finals, joining Jerry West, Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal.

The Lakers are only up 1-0, but it seems as though this series is over because Bryant looks like he will not allow his team to lose this series.

“My kids call me Grumpy from the Seven Dwarfs. That’s pretty much how I’ve been at home,” Bryant said. “There’s a lot of motivation. I’m using it all right now.”

The Magic stayed even with the Lakers for one quarter and even took a five-point lead almost four minutes into the second quarter. The Magic led 33-28 with 8:30 left in the first half and that is when Phil Jackson called timeout and inserted No. 24, The Black Mamba, back in the game. From that point on, the Lakers blitzed the Magic, 72-42.

“We have the best player in the game and he came out in attack mode,” said Lakers assistant coach Brian Shaw, who won three championships with Bryant from 2000-2002.

Bryant made Orlando pay for not doubling him, repeatedly torching Courtney Lee and Mickael Pietrus on isolations and pick-and-rolls. He scored on mid-range jumpers, fadeaways, floaters, step-backs and dribble drives. In so many moves, he single-handedly broke Orlando’s spirit.

“When he gets it going, he’s one of the best players of all time,” Lakers forward Lamar Odom said of Bryant. “Offensively, there isn’t anything he can’t do. We understand how much he wants this. He has his game face on. He’s ready, he’s prepared.”

When Van Gundy reviews the video, he will have a hard time watching because Bryant was just scary good and there was nothing Orlando could have done to stop his Unstoppableness.

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