Former NBA player Brandon Jennings has revealed his greatest of all time (GOAT) in a recent interview with HoopsHype. When asked by Sam Yip who his GOAT is, Jennings quickly named Kobe Bryant, citing his upbringing in Los Angeles and Bryant’s unmatched work ethic as key reasons behind his choice.
“Definitely Kobe,” Jennings said. “Growing up in L.A. and seeing him win five titles, it just makes sense. People seem to forget he was the most dominant player at his peak during the late 2000s. And he’s got a legacy of work ethic and drive that will live forever.”
Jennings, who spent several seasons in the NBA and played with teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons, was quick to emphasize Bryant’s peak dominance. While names like Michael Jordan and LeBron James often surface in GOAT debates, Jennings’ personal experience growing up in Los Angeles shaped his strong admiration for Bryant.
In the interview, Jennings also shared memorable moments from his interactions with Bryant, including the time when the Lakers legend reached out to him after a major injury. Jennings recalled, “When I tore my Achilles, he texted me and gave me some encouragement on how to deal with it. He wasn’t playing at that time and was coming back from a shoulder injury himself.”
The gesture, Jennings explained, was a testament to Bryant’s influence on the basketball community. He admired the way Kobe always looked out for others, even when facing his own setbacks. “You could tell he just always cared about the people in the basketball community and was trying to help,” Jennings said.
Another moment Jennings fondly remembered was a special encounter after a game when Bryant took a picture with his son. “He took a picture with my son after a game too, so that was dope, and it’s a memory that my son just really appreciates having now.”
The interview highlights Jennings’ deep respect for Bryant as both a player and a person. Bryant’s leadership, five NBA championships, and legendary work ethic left a lasting mark on Jennings and countless others who admired his approach to the game.
Jennings’ pick adds another voice to the ongoing debate about the GOAT in basketball. While many fans and players have varying opinions, the influence of Bryant on younger players, particularly those who grew up watching him during his prime, continues to resonate.
Bryant’s career spanned 20 years with the Los Angeles Lakers, during which he became an 18-time All-Star, won two NBA Finals MVPs, and solidified his reputation as one of the game’s fiercest competitors. His tragic death in 2020 has only amplified the respect and admiration for his contributions to the sport.