Kobe Bryant Ranked 11th, O'Neal Criticizes List

Bleacher Report's updated top 100 NBA players list ranked Kobe Bryant at No. 11, one spot behind Stephen Curry and just ahead of Hakeem Olajuwon, causing significant backlash among fans and NBA figures. Shaquille O'Neal, Bryant's former teammate who was ranked No. 6, called the ranking 'criminal' and disrespectful to Bryant's legacy. Critics argue that while Bryant's five championships, league MVP, and cultural impact are substantial, he lacked the sustained statistical dominance and multiple MVP awards of others ranked above him, such as LeBron James and Tim Duncan. Bleacher Report's expert panel assessed players based on stats, awards, championships, and influence, ultimately placing others higher due to their multi-year peaks as the league's top player. The ranking has fueled ongoing debate over Bryant's place among basketball's all-time greats. Many, including O'Neal, contend that Bryant deserves a top-10 spot.