The Los Angeles Lakers have long been one of the most successful franchises not just in NBA history, but in sports history. In the NBA, their 17 championships are the second-most, only behind the Boston Celtics, who have 18.
Additionally, Los Angeles has been led by some of the greatest players the league has ever seen throughout history. This includes two of the greatest NBA players in recent memory, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
Recently, NBA legend and 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Dwight Howard shared his thoughts and made a clear choice between the two basketball legends.
Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39).
Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39).
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Throughout his 18-year NBA career, Howard had three separate stints with the Lakers, including during the 2021-22 season, his last in the league. In total, the Atlanta native played parts of three seasons in Los Angeles. During that time, he was a one-time All-Star, a one-time All-Star, and a one-time NBA Champion. Additionally, he played alongside Bryant and James.
In a recent appearance on The Club 520 Podcast, Howard said he would take James on a general basis, but he would take Bryant "late in the game" and as a scorer.
"Everything combined, you got to give it to LeBron James. Scoring-wise, I got to say I like Kobe Bryant. If it’s late in the game, I’m giving the ball to Kobe," Howard said. "I’m not going to give the ball to LeBron late in the game. I’m going to give it to Kobe."
Not many players can say they were teammates with both Bryant and James, and this is a unique distinction Howard has. Regardless of Howard's choice, both of them are two of the greatest players the league has ever seen, and they will forever be a part of NBA history.