Top-5 places Kobe Bryant could play other than L.A.

If Kobe Bryant was to leave the L.A. Lakers, here are five places he could conceivably go.

He’s the obscure silhouette of passion and skill . He’s the marvel of the basketball Gods. The “Black Mamba” is the evil twin of Michael Jeffery Jordan — whether it’s admitted or not.

Kobe Bryant has transcended our expectations for nearly two decades, and the reality is he’ll always be the sidekick.

Regardless of the two championship rings he led the Los Angeles Lakers to in 2009 and 2010, Bryant’s first three rings will be credited (mostly) to Shaquille O’Neal. It’s written in stone — unfair as it is.

Jordan’s personal belief is the only living soul who could beat him in a game of one-on-one is Bryant because he “stole” MJ’s moves. Unfortunately, that fantasy pick-up game can never be played.

But instead of stripping Bryant of his share of the success he’s experienced, let’s celebrate it. Don’t begin sentences with, “Well, if he didn’t have Shaq…” or, “You know MJ won more MVP awards.” Such arguments are immature and asinine.

Bryant will go down as one of the greatest human beings to step foot on the hardwood, and it’s a shame he’s been portrayed as a villain so often — strictly referring to his basketball career.

The man has played through broken bones and viruses. He’s defied the laws of physics on multiple occasions. He’s shot free throws on a torn achilles and outscored entire teams. Bryant has dodged father time like he owed him money.

All the while, the attention goes to Jordan for being “the first” and LeBron James for being “the next.”

Bryant, in spite of the youthful word vomit he spat at one time, stayed true to his colors. He swore it. He assured it. He was going to leave, and that was the end of it … but he never did. Actions will always speak louder than words.

That No. 8 jersey faded and evolved into No. 24, but the name on the front stayed the same. Bryant never left the Lakers — even when he had half a mind to pursue a better environment to win.

Now Phil Jackson believes this will be Bryant’s last year… with the Lakers. Okay, Phil, whatever you say. Bryant claims he has every intention of retiring in purple and gold, but at this point would anyone blame him if he did leave to capture that evanescent sixth championship?

At this point, most Lakers fans would probably wish Bryant nothing but the best if that were the route he chose. Sure it’s conjecture, but that seems to be the underlying tone. Bryant deserves a sixth ring, but where could he realistically go to chase it?

Here’s a look at the top-five teams Bryant could end up playing after this season.

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