The Los Angeles Lakers featured dominant stars like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during the 1980s, yet James Worthy still earned his place. He rose to the challenge and became one of the era’s top players. Throughout his career, Worthy spent significant time alongside Kareem. Because of that experience, he drew a compelling comparison between Abdul-Jabbar and another Lakers’ legend, Kobe Bryant.
“Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a great physics player…Kobe’s that kind of player. He studies space and steps, and whatever it takes to give him an edge. And I think that’s what he does that puts him up and beyond most players,” James Worthy said, via the Washington Post.
During his 1.560 NBA games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar averaged 24.6 points. He also added 11.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. Beyond the numbers, he established his dominance with a legendary résumé. He earned six MVP awards and shattered scoring records. His all-time scoring mark stood firm for 38 years, cementing his status among the greatest.
Moreover, both legends influence extended beyond the court. James Worthy, a Lakers icon himself, has repeatedly named Abdul-Jabbar the greatest of all time. However, he still acknowledges the lasting impact Kobe made. He recognizes the legacy Kobe built across 20 unforgettable years with the franchise.
Los Angeles Lakers stars Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kobe Bryant.
Kobe Bryant played 1.346 games within the franchise and averaged 25 points. He contributed 5.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists per contest. More importantly, his relentless discipline and mental toughness transformed the Lakers. He changed the team’s identity and inspired a new competitive standard.
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James Worthy gives high praise on Kobe Bryant’s impressive work ethic ‘Kobe had an old-school mentality’
Beyond his championships and stats with the Lakers, Kobe Bryant built a lasting legacy through an unmatched work ethic. His teammates, including Shaquille O’Neal, often said he arrived early to practice and stayed long after it ended. This mindset was not just routine; it was his identity. He called it the ‘Mamba Mentality,’ a personal code focused on hard work, chasing dreams, and constantly getting better.
That commitment stood out to legends who came before him. In a 2003 interview with The Washington Post, Lakers great James Worthy explained what made Kobe different. “Kobe has an old-school mentality…His work ethic is second to none, and I think he’s totally aware of what he’s had to do to get better each year…A lot of guys depend on their athleticism and what they’ve done in the past. He does a lot to make himself better.“
