As the top three guards in NBA history and the strongest shooting guard in NBA in recent ten years, Kobe has made numerous achievements, but who knows the hardships behind Kobe? He doesn't have McGrady's talent and James' physical quality, but Kobe's sweat is the cornerstone of his success. I still remember what he asked the reporter: "Have you seen Los Angeles at four in the morning?"
Kobe's efforts are unmatched by ordinary people. But what really makes Kobe great is his creepy competitive spirit.
1998 In the Western Conference semifinals, the Lakers were swept by the Spurs. Kobe threw an air ball at the crucial moment in the fourth quarter and two more in overtime. After the game, O 'Neal laughed and said nothing, and Kobe didn't say anything. At the press conference after the game, Kobe said: "Next year, we will definitely kill and get back what belongs to us!" The following year, Kobe won his first O 'Brien Cup.
Kobe's greatness is not entirely due to his achievements, but mainly because he insists on training like a devil every summer and his extraordinary tenacity. There is no pressure to crush him (just look at Kobe playing with injuries), and he is not soft at critical moments and rarely disappoints teammates and fans. I think this should be the real reason why Kobe is great.