Kobe's Legacy Already Golden

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DOES KOBE BRYANT need another NBA championship to validate his on-the-court legacy?

That's the question that has been thrown around all week while the Los Angeles Lakers face the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals.

Without LeBron James present to snub handshake rituals, Bryant is the one through which all storylines go.

"What about Dwight Howard?" you say. To most, just reaching the finals is a strong step toward a potentially great career.

Bryant has a different standard — and not just compared to Howard or any of the other players in this series.

From practically day one, he's been saddled with expectations that he could be the next Michael Jordan.

Bryant's three rings aren't enough for his detractors, who are quick to point out Shaquille O'Neal was in his dominant prime when the Lakers made their run. Bryant needs to show the critics he can do it.

Never mind that Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing never won a title, or that the great Clyde Drexler reached the top only when paired with Hakeem Olajuwon, the Shaq of his era.

Bryant brought a lot of this on himself with a smug attitude and his off-the-court transgressions. He doesn't seem all that likeable.

Yet he's the best player in the NBA now. Another title would be a great accomplishment. If not, though, Bryant hasn't done too shabby in becoming one of the league's greatest of all time.

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images