That doesn’t mean two players on radically different plateaus are assessed only by titles. Kurt Rambis has four rings from his days with the Lakers. Karl Malone has none. Yet only one is Hall of Fame material.

But in this comparison, Bryant still has some catching up to do. And he could do it.

Jordan won his six titles with one other star in Scottie Pippen (and partly with another, if you count madman Dennis Rodman), but with an impressive array of role players. Michael’s achievements are viewed with widespread admiration. The glistening bling of those years still keeps the basketball populace in awe.

Kobe won three titles with more help, so those are not viewed predominantly as his doing. He had Shaq, Derek Fisher, Rick Fox, Robert Horry and others, not to mention Phil Jackson. He was not the perceived leader of that team, even though he was an indispensable and vital presence.

But if he happens to lead this Lakers team to paydirt against Boston, it will spit-shine his “Best Ever” credentials. A year ago, this assemblage was a contestant for the No. 8 seed in the West — if not the lottery. This season it finished as the top seed in the conference and has outclassed Denver, Utah and San Antonio. And Kobe Bryant is the primary reason.

And next year, the Lakers should be even better, with Andrew Bynum and Trevor Ariza back and perhaps another addition or two. That means if they win these Finals, it’s possible they could continue building a dynasty.

Kobe might actually catch Michael in rings. In fact, it’s not lunacy to suggest Kobe could even surpass him.

Then what?

That would throw the “Greatest Player Ever” debaters into a tizzy. But for now, maybe it would be wise if we slipped the name “Kobe Bryant” into the discussion, just to be safe.

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