NBA fans celebrate Dominique Wilkins’ birthday as they look back at the league’s best-ever dunkers. However, they couldn’t help shooting some strays towards the late Kobe Bryant.
As part of their tribute to Wilkins, Ballislife.com shared a photo where Wilkins can be seen alongside Vince Carter, Michael Jordan, and Julius Erving. While the photo was legendary, NBA fans question whether Kobe belongs to the exclusive club of rim rattlers.
@kris_kris_o needed some eye scratching and said, “am i tripping why kobe is here?”
am i tripping why kobe is here
— notkrisss (@kris_kris_o) January 12, 2026
@GadsdenVendetta added, “Replace Kobe with Kemp.”
And @BrentWags12 went with another suggestion, saying, “I’m gonna need me some Terrence Stansbury from the Indiana Pacers!”
Despite the hate, one would still appreciate how Kobe Bryant became the bridge among all of the eras of athleticism in the NBA. In fact, he even proved he’s part of the elite dunkers after winning the 1997 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
“That was a masterclass in getting a PhD in the mid-range”: NBA fans react to Kobe Bryant’s massive night against GSW
While NBA fans question Kobe Bryant’s involvement among the best dunkers the NBA has ever seen, they couldn’t help but admire what he did against the Golden State Warriors 15 years ago.
As @kobehighlight looked back at his 39-point outing against the Warriors, NBA fans were in awe at how Bryant carried the LA Lakers in the second half, where he scored 30 of the 39 points he had that night to lead them to a win.
@hoopstheoryX said, “That was a master class in getting a PhD in the mid range.”
That was a master class in getting a PhD in the mid range
— hoops (@hoopstheoryX) January 13, 2026
@Lakers_310 added, “It’s blasphemous to even put guys like Steph in the same convo with Kobe.”
While @new24p4p kept it simple: “Insane buckets.”
Throughout his career, Bryant had nothing but greatness around him, winning 5 NBA championships, 2 NBA Finals MVPs, and an NBA MVP award. He might be gone, but he’ll never be forgotten.
