First of all, the question was "who would you rather have leading your team into the playoffs?" Anyone who wants to win picks KB24.
As for the part I highlighted above... Well...
Here are Kobe's stats during those years he was "not even close to being the best player" and he "rode Shaq to three rings"...
1999-00:
Regular Season:
Kobe 23 PPG, Shaq 30
Playoffs:
Kobe 21, Shaq 30
2000-2001
Regular Season:
Kobe 29, Shaq 29
Playoffs:
Kobe 29, Shaq 30
2001-2002
Regular Season:
Kobe 25, Shaq 27
Playoffs:
Kobe 27, Shaq 28
To say Kobe was not even close to being the best player, or even better for those who say Shaq would have won those with anyone, is ignorant. Kobe has been doing this for over a decade now. He has been to the Finals 7 out of the last 10 years.
Secondly, rings don't mean jack? So then why is MJ considered the greatest ever? It is because he won 6 out of 8. That is why. Same reason 90 percent of the greatest ever in their sport are recognized as being great. How can you say that rings, which is the prize everyone plays for, don't mean jack? Lol