Who's the next Kobe Bryant? Looking at 5 NBA players who can emulate the LA Lakers legend

#3 Jamal Murray

Jamal Murray is also a name that comes to mind when thinking of players who could emulate Kobe Bryant. Playing for the Denver Nuggets, Jamal Murray shows all the makings of a superstar.

Murray's style of play is more reminiscent of the guards of the modern NBA. His game features the ability to quickly create space off the dribble on the perimeter and a reliable shot from deep. Murray has also shown sparks of athleticism with some impressive acrobatic finishes while going to the basket.

However, what makes him resemble Kobe isn't his play style. Much like Donovan Mitchell, Murray possesses the heart of a champion. The desire to compete and win under all circumstances shows in the desperation with which he plays in crunch time.

Playing with ferocious intensity and a serious chip on his shoulder, Jamal Murray is one of the players who could emulate the Laker legend.

A year ago today, Jamal Murray dropped 50 PTS and forced a Game 7 for the @nuggets 😤 pic.twitter.com/t6st2vVk69
— NBA TV (@NBATV) August 30, 2021

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#4 Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards surveys the floor at the New Orleans Pelicans v Minnesota Timberwolves matchup

Drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2020 NBA Draft, Anthony Edwards has shown signs of being one of the most exciting young prospects in the NBA.

Edwards' game style is a perfect blend of controlled dribbling and explosive athleticism. He has the makings of a solid offensive player in the league. While isn't afraid of shooting the long ball, there is room for improvement.

However, his drive to the basket gives a sense of a potential highlight reel play. Using his strong frame, he takes up the challenge against bigger defenders when trying to finish over them.

"ANTHONY EDWARDS.. WITH THE❗️"The TOP 10 DUNKS from @theantedwards_'s rookie season! #NBADunkWeek pic.twitter.com/4dS2Jg1lRx
— NBA (@NBA) August 23, 2021

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Edwards showed sparks of star potential coming off of a great rookie season. When given the green light to score, Edwards set a career-high of 42 points twice. He approaches defenders in isolation situations with a vicious intent to score.

This desire to score and the competitive nature of his play is very reminiscent of Kobe Bryant early in his career.

The intensity and sheer excitement that Anthony Edwards presents when he's playing shows a lot of promise for the future.

#5 Jalen Green

Jalen Green was drafted second overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2021 NBA Draft. Green is an extremely gifted scorer who shows sparks of what a young Kobe Bryant used to be like.

While very early in his career, having never played a game in the NBA, Green played in the NBA G-League instead of going to college after high school. Jalen Green averaged 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game in the NBA G-League.

Factoring in the physicality, Green had an impressive run with the Ignite squad.

Green's game revolves around his athleticism. His impressive jumping ability combined with his body control allows him to alter his position midair to open up a better angle to score. Although his shooting from deep isn't an impressive trait, his nature to get hot in a hurry shows potential for improvement in the future.

With a knack for scoring in bunches and showing up to perform in big games, Jalen Green shows all the signs of being an interesting prospect from this year's draft class.

While comparing him to Kobe this early in his career does seem like a stretch, given his performances in the NBA Summer League, there is room for him to grow into that comparison.