I completely agree with Yankshaters. Kobe wins and he's top 2 or 3... a fifth or sixth and he's, at least, Jordan's equal. and with how young this Lakers team is, six or seven isn't out of the question. Jordan was, I think 31 or 32 when he got #4... Kobe's 29.
I think in terms of talent, and what he can do on a basketball court, him and Jordan are equal -- what he needs are the rings. In fact, in regards to shooting, Kobe can do things and make shots that I'm not sure Jordan could. And he's getting that Jordan-esque killer instinct. He was just stone cold in that game against the Spurs... you look at his body language and his face and you wouldn't have known he was on the doorstep of the NBA Finals. I think people let their feelings about him influence how they feel on this particular subject but Kobe's a lot closer than people give him credit for, in my opinion.
All the respect in the world for Lebron and company, but Kobe's head and shoulders above anybody else in the league.