This starts to look a bit like RealGM general board...
Whatever ESPN is saying must be wrong (ACF you got a TP), just because they act like basketball and the NBA were born when MJ started to win some playoff games. Then, you have the bias about current player, and so you have them talking Co-B Bryant into the top 10 or even top 5 all-time ranking. No way.
The GOAT is Bill Russell, by a lot. He changed the NCAA and he changed the NBA in his rookie season, and he has 11 rings. And not only that.
After him, I'd put Wilt because in terms of individual performance and dominance, he was the best. He didn't have more success just because of Bill Russell, that talks about Bill Russell's greatness and GOAT status.
Then you have MJ, Bird, Kareem and Magic. MJ won more than the other guys, but he had Stern, BSPN and Nike to pave his way. You put the other 3 in Jordan's position and they'd have win the same if not more.
Next tier, Mikan, Shaq, Hakeem, Duncan. All dominant bigmen, leading their teams to multiple titles.
Then you have Cousy, Hondo, Cowens, Isiah Thomas, Oscar Robertson, Doctor J, Baylor, Jerry West, and some other great players. You can put Co-B (and KG) here, and he'll be amongst the elite of the NBA. He doesn't belong higher, but I'll concede him the benefit of belonging here.
Following Shaq's lead wasn't that hard to do, even D-Wade could do it with some Stern help. And Pau was key for his other 2 titles, alongside KG's injury, Perk's injury and Joey Crawford et al. big performances.
Being the jerk Co-B is, and playing for the Fakers, that's being pretty generous.
Go Celtics!