Kobe was the best player in the league for a few years, so was Shaq, and so was MJ.
You can always argue how MJ is a better winner/leader or complete players, but Kobe's competitiveness is second to NONE, not even MJ. Kobe's offensive skills, physical strength, and durability are second to none either, MJ included.
TMac mentioned once, that 82 points game of Kobe was just impossible. You can say whatever you want about Raptor's defense, but to him, TMac said he probably couldn't even shoot that many shots to remain perfect form in a competitive game, not to mention sinking those shots:)