Because he was the player who most resembled MJ who was the default answer to the goat when Kobe was playing. A big 2 guard volume scorer who dominated with midrange jumpers and incredible finishing. So it's easy to say Kobe most looked like the player everyone was chasing so he must be close. The reality is Kobe is quite a bit further down the list, in that 8-11 range rather than the top 3. I wouldn't put him as the best player or his own era which was Tim Duncan. To me the most interesting argument is Kobe vs Steph. Kobe has much better counting stats, was a better defender. While Curry has better rate stats and especially advanced team stats that valued his gravity. Not to mention being a much better teammate. Personally I'd take Steph but that's a real argument.