Kopitar, Greatest King

[LeftKinger]

As much as I admire Anze for his 200 foot game and his unselfishness. I think he would’ve easily had an extra 100 points right now if he had taken some more chances and not tried to set up his line mates/played a responsible game. Only fans who watched him closely over the years will understand what I mean with this post. The guy is as disciplined as it comes.

 

[elitepete]

He’s a beast.

 

[Blue and Green]

He's led the Kings in points in 15 of his 17 seasons. Won the Selke twice. There has been only one season where he averaged less than 20 minutes per game. And he's only missed 42 games in his career.

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

Hes been the greatest king for a while.

 

[Nasti]

He has a very real chance at surpassing Dionne for all time leading scorer in franchise history. Needs to average 55 points for the three years he’s under contract, including this one.

 

[Felidae]

Surprised its been nearly unanimous for Kopi bring the greatest King of all time. Is there really no argument between him and Doughty for greatest King of all time?

Kopitar has seemingly aged better since Doughty has barely received Norris votes since 2018- present day.

But Doughty was top 3 in his position for 4 years and arguably more, being a Norris finalist 4 times in his career and from 2009-2017 was basically at least a top 10 defenseman.

I don't think you can say the same for Kopitar. Particularly being top 3 in his position except for the one time he was a Hart finalist.

 

[Albatros]

When Kelly Hrudey is your goalie, you aren't winning shit.

With the Islanders Hrudey was sometimes the only one that showed up.

 

[HFpapi]

I think there are legit arguments for Gretzky, Dionne, Lucky Luc, and Kopi for greatest King of all time.

I don't think the two cup wins should immediately catapult Kopitar to the top considering at various times during those cup wins Quick, Williams, Doughty, Richards, and Gaborik were as, if not more, vital to their success. (Don't say this to disparage him, he's a brilliant player and obviously a monumental part of those wins. They don't win without him).

 

[Statto]

Best and greatest are two different things.

Best - Gretzky
Greatest - Kopitar

 

[Nathaniel Skywalker]

Kopitar will be a first ballot hall of famer, two-time champion, and will likely play his entire career in LA. Who else in the history of LA sports can meet those three criteria? Magic, Kobe….?

Kareem began his career in Milwaukee. Koufax, Drysdale in Brooklyn. Kershaw? Only one title. Likely retires with someone else. Dustin Brown will not make HHOF, much less on the first ballot. Doughty maybe? Maybe not first ballot and might still get traded.

Anze is an LA sports legend.

Lmaooo

 

[Nadal On Clay]

One of the most underrated players of his time and one of my favorite players. What a career he is having.

 

[Drake1588]

It's Dionne at No. 1 and then it's Gretzky at No. 2. Then it's probably Kopitar, a hair in front of Robitaille.

He's the best that the current generation will have watched in person, though. That kind of thing really does matter. Comparing the people you know to the people you only know of is kind of comparing apples and oranges. I'm not sure we should do it as readily as we do.

 

[GMR]

Gretzky and Dionne were better players by far. Kopitar has more longevity and team success.

 

[Tom Polakis]

With all due respect to Dustin Brown, when the organization was considering erecting a statue outside the arena, did anyone think about holding off instead for a future Kopitar statue? I know Brown was a great captain, but it seems like a universal sentiment that Kopitar was a better career King player.

 

[AhosDatsyukian]

One of the most underrated players of all time too

 

[fsanford]

With all due respect to Dustin Brown, when the organization was considering erecting a statue outside the arena, did anyone think about holding off instead for a future Kopitar statue? I know Brown was a great captain, but it seems like a universal sentiment that Kopitar was a better career King player.

I think the feeling is Brown was foundation, Doughty, Kopitar, Quick were the castle it was built on. (Yes castle cuz they are the Kings)

 

[kings11]

Surprised its been nearly unanimous for Kopi bring the greatest King of all time. Is there really no argument between him and Doughty for greatest King of all time?

Kopitar has seemingly aged better since Doughty has barely received Norris votes since 2018- present day.

But Doughty was top 3 in his position for 4 years and arguably more, being a Norris finalist 4 times in his career and from 2009-2017 was basically at least a top 10 defenseman.

I don't think you can say the same for Kopitar. Particularly being top 3 in his position except for the one time he was a Hart

From 11-12 to 13-14 you could argue he was a top 3 C, only Crosby being better.. and you could argue that from 10-11 up to being robbed of the Hart he was a top 5 center

 

[SepticFish]

With all due respect to Dustin Brown, when the organization was considering erecting a statue outside the arena, did anyone think about holding off instead for a future Kopitar statue? I know Brown was a great captain, but it seems like a universal sentiment that Kopitar was a better career King player.

Why not both? Kobe will be the 12th statue in star plaza and there's plenty of room for more.

 

[bland]

With all due respect to Dustin Brown, when the organization was considering erecting a statue outside the arena, did anyone think about holding off instead for a future Kopitar statue? I know Brown was a great captain, but it seems like a universal sentiment that Kopitar was a better career King player.

The statue is of the moment Brown lifted the Cup for the first time in team history. Its not just a "hey, Brown deserves a statue" kind of thing.

 

[Voight]

Kopitar will be a first ballot hall of famer, two-time champion, and will likely play his entire career in LA. Who else in the history of LA sports can meet those three criteria? Magic, Kobe….?

Kareem began his career in Milwaukee. Koufax, Drysdale in Brooklyn. Kershaw? Only one title. Likely retires with someone else. Dustin Brown will not make HHOF, much less on the first ballot. Doughty maybe? Maybe not first ballot and might still get traded.

Anze is an LA sports legend.

Kareem also won 3 titles at UCLA to go with his 5 with the Lakers.

 

[KrisLetAngry]

Best kings career for sure.

As a penguins fan I am not looking forward to tonight.

Kopitar and company have had are number.

 

[GMR]

There is only one true King.

 

[Rick Knickleback]

Kareem also won 3 titles at UCLA to go with his 5 with the Lakers.

UCLA alum here. Trust me, I know. Kareem’s the man! My point was Kopitar is absolutely in the inner circle of the LA sports pantheon.

 

[Machinehead]

I could buy him as the GOAT King.

He's close to Dionne in points and he has the two Cups.

I still don't really associate Gretzky with the Kings as much as the Oilers.

 

[Agent Zuuuub]

all the hype Toews was getting was what Kopitar should have been getting.

1. Crosby
2A. Malkin
2B. Kopitar