Where does Kobe rank among NBA superstars?

[zer0]

I've always believed that the difference between Kobe and any of 5-6 sg/sf type players wouldn't mean the difference between an NBA championship in the earlier Shaq years. Now that we've seen him on his own, where does he rate? I don't know best how to come to the conclusion, whether you're trying to build a franchise or win this year. Base your decision off either assumption. Is it unrealistic to think that Kobe is in the same group as guys like Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, Paul Pierce, and Gilbert Arenas, right below the top shelf of Lebron/Wade?