He's back. And this time, it's for real.

Kobe Bryant isn't playing "like" Michael Jordan these days. He is MJ. Only younger. And smarter. And more mature.

Forget calling Kobe Bryant "Jordan-esque." Soon we'll be saying Jordan was "Kobe-esque."

For years NBA watchers have been falsely targeting players as the so called "next Jordan." The list of wanna-be's that never were, is embarrassing to recap. From fellow Carolina products like Vince Carter and Jerry Stackhouse, to wing-nuts like JR Rider, and busters like Harold Minor, the label of "next Jordan" came with the mere ability to dunk real fancy. It's more curse than compliment.

But Kobe carries that burden with ease. Sure, he blushes when asked publicly about such a comparison, but I have no doubt that inside Kobe is targeting Jordan's career the way Tiger has targeted Nicklaus. And at the top of the list is Jordan's six NBA rings.

Think MJ's six titles in the "post-Auerbach" era is untouchable? Think again. Kobe already has one, will pocket another in June, and then turn 23 years old in August. Twenty-three. You do the math. Five more in 15 years. Very doable. After all, Jordan didn't get his first until age 28 and a full seven years into his pro career. He wasted perhaps two more titles while chasing curveballs during his basketball prime.

My prediction is that Shaq will ride with Kobe for four of the titles, and then Kobe will bring home the last three as the undisputed lead dog. Probably in LA, but maybe somewhere else. And don't start with the argument about who is carrying whom in this Laker juggernaut. The facts are as follows:

Shaq was a proven "non-winner" in Orlando for four years. He was a non-winner in LA for the next three. Not until Kobe had blossomed in his fourth season, did the Lakers get over the top. Yes, "Big Chief Triangle" Phil Jackson had something to do with it, but take this proposition.

Cast Jackson, O'Neal and Bryant to the wind, and let them all go somewhere else in the NBA without each other. Who are you betting on to reach the mountaintop first with their new team? And which one will make the most return trips? And which one will elevate the play of their team the most?

For my money, it's Kobe, Kobe and Kobe.

Consider how utterly slandered Kobe was this season by the bulk of the sporting press, not to mention his own coach. For a guy who did absolutely nothing to deserve it, Kobe was painted as some selfish, egomaniacal team wrecker. If the Lakers lost, it was because he didn't pass the ball enough. Allen Iverson won the MVP while shooting 302 more times than Kobe, and doing so at just 42% compared to Bryant's 46% rate. Go figure.