What makes players like Jordan, LeBron, and Kareem consistently appear in top-tier NBA player lists, and does Kobe meet any of those criteria?

No he does not.. but Kobe appears in top 3 lists anyways due to fans overrating him because of emotional bias.

Jordan, Lebron… and Kobe appear as the ‘top 3’ in most popular merchandise material and posters. Because that’s what the public thinks.

Kareem – a player who has a whopping FIVE more MVPs than Kobe, one more championship, scored 5k more total points, has nearly double the rebounds and RPG, nearly 10% more efficient and equals Kobe in All-Star, All-NBA, All-Def, PPG etc is not considered better than Kobe by casual fans. Neither is Magic Johnson, who accomplished more than Kobe did in a shorter career.

Instead Kobe is put into the top 3 by the casual public mainly for one singular reason – ‘he’s the closest to Jordan’ and his flashy moves and mentality motivate the public to put him in the top 3. That’s why. There’s no stats (well, except if you just want to go regular season peak scoring games) or awards to back Kobe up in the top 3. Just the fact that Kobe was far more marketable than Kareem was and played more recently that’s why.