Stephen Jackson -- I'm the Best NBA Player Alive ... On The Mic (Video)

Former NBA player Stephen Jackson says he can take Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Chris Webber ... when it comes to rapping, and even calls out Kobe as a total hip-hop poser.

Jackson's been focused on his rap career for years, and while he hasn't had a breakthrough hit song yet -- he still believes his skills put all other NBA ballers to shame.

He's got plenty of comp these days -- with guys like Damian Lillard, Lou Williams and Lance Stephenson all laying down tracks.

Jackson gives a couple of those guys props -- but absolutely blows up Kobe's rap career. He ain't the first, and when you listen to the Mamba's verses ... maybe Captain Jack has a point.