"These days they think the tough question is Jordan or LeBron. No. Jordan or Kobe is the tough question ... but it's Kobe."

The rapper made the shocking revelation during Bumbu Rum's interview series ... saying even though it physically pained him to make the declaration -- he says the Mamba was just that good.

"God, forgive me. Jordan, forgive me. But, it's Kobe."

Soo ... does Wayne have a legit argument??

Kobe does have one more All-Star appearance than Jordan ... but M.J. has more rings, more MVPs, more career points, more career rebounds AND less career turnovers.