Kobe Bryant vs. Michael Jordan: Who Really Cares?

Kobe vs. Jordan: Who honestly cares? It will never happen, and if it did Jordan would win.

Whether you ask this question based upon individual ability and skill, ability to win and compete, or anything concerning anything involving the team or teammates...Jordan wins.

It is true that America and the entire world has romanticized Jordan and his image throughout the years, but this is simply because he was brilliant.

Ask Phil Jackson who he would rather have on his team. I doubt he would pick Kobe.

These comparisons must stop. They are annoying to both men and to countless fans throughout the world. Both are unique individuals who excelled in the NBA, but they are different men who played at different times.

Jordan excelled against legends that changed the game forever. Kobe excels in a game that has changed and is still changing.

Apples and Oranges my friends.

If you must, I repeat if you must compare the two, consider throwing in some admirable competition and give LeBron James some credit. I dare not say LeBron is better than either, I am simply asking those who feel the need to find the next Jordan to give some attention that 23-year-old guy in Cleveland who has taken over the NBA.

Here are some numbers to crunch:

Michael Jordan: 1984-2003 (missed four seasons due to retirement)

• Career Stats: 30.1 PPG, 5.3 APG, 6.2 RPG, 2.4 SPG, .497% FG, .835% FT, .327% 3PT
• 6 Championships and 6 Finals MVPs
• 5 Time NBA MVP
• 10 Time Scoring Champion
• 14 Time All-Star
• 3 Time All-Star MVP
• 9 Time ALL NBA Defensive First Team
• 11 Time All NBA Team
• 1984 Rookie of the Year
• 1988 Defensive Player of the Year

Kobe Bryant: 1996-?

• Career Stats: 24.6 PPG, 4.5 APG, 5.2 RPG, 1.5 SPG, .453% FG, .838% FT, .337% 3PT
• 3 Championship Rings
• 2 Time Scoring Champion
• 9 Time NBA All-Star
• 2 Time NBA All-Star MVP
• 9 Time All NBA Selection
• 7 Time All NBA Defensive Team

LeBron James: 2003-?

• Career Stats: 27.4 PPG, 6.6 APG, 6.9 RPG, 1.8 SPG, .467% FG, .729% FT, .324% 3PT
• 4 Time NBA All-Star
• 2 Time NBA All-Star MVP
• 3 Time All NBA Selection
• 2003 Rookie of the Year

Those are their individual numbers. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but...

The Bulls won a bunch and were called the "unbeat-a-Bulls" for a reason. The Lakers won with Shaq and haven't since. The Cavs made the Finals for the first time last year but have yet to win it all.

Leave it alone and let them play their games. Just sit back and be entertained. We are lucky to have such great players to watch.