Kobe-LeBron Debate: LeBron is King

Prior to this season, I wholeheartedly believed that Kobe Bryant was a better basketball player than LeBron James.

What a difference a year makes.

After incredible seasons for the Black Mamba and King James, it would be hard to argue against the King's reign over the NBA—even if it doesn't result in an NBA Championship.

This year LeBron James averaged 28.4 points, 7.2 assists, 7.6 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks a game.

Something must be said for James' all-around game. James affects the game in every facet better than any player in the league today.

He accounts for 42.8 points a game (at least—assists multiplied by 2 points, but a lot of those assists are on threes) and leads the team in every statistical category but the new Cleveland Cavalier statistic—"chase downs"—is perhaps the greatest proof of this.

For those who aren't familiar, "chase downs" consist of a player chasing down an opposing player on a fast break and blocking what seemed to be an easy two points.

I think everyone's favorite chase down play is the block on Jason Richardson's 360-dunk attempt—wow.

But that commitment to defense is what put LeBron over the top once and for all. Kobe may have had lower averages in each category, but there isn't a doubt in anyone's mind that Kobe can average 50 points a game if he so chose. What separated Kobe from LeBron in years past, was Kobe's ability and desire to guard the opponent's best player.

Now LeBron is more than capable of doing the same; so much so that he was second in voting for NBA Defensive Player of the Year behind Dwight Howard. An award that both players certainly deserved—Dwyane Wade as well.

James, who could always go point-for-point with Bryant, can now go possession-for- possession with him, and with his 6'8" 245 pound frame, perhaps surpass him.

The only piece to the puzzle that is missing for LeBron James is the killer instinct.

There isn't a more cold-blooded finisher in the league than Kobe Bryant and Bryant's clutch ability is only matched by the one man their oft compared to—Michael Jordan.

James did hit a game-winning shot in Game Two against the Orlando Magic, but the exuberant celebration at the end was the most telling.

LeBron was excited to make that shot. The city of Cleveland and the better part of the United States were excited he made that shot too.

James was surprised he made it—Kobe expects to make it.

Kobe wants the ball in his hands in crunch time every time, in fact he demands it. LeBron accepts the ball because he is the best player on the team and if not him, who else?

When James' attitude becomes more Kobe like, not only would he have surpassed Bryant, but every player in NBA History—including my all-time favorite Oscar Robertson.

Only time will tell if that is even in James' nature. If James has it in him, tonight would be a good time to find it.

Despite giving the nod to LeBron, Kobe is still the player I want on my team—at least in the final two minutes.