The Great Debate: LeBron James or Kobe Bryant

Before you start reading this I want you to know that I'm aware that LeBron James and the Cavs were just eliminated by the Magic... I don't care. As long as LeBron James and Kobe Bryant are playing in the same league the same question will remain: LeBron or Kobe?

To answer this controversial question, one will need need to keep in mind two key points.

1. LeBron James has only been playing in the NBA for six years compared to Kobe's 13 years.

2. In their playing careers, Kobe has had a much better surrounding cast like Shaq and Robert Horry, while the best player LeBron has ever suited up with is Mo Williams.

Now that these points have been established let the great debate begin.

I'm going to start things off on the technical side by giving out some stats.

Here are LeBron's career stats.

G

GS

MPG

FG%

3P%

FT%

OFF

DEF

RPG

APG

SPG

BPG

TO

PF

PPG

Career

--

472

471

40.6

0.471

0.328

0.738

1.3

5.7

7.0

6.7

1.8

0.8

3.26

2.00

27.5

Here are Kobe's.

G

GS

MPG

FG%

3P%

FT%

OFF

DEF

RPG

APG

SPG

BPG

TO

PF

PPG

Career

--

948

800

36.4

0.455

0.341

0.840

1.2

4.1

5.3

4.6

1.5

0.5

2.90

2.70

25.1

As you can see, these stat lines are very similar, but you have to give the edge to LeBron who has exceeded Kobe in points, blocks, steals, assists, rebounds, and field goal percentage.

On the other hand, Kobe has three championship rings, and he is on his way to a fourth.

Especially in these playoffs one was able to see how Kobe simply is able to will the Lakers to win. I don't think there is anything scarier than that pumped up face he has when he catches fire like he has done many times in the playoffs.

However, LeBron was just as good or maybe even better than Kobe as he averaged 35 points, seven assists, and nine rebounds throughout the playoffs while hitting a game winning three with one second to go during game two of the eastern finals.

With all of this in mind, the answer to the supreme question is...LeBron James! If you beg to differ, leave a comment.