In response to the question: Who is better, LeBron James or Kobe Bryant?
I am going to break down each category and analyze each player. Then, finally, sum it up.
OFFENSE
James: He is a lethal weapon. He can beat you so many ways. He finds some way to score, making open looks or hitting shots under pressure. He finds ways for his team to score with his veteran-like court vision. He can put up any number of points he want to. Enough said. I think. I hope.
Bryant: Hungry. This is a great advantage over many players. He doesn't want to show off, but he is hungry. For what?...Just to elevate his game on every play, every game.
Bottom line: We all know that both players can score, and any amount they want to. So they are quite equal in the this category.
DEFENSE
James: People talk so much about offense; personally it gets kinda tiring. Don't get me wrong—the "what's defense?" Phoenix Suns are fun to watch. That said, LeBron needs to be a leader on all ends of the floor. Take Garnett or Duncan, they are commanding because they play defense
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Bryant: Normally, people, like LeBron, talk about the person who is guarding them, not who they are guarding. That said, Bryant plays with heart on the defensive end of the foor. He dives for the loose balls, closes out shooters, goes for cover.
Bottom line: Kobe knows from experience what it takes to win with defense; he is seasoned to know that defense is a key part of basketball. LeBron is still young...just a few more years.
LEADERSHIP
James: He is a born leader, yet not ready to take all of the responsibility. He commands the offense, and plays defense. Again, he is a little young, but he is maturing into a great leader.
Bryant: He is a willed leader. He is under the leadership of a great coach, therefore he is, in much regard, a follower. He pulls his team to the limit—not beyond yet, but to the limit.
Bottom line: Both players have had a frustrating recent Finals experience. LeBron against a methodical and hard-nosed Spurs team. Bryant against a Celtic team where "it just was their year; it was Garnett's, Pierce's, Allen's, Rivers' and Boston's year." So, from now is the real test of how far will each player go.
Resumes aside, LeBron is a superior athlete. Bryant is a seasoned leader.
Who is better? I would have to go with Kobe. Sorry "King James," your time will come after "King Kobe." Right now, you're the "Prince."
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2 months ago
It is refreshing to see someone write a comparative piece that pits Bryant against someone who is still playing the game (Lebron). Quite frankly, I've grown tired of reading articles that suggest Bryant has supplanted MJ as the best player of all time. Please.
In fact, I don't believe that Bryant is even the best player of his generation. I would give the advantage to Lebron. Turning 30 this year, Bryant's best days are behind him. He is more of a finesse player who, as we saw during the Finals, avoids physical contact whenever possible, often settling for outside jumpers. Lebron, by comparison, is not afraid of contact. His bigger frame obviously makes it easier for Lebron to "bump and grind" down low, but Bryant seems to lack the mindset necessary to play a more physical style of game.
Statistically, they are very similar as you point out. One key difference, though, is in the area of assists. Lebron has averaged 2 more assists per game for his entire career. That means when the double or triple team comes, Lebron is a much better player at finding his open teammates. I always laugh when I see that Kobe had 3 turnovers against only 2 assists in his 81-point game against the Raptors. When you're on fire like that, drawing every double and triple team the defense can throw at you, how can you end up with only 2 assists?!?
from 2 months ago
I'm a Celts fan so I'm not pro Kobbe but I disagree, I see your point about Lebron potentially supplanting Kobe but Kobe's been doing it for a longer time and in my book is still the better player, plus he has more rings for the time being.
If Lebron keeps playing like he is and wins a ring or two by age 30-34 I'll see your point but for now it's still Kobe who is the best in the game right now. Lebron put up Oscar Robertson numbers once, if he continues, as I said, he will be better than Kobe (he'd have upwards of 10 assists per game if his team didn't suck so much, I was watching the second round against the Celtics and I swear to god Wally Szczerbiak missed 4 open threes per game) Plus, as the author said, Kobe's defense is better than Lebron's (although James has the physical tools to be an amazing defender)
Good article Andrew.
2 months ago
Lebron's put up Oscar numbers in every year with the exception of maybe his rookie year....25,7,7...then 27,7,6,.....31,7,6.....30,7,7...shakes head.
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