Kobe Still the King: Young Prince On the Rise

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 and score. James plays defense, but not enough to be an anchor for his team.

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."