LeBron James vs. Kobe Bryant: Why Thursday's Game Will Show Who Is Best Player

The debate is on again.

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant has returned to form after an average season last year. Bryant is back to controlling games from the onset and is leading the league in scoring, while still getting his teammates involved.

Miami Heat small forward LeBron James is still playing like the beast that he is, and no elaboration is necessary.

This brings us back to the great debate: Who is the better player of Bryant and James?

Defenders of these players can tirelessly argue for both, but the real focus should be the Thursday night showdown between Kobe's Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron's Miami Heat. With Heat guard Dwyane Wade likely not to play, the game will come down to who can will their team to victory.

Look for these questions heading into the game:

Can Kobe still guard the NBA's elite players (especially if James gets hot early)?

Will LeBron finally close out the game?

Will Kobe trust his teammates if his shot isn't falling?

All these questions are highly debatable, yet intriguing, and Thursday's game should end the debate. If Kobe is a closer and LeBron is not, Bryant should close out the game with a win for his team. No excuses.

If LeBron is the best player in the game, as voted by ESPN and Slam Magazine, then his team should walk away with the victory. No excuses.

This game is too important to be dismissed as just another regular season game. Team records and bragging rights are on the line.

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