Kobe vs. LeBron: Does Anyone Still Think Kobe Is a Better Player Than LeBron?

Fans of Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant have criticized and rebuked me for writing anything negative concerning Kobe, but I have always put the franchise in front of any players.

That's why it doesn't bother me a single bit to admit that Miami Heat forward LeBron James is the NBA's top player, and it really isn't even close.

As I sit and watch the Heat continue to build on a lead that now sits at 21 points it is a little perplexing to think that Kobe's fans are watching the same game, yet will still find reasons to explain the Lakers loss, while absolving Kobe of any and all blame.

The first fingers will be pointed at Lakers center Andrew Bynum and forward Pau Gasol for being man-handled in the paint by a smaller Heat team, but if you happened to catch this article you would have expected it.

After Bynum and Gasol have been demonized, Bryant's 8-21 performance will be chalked up as another off night from the field.

I would agree. Kobe was off, but LeBron was certainly on. to the tune of 31 points, eight rebounds and eight assists to be exact.

The fact that LeBron had more points, assists and rebounds than Kobe and his team won the game doesn't mean that he is a better player than Bryant.

But LeBron usually is when they meet head-to-head.

If you are keeping track at home LeBron's Heat are now 3-0 against Bryant's Lakers, and the most recent win was minus Dwyane Wade.

I can't recall LeBron's record against Bryant as a Cleveland Cavalier, but I'm pretty sure James won more games than he lost.

In fact, I would be willing to wager that if LeBron and the Heat reached the NBA Finals five years in a row and his opponent was Kobe each year Miami would five-peat.

Whatever it is that James lacks emotionally and mentally is present when he plays against Bryant.

Thursday night's version of LeBron had the killer instinct, passion and aggressiveness, and viewers were offered a rare glimpse of what true greatness looks like.

LeBron impacted every aspect of the contest and was arguably the game's best player at three different positions.

Unfortunately, LeBron will not play every game against the Lakers, and until he can learn to bottle his magic vs. Kobe and translate it in the postseason many people will be reluctant to acknowledge the simple truth.

James, by virtue of his ability to dominate a game in it's every phase is without a doubt the top player in the NBA today, and if I were a fan of the Heat I would definitely be pulling for the Lakers in the west.