USA vs Dominican Republic: Who Will Emerge as Primary Leader, Kobe or LeBron?

With the 2012 Summer Olympics just over two weeks away, the United States basketball team have begun their preparations. From the high-octane practices to the controversial comments, it's safe to say that the competitive nature has carried over adequately from the NBA season.

As for how well the U.S. National Team can play as a unit, tonight's preparation game against the Dominican Republic should offer insight as to what we can expect.

With a surplus of elite talent, very few expect this game to be competitive. What we all expect, however, is that this team will shift in the direction of one superstar as they lead the unit to Olympic Gold.

The question is, who will lead the way? While we all have our fan favorites, there are only two logical options: Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

Kobe Bryant is the greatest player of our generation. He's dominant on both ends of the floor and has long been the leader of title teams. He has five NBA championships, was the leader of the 2008 Olympic squad that won the Gold Medal and has the most valuable professional experience of any player on this squad.

But how do you deny the best player in the world?

LeBron James is coming off of winning his first career NBA Title. He's a three-time MVP and the undisputed choice for the most physically dominant player to hit the NBA since Shaquille O'Neal was in Los Angeles.

Just don't compare this to Magic Johnson passing the torch to Michael Jordan during the 1992 Olympic games. It just doesn't work that way.

LeBron James quieted any doubters with logical reasoning during the postseason. He proved that he can lead a team to a title and solidified his status as the most dynamic player in the game today. We just can't label him as the guy you're going to go to when the game is on the line.

He might not even be second in line on this team.

LeBron James will be the face of the team and the most significant player in terms of statistical production. It's nearly impossible to imagine a player on this team looking to LeBron James for leadership when Kobe Bryant is on the roster.

While fans might debate Kobe's greatness, evaluating statistics and pledging allegiance to their own favorite athlete, NBA players do not.

Furthermore, LeBron James is playing on a team in which his greatest rivals are playing the same position and competing for the same crown. While this is not to question the character of Carmelo Anthony or Kevin Durant, it's unlikely that rivals with such a competitive edge will look to LeBron when it's Kobe Bryant who has established himself at such a high level.

No matter how great LBJ may be on the court.

An important factor to note is that the best player is not always the leader of a team. Instead, it is the most vocal player who has commanded respect over years, not months. While LeBron James might be able to lead the team, the image that ended the All-Star Game said it best.

A leader goes unquestioned. A leader isn't asked why he didn't take the shot.

LeBron James will have his day, it just won't be in 2012.