Best in The Post-Jordan Era

While watching the NBA finals, I listened to the announcers talk about how Kobe could rival Jordan as the greatest player of all time. This came from the same announcers who a couple weeks ago said LeBron James was the greatest basketball player on the planet. This got me thinking, who is better and can either be greater than the one considered to be the greatest of all-time?

First to look at is Michael Jordan. His career average for points per game was 30.1, but his playoff average was up to 33.4. We all know he lead the Bulls' dynasties where he racked up 6 NBA championships with Phil Jackson at the helm.

There is talk that he wouldn't of done that without Scottie Pippen joining the team. There is one thing though that Michael Jordan had and that was the killer instinct to win. When the game was on the line, he wanted the ball and got it done.

Since the announcers crowned him first, I'll go next to LeBron James. Through his career thus far, LeBron James averages 27.8 points per game during the regular season. This average goes up to 29.3 during the playoffs. To be fair since he scores less than Jordan in both categories is LeBron averages higher in other aspects of the game.

The problem I find with calling LeBron the greatest player on the planet, is that I feel he lacks the killer instinct of Jordan. At least he does thus far in career. Now I'll admit I am a bit bias here as a Piston fan and I'm still salty about the performance he turned in against us in Game 5 of the 2007 playoffs.

Now to the player who could be the greatest player of all time, Kobe Bryant. Surprisingly, he only averages 25.3 points per game. This number jumps up to 25.4 points per game.

An intangible that Kobe brings to the table, is the killer instinct. When the game is on the line he wants the ball. For the most part, he seems to make it too, much like Jordan did.

Comparing them head-to-head, who is better? I feel LeBron has the better athleticism, while Kobe is a better shooter. LeBron seems like he lacks that killer instinct to get it done at the end of the game consistently, while I want the ball in Kobe's hands at the end of the game.

LeBron of course has the advantage here being younger than Kobe. Both play defense, much like Jordan. At this point in the game, I would say that the best player in the NBA is still Kobe Bryant, even though he has the better supporting team, he seems to just win in the playoffs.

Now to if either can overtake Jordan as being the greatest. Kobe has 4 NBA titles and could possibly get his 2nd without Shaq on the team. If he gets to six I would still give the nod to Jordan, but if he gets beyond it, I give it to Kobe. He seems to be on the downside of his career. If he can keep winning titles with this nagging injuries he deserves the credit.

LeBron on the other hand needs to just win. Right now I'm willing to say he is more physically gifted than Jordan, but he isn't anywhere close to being as good as Jordan. There is more than being a better athlete and it's called being a champion. Until he wins a couple titles, he isn't even the consideration.

Advice for LeBron? Learn the killer instinct that has made Jordan and Kobe great.