NBA All-Star Game: Kobe Vs. LeBron and Five Matchups We're Looking Forward To

The NBA All-Star game is probably not the most popular game among the NBA community, but it surely fun for the audience.  As the stars collide under the same roof, players typically give fans a show for three quarters and then try to win the game down the stretch. 

While almost all NBA All-Star starters (minus Yao Ming) well deserve to be watched at the game, there are a few players that will be the most interesting to watch given their matchups during the game.

Since only the starters have been announced, this slide show might be a bit limited by who is already voted in and a bit of speculation.  Therefore, feel free to present new match-ups in the comments section below!

Enjoy reading!

5.Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James

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KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 8: Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder hugs LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat before the game on October 8, 2010 at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,

Kevin Durant is considered the best young player in the league right now.  He has posted incredible numbers, all three years he has been in the MVP voting charts as high as third. 

Given the nature of the All-Star game, defense won’t be enforced fiercely which could potentially open Durant up to light it up quickly.  If this happens, he has the chance to make the King look, well, silly on the court.  I think we all know that LeBron will not let anyone outplay him, which brings us to the next point.

This game could turn into a LeBron versus Durant show in the early minutes.

Any NBA fan would agree that that such a show would be amazing.  Watching both men run up and down the court pulling up for crazy shots and explosive drives would give the game the adrenaline it is designed for.

4.Carmelo Anthony Vs. LeBron James

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 14: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Western Conference drives against LeBron James #23 of the Eastern Conference during the third quarter of the NBA All-Star Game, part of 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend at Cowboys Stadium on February 14, 2

This is classic matchup.  Since entering the NBA, both players have been compared in every aspect of the game, with LeBron coming out on top almost every time.

This matchup is interesting because LeBron will come to town as the disliked player and Carmelo is coming in as the player following in his footsteps but doing it the “right” way.  During the game, there will be boo’s to both players probably and they will most likely use it to fuel impressive plays.

Similarly to the previous argument about Durant, this could also turn into a LeBron versus Carmelo show.  Again, that would be pretty amazing to watch.

3.Amar’e Stoudemire Vs. Blake Griffin?

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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 20: Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers goes up for a dunk during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center on December 20, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers defeated the Timberw

We can only hope.

As I mentioned in the introduction slide, there is some speculation in here.  With all the deserving All-Star forward candidates in the West, Blake might not find a spot.  This list includes Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Love, Pau Gasol, Tim Duncan, Rudy Gay, etcetera.

Regardless, this match-up would be classic.  The All-Star Game is all about highlight reels.  Blake Griffin is “Mr. Highlight Reel” a title that he rightfully took from Amar’e Stoudemire this year.  Watching both men jump and dunk (perhaps on each other!) would be amazing.  If this was to happen, I would sit down with a bowl of popcorn and count who dunks more and better…



2.Derrick Rose vs. Chris Paul

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 29: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls drives the ball around Chris Paul #3 and David West #30 of the New Orleans Hornets at the New Orleans Arena on January 29, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bulls defeated the Hornets 108

Who is the best point guard in the league?  Well of course it is… wait, let me think about it.  This is not 2008 or 2009.  Chris Paul is not the unanimous choice here.  It could be argued that both Chris Paul and Derrick Rose have that title.

The All-Star game will feature plenty of speed and these two point guards are among the best in that department. Being a game of starts, both players will also have the chance to shine by setting up spectacular plays during the game.

While Chris Paul is known to be a very solid defender, it would be interesting to see how he is able to handle Derrick Rose.  On the other hand, it would also be interesting to see if Rose is able to match Paul’s playmaking skills and pesky defense.

1.Kobe Bryant vs. LeBron James

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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 25: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat during the NBA game at Staples Center on December 25, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Heat defeated the Lakers 96-80. NOTE TO USER: U

Who is taking over the NBA’s alpha male honor when Kobe Bryant leaves the league?  Many fingers point to LeBron James.  After all, Kobe never called himself King.

LeBron won back to back MVP’s which would fool the average fan into thinking LeBron already has taken over Kobe Bryant, but Kobe won back-to-back titles.

Good job LeBron, but you are still second.

This year, LeBron is coming to Kobe’s house.  In Kobe’s house you play by Kobe’s rules.  If Kobe wants to dominate the ball, he will do so as he pleases.  For this exact reason, don’t expect Kobe to let anyone shine brighter than him, especially LeBron James.

Kobe Bryant has the personality and attitude to make this game a meaningful one.  He can turn all the fun on the court into an intense and competitive mix of pushing, shoving, and trash-talking.

And that friends, is the best thing that could happen to this game.