Carmelo Anthony Vs. Kobe Bryant Vs. LeBron James: Who's the Most Dominant Player

In most people's minds, Carmelo, LeBron and Kobe are three of the top five players in the NBA right now.

They may be the three best players in the league.

Each have their own set of skills and each usually play different positions. What I want to try to decipher is which one of these stars is the most dominant player.

Here is a list that will rank these players in certain categories and we should found out who in fact is the best player in the NBA.

1: Scoring

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 22: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after making a three-point basket in the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at Staples Center on February 22, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the

LeBron and Melo can score in bunches, but neither are as consistent as Kobe Bryant.

Kobe is the purest scorer in the game right now. You might start including Kevin Durant with him as well.

Kobe has been in the top five in scoring since the 2004-2005 season. That is the latest NBA.com lets you go back in time. Prior to 2004, Bryant was still averaging close to 25 points per game.

In fact, since 1998, his lowest season average was 19.9.

Edge: Kobe Bryant

2. Carmelo Anthony

3. LeBron James

2: Rebounding

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NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 23: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks dunks the ball over Keylon Dooling #55 of the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden on February 23, 2011 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,

Because of the size differential, it is hard to determine who is the best rebounder out of this group.

Statistically speaking, you would have to go with Carmelo over LeBron. LeBron's defensive career averages are higher than Melo's.

However, Anthony beats all three players in offensive rebounds. Honestly, I think defensive rebounds in the NBA are overrated.

Getting an offensive rebound shows effort and toughness. That is why Melo tops this list.

Edge: Carmelo Anthony

2. LeBron James

3. Kobe Bryant

3: Defense

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 20: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Western Conference looks on in the second half of the 2011 NBA All-Star Game at Staples Center on February 20, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly

When you think of these three players, one skill you may not think of is defense.

In the playoffs, defense is one thing that matters, and it is something that is taken for granted during the regular season. Defense wins championships.

Bryant may be one of the best on-ball defenders in the game. Bryant has years of experience defending the opposing team's best player. LeBron and Carmelo are still learning the game.

Carmelo better learn how to play defense consistently now that he's joining a Knicks team ranked second to last in team defense.

Edge: Kobe Bryant

2. LeBron James

3. Carmelo Anthony

4: Post Game

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 20: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Western Conference posts up Ray Allen #20 of the Boston Celtics and the Eastern Conference in the first quarter of the 2011 NBA All-Star Game at Staples Center on February 2

For only being 6'6", Kobe Bryant is pretty good at posting up opposing players.

James and Anthony are decent as well, with Melo probably being the better one. However, they are not better than Bryant at backing down players and creating shots from it.

Anthony is a close second in this race.

Edge: Kobe Bryant

2. Carmelo Anthony

3. LeBron James

5: Passing

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MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 08: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat passes around Jeff Foster #10 of the Indiana Pacers during a game at American Airlines Arena on February 8, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by d

There should be no argument over this one here. LeBron is the best passer out of the three.

Not only does he average the most assists, but he also helps the players around him.

LeBron has shown at times he can take over a game and dominate. He has also shown he can create and dish for his open teammates.

LeBron and his career seven assists per night take this one.

Edge: LeBron James

2. Kobe Bryant

3. Carmelo Anthony

6: Athleticism

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MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 22: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat looks to pass during a foul shot during a game against the Sacramento Kings at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees

LeBron James is a freak and not in a bad way.

James may be one of the most athletic players to ever play in this league.

In a time when every player has the most advanced medicines and workout plans, James still stands out among them.

James' ability to create shots and space when it seems almost impossible puts him atop this category.

Edge: LeBron James

2. Kobe Bryant

3. Carmelo Anthony

7: Championship Pedigree

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EL SEGUNDO, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Kobe Bryant #24 and head coach Phil Jackson of the Los Angeles Lakers pose with NBA Finals Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy during Media Day at the Toyota Center on September 25, 2010 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO US

It is hard to argue with this one. Bryant is the only one of the group to have a ring. He has five NBA titles in fact.

If Carmelo and LeBron want to reach Kobe's level, they have to get a few rings of their own.

LeBron and Melo both enhanced their chances of winning by going to their new teams in the Heat and Knicks respectively.

When it comes down to looking at who is the best of this bunch, look no further than the trophy case.

Most Dominant Player: Kobe Bryant

2. LeBron James

3. Carmelo Anthony