LeBron James: Why Comparing Him To Kobe Bryant Right Now Isn't Even a Debate

Throughout the history of sports, there have been some incredible talents who have never won a championship. 

Ted Williams and Barry Bonds in baseball and Dan Marino and Jim Kelly in football are just a few of the big-name talents who never were crowned champions in their respective sports. 

For whatever reason, it just never happened for those guys.

Some choked under the pressure, some never had the teammates and some simply never gave themselves the opportunity. 

Insert the name LeBron James. 

While you could make the argument that James is the greatest athlete to ever play any sport, he's never won a championship. 

And at just 26 years old, there is obviously plenty of time for him to get that elusive ring. 

However, the debate that rages in the NBA—comparing LeBron James and Kobe Bryant—shouldn't even be an argument. 

While James has put up numbers equaling or better than Bryant throughout his career, the ring count (Bryant five, James zero) makes this a no-contest. 

The 2010 calendar year has also helped push the argument even more towards Bryant. 

In June, while Bryant was busy winning his fifth NBA championship, James was getting ready to test the free-agent market after a give-up performance against the Boston Celtics. 

While management in Cleveland had done everything in their power to appease their prodigal child, it wasn't enough for James. 

Instead of sticking with the Cavaliers and continuing to build towards a championship, James bolted to South Beach to unite with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. 

That was strictly James' "Decision" (which he epically failed, too), but he's paying for that now. 

While everyone in the media pegged the Heat as a sure 60-game winner this season, Miami needs to go 17-1 in their final 18 games to crack that mark. 

During their current five-game losing streak, James has missed big shot after big shot and coach Erik Spoelstra admitted there has been "crying in the locker room."

Meanwhile, Bryant and the Lakers have righted their ship. Los Angeles lost three-straight games heading into the All-Star break, but you didn't hear about any Lakers crying. 

Instead, Bryant won the All-Star game MVP in his hometown and then returned to the NBA schedule with eight-straight wins after the break.

This is what winners do.

This is what champions do. 

Will James ever win a championship? Most likely. He's too talented for things not to go his way in at least one season.

However, the comparisons to Kobe Bryant are silly. It's like comparing Joe Montana and Dan Marino—would you ever legitimately say Marino was better than Montana?

Talent like James has will always be remembered. 

But without rings like Bryant already possesses, he'll never be the legend that Kobe is now and will always be.