Kobe Bryant vs Lebron James

[AussieBoy]

my friend and I have been debating whether or not Kobe has passed the baton onto Lebron this year as best player in the game

who do you think is better (not what they have achieved in the game in careers as Kobe takes that out easy, but this season, right now who would you rather have on your team)

mind you he goes for Lakers, i'm a Cavs man, so were both biased to what we decided

[ghsNICK!]

lebron would beat anyone one-on-one in my opinion.
team wise though...kobe's got him.

[jwicklun]

I still think Kobe. Dunno, i still would need to see a Cavs/Lakers game again.

[<*)))><]

Lets see the King or the old guy. I'm going with the BK King because he is a bad ass.

[Jaimehere]

Bryant

[batmannj]

Kobe. It's not close.

[zachff]

For the first time in my life I will say that Lebron is now a better all around player than Kobe. At THIS MOMENT in time Kobe is too oft-injured and is having a down year. Come the 2010-2011 season Kobe could regain that title, but at this point Lebron is a better player by a hair.

If you're talking about building a franchise around one guy it's obviously Lebron (age + upside) but if you want one guy for the 4th quarters only it's Kobe.

[Clark]

Kobe. It's not close.
You're right about it not being close, but you chose the wrong player. LeBron is easily better than Kobe this year, if not the past couple years.

[flks511]

I really can't stand either of them.

[Domenic182]

Kobe's passed his prime, Lebron's still young.

[seraph1214]

For the first time in my life I will say that Lebron is now a better all around player than Kobe. At THIS MOMENT in time Kobe is too oft-injured and is having a down year. Come the 2010-2011 season Kobe could regain that title, but at this point Lebron is a better player by a hair.

If you're talking about building a franchise around one guy it's obviously Lebron (age + upside) but if you want one guy for the 4th quarters only it's Kobe.

Everything this guy said.

[SunnyInPhilly]

I hate both, but Lebron is better by a significant margin this year. Not to mention Kobe has a better supporting cast and HOF coach.

[twopercent22]

How can people say they hate both Lebron & Kobe... If you say that then you are obviously not a fan of basketball.
Kobe is the better player, Kobe doesn't put up stats like Lebron because he doesn't have to anymore. The day Lebron can catch up to Kobe's personal records 81pts in a game and 12 3's in a single game (Also an NBA record) to name a few, he can take the reigns.

[zachff]

Everything this guy said.

Gracias

[tkw15]

How can people say they hate both Lebron & Kobe... If you say that then you are obviously not a fan of basketball.
Kobe is the better player, Kobe doesn't put up stats like Lebron because he doesn't have to anymore. The day Lebron can catch up to Kobe's personal records 81pts in a game and 12 3's in a single game (Also an NBA record) to name a few, he can take the reigns.

this!!!!!!!!!! I dont know how lebron is winning this thing right now

[x1onexwo1fx]

this!!!!!!!!!! I dont know how lebron is winning this thing right now

OP did ask who was better this season, not overall. i don't really follow basketball, though, so i still voted for Kobe of course, but maybe Lebron is better than Kobe this season. i wouldn't know.

[Andy Young]

Kobe. He's been doing it longer.

[spansen]

i don't give a shit about basketball anymore-- i used to like the celtics when they sucked, and now they dominate.. and i still consider shaq my favorite player-- because he dunks. hah..

... but, if i were to choose one i'd go with 'bron.

[batmannj]

You're right about it not being close, but you chose the wrong player. LeBron is easily better than Kobe this year, if not the past couple years.

Lebron titles in the last few years: 0

Kobe titles in the last few years: 1

and Lebron has zero killer instinct, sure he makes for a good sportscenter highlight, but he is no way better than Kobe

[Clark]

Lebron titles in the last few years: 0

Kobe titles in the last few years: 1

and Lebron has zero killer instinct, sure he makes for a good sportscenter highlight, but he is no way better than Kobe

Nice statistic. This, of course, is ignoring the fact that the Cavs have literally nothing more than a few glorified role players aside from LeBron, while the Lakers have had Pao Gasol, Trevor Ariza, Lamar Odom, etc. In addition to the fact that Kobe's team is coached by Phil Jackson, while LeBron's...

How about some stats that actually represent the players themselves?

Points Per Game
KB: 27.9
LJ: 29.4

Field Goal %
KB: .460
LJ: .503

Rebounds Per Game
KB: 5.3
LJ: 7.1

Assists Per Game
KB: 4.7
LJ: 8.2

Blocks Per Game
KB: 0.3
LJ: 1.0

I probably wouldn't even have Kobe at the two spot at this point (that would go to Kevin Durant).

[marfawkah02]

kobe of course .. he has a sprained ankle, sore back, broken finger and is still ave. 28 points & there 1st in the west, whos teams are muuuuch better than the east teams. dnt believe the lebron hype. i mean all his blocks are from behind! loL pffft!

[mike'smannequin]

the cavs are my favorite team but kobe is a better player

[threepunchjim]

Nice statistic. This, of course, is ignoring the fact that the Cavs have literally nothing more than a few glorified role players aside from LeBron, while the Lakers have had Pao Gasol, Trevor Ariza, Lamar Odom, etc. In addition to the fact that Kobe's team is coached by Phil Jackson, while LeBron's...

How about some stats that actually represent the players themselves?

Points Per Game
KB: 27.9
LJ: 29.4

Field Goal %
KB: .460
LJ: .503

Rebounds Per Game
KB: 5.3
LJ: 7.1

Assists Per Game
KB: 4.7
LJ: 8.2

Blocks Per Game
KB: 0.3
LJ: 1.0

I probably wouldn't even have Kobe at the two spot at this point (that would go to Kevin Durant).

Durant's dirty. Thunder have such good chemistry, and watching Durant and Jeff Green play is a real treat. They'll definitely be a team to watch out for in a year or two if they keep it up.

[flks511]

The NBA is a joke. College hoops is where it's at.

[batmannj]

Nice statistic. This, of course, is ignoring the fact that the Cavs have literally nothing more than a few glorified role players aside from LeBron, while the Lakers have had Pao Gasol, Trevor Ariza, Lamar Odom, etc. In addition to the fact that Kobe's team is coached by Phil Jackson, while LeBron's...

How about some stats that actually represent the players themselves?

Points Per Game
KB: 27.9
LJ: 29.4

Field Goal %
KB: .460
LJ: .503

Rebounds Per Game
KB: 5.3
LJ: 7.1

Assists Per Game
KB: 4.7
LJ: 8.2

Blocks Per Game
KB: 0.3
LJ: 1.0

I probably wouldn't even have Kobe at the two spot at this point (that would go to Kevin Durant).
Your stats don't prove your point anymore. Sure, Kobe scores a few points less, and doesn't rebound more, but he isn't asked to. What Kobe and Lebron are both asked to do is put their team on their respective shoulders and rise up and lead their teams to a title. Who has done that? Kobe. Not Lebron. Get back to me when he is done with his idiotic dancing on the floor and focuses more on what his team can do rather than whether or not the entire NBA should retire Jordan's number because "King" James says so.

[zfraser1]

Carmelo Anthony. End of story.

[Clark]

Your stats don't prove your point anymore. Sure, Kobe scores a few points less, and doesn't rebound more, but he isn't asked to. What Kobe and Lebron are both asked to do is put their team on their respective shoulders and rise up and lead their teams to a title. Who has done that? Kobe. Not Lebron. Get back to me when he is done with his idiotic dancing on the floor and focuses more on what his team can do rather than whether or not the entire NBA should retire Jordan's number because "King" James says so.
Love how you completely overlooked the part before the stats about how Kobe's supporting cast is three times better than LeBron's.

[VIVALAMATT]

Kobe has the longevity on James, but come on - James averages damn near a triple double!

[batmannj]

Love how you completely overlooked the part before the stats about how Kobe's supporting cast is three times better than LeBron's.

Then, by your stats only argument, Lebron's stats should be 3x better than Kobe's...but they're not. Kobe is a field general, who leads his teammates instead of showboating in front of them. Not to mention, even in the Shaq threepeat, Kobe was the one keeping his foot on the throat of the opposition. He was the one who lead those teams, not Shaq. And instead of throwing the "how well has Kobe done without Shaq" argument out there, consider this, Shaq's only title run without Kobe came when Dwayne Wade was at his all around peak. This Sportscenter generation of basketball fans base who is best because of who makes the "sickest block brah" instead on court intangibles. Watch the games, I'd take Kobe over Lebron any day of the week, especially when the game is on the line.

And on your Kevin Durant argument, I'd take him over Lebron too.

[Clark]

Then, by your stats only argument, Lebron's stats should be 3x better than Kobe's...but they're not.
That doesn't make any sense at all, but LeBron does have better stats.

Kobe is a field general, who leads his teammates instead of showboating in front of them.
Assists Per Game
KB: 4.7
LJ: 8.2

Looks like LeBron is nearly twice as good at getting his teammates involved.

[himynameiszack]

lebron would beat anyone one-on-one in my opinion.
team wise though...kobe's got him.
I think the NBA should have a special sometime in the off season to determine it once and for all.

[Dubui_209]

as a basketball player, the things that Kobe does is simply astonishing. While LeBron is great, a lot of his talents are only capable because of his athleticism.

[batmannj]

That doesn't make any sense at all, but LeBron does have better stats.


Assists Per Game
KB: 4.7
LJ: 8.2

Looks like LeBron is nearly twice as good at getting his teammates involved.

Shocking Kobe ball-hog doesn't get his teammates involved talk. I like how you ignored 90% of my argument.

[Someone'sCoat]

Lebron still doesn't have a post game. Kobe can do anything offensively and continues to be one of the best defensive players inthe game. Every year Kobe adds something new to his game. Give me a call once Lebron can do anything in the post and I might reconsider.

[IceAge/HeatWave]

lebron doesn't seem to care about winning the way kobe always has, so i go kobe.

this (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/100120&sportCat=nba) is a great article about james.

[IceAge/HeatWave]

Then, by your stats only argument, Lebron's stats should be 3x better than Kobe's...but they're not. Kobe is a field general, who leads his teammates instead of showboating in front of them. Not to mention, even in the Shaq threepeat, Kobe was the one keeping his foot on the throat of the opposition. He was the one who lead those teams, not Shaq. And instead of throwing the "how well has Kobe done without Shaq" argument out there, consider this, Shaq's only title run without Kobe came when Dwayne Wade was at his all around peak. This Sportscenter generation of basketball fans base who is best because of who makes the "sickest block brah" instead on court intangibles. Watch the games, I'd take Kobe over Lebron any day of the week, especially when the game is on the line.

And on your Kevin Durant argument, I'd take him over Lebron too.

come on man, shaq was the most dominate player in sports (excluding tiger woods) in the beginning of the decade. he demanded a double team at all times, you want to tell me he wasn't the cornerstone of that heat team or those three lakers teams? he might have needed another star with him to win championships, but i think his value to kobe and wade was higher.

[Tyler Vagyler]

Lebron > Kobe

but it is close.

I can't believe some of the posts on here. I really hate it the Kobe vs. LBJ argument because people will pick one side and then be completely ignorant and close minded with their arguments.

Yes, Kobe has more titles. But he does have a very stacked team helping him along with the greatest coach of all time. Regardless, Kobe is one of the best to ever play the game and has a chance to win even more titles.

But Lebron is the most athletic/talented player I've personally ever seen play the game (I'm 20) and he is only getting better. For a player his size to be able to do the things he does is unbelievable. He is changing the game. I hate the argument people bring up that he doesn't want to win as much as Kobe. That is a load of crap. Yeah, he puts on a show but thats just him. He cares about his team just as much if not more than Kobe and he has shown that time and time again. His stats the past few season are consistently better then Kobe's all across the board.

Yeah, Kobe scored 81 in a game and holds the record for 3's in a game as someone stated before. But Lebron is a more complete player in my opinion. Kobe is the better scorer and shooter, no question about it. But as far as an all around complete player, Lebron gets the edge.

[Someone'sCoat]

Lebron > Kobe

but it is close.

I can't believe some of the posts on here. I really hate it the Kobe vs. LBJ argument because people will pick one side and then be completely ignorant and close minded with their arguments.

Yes, Kobe has more titles. But he does have a very stacked team helping him along with the greatest coach of all time. Regardless, Kobe is one of the best to ever play the game and has a chance to win even more titles.

But Lebron is the most athletic/talented player I've personally ever seen play the game (I'm 20) and he is only getting better. For a player his size to be able to do the things he does is unbelievable. He is changing the game. I hate the argument people bring up that he doesn't want to win as much as Kobe. That is a load of crap. Yeah, he puts on a show but thats just him. He cares about his team just as much if not more than Kobe and he has shown that time and time again. His stats the past few season are consistently better then Kobe's all across the board.

Yeah, Kobe scored 81 in a game and holds the record for 3's in a game as someone stated before. But Lebron is a more complete player in my opinion. Kobe is the better scorer and shooter, no question about it. But as far as an all around complete player, Lebron gets the edge.

let me start by saying that Lebron is great and will be for years to come. That being said let's get started.

It is because of his size he can do the things he does. That's his whole thing. I cannot fathom what he'd be able to do if he actually tried to improve his game (something he hasn't really done since he came into the league). And you have it backwards. Kobe is the better defensive player and complete player. Lebron is the better scorer.

People need to realize too that with a better supporting cast you don't put up as big of numbers cause other people are out there scoring too. Stats never tell the whole story in any sport.

[Tyler Vagyler]

let me start by saying that Lebron is great and will be for years to come. That being said let's get started.

It is because of his size he can do the things he does. That's his whole thing. I cannot fathom what he'd be able to do if he actually tried to improve his game (something he hasn't really done since he came into the league). And you have it backwards. Kobe is the better defensive player and complete player. Lebron is the better scorer.

People need to realize too that with a better supporting cast you don't put up as big of numbers cause other people are out there scoring too. Stats never tell the whole story in any sport.

His size IS what gives him the advantage.

[Someone'sCoat]

His size IS what gives him the advantage.
Yet despite his size, Baron Davis can guard him in the post. That is straight up embarassing bud.

[Tyler Vagyler]

Yet despite his size, Baron Davis can gaurd him in the post. That is straight up embarassing bid.

He isn't a post player

[Someone'sCoat]

He isn't a post player

Either is Kobe and Kobe has a post game. How can you say Lebron is a more complete player while you completely throw away different aspects of the game?haha

[Tyler Vagyler]

Either is Kobe and Kobe has a post game. How can you say Lebron is a more complete player while you completely throw away different aspects of the game?haha

While you are only including one aspect of the game in your argument...

[Someone'sCoat]

While you are only including one aspect of the game in your argument...

Leadership: Kobe
killer instinct: Kobe
ability to get teammates open: lebron
basketball IQ: Kobe
driving the lane: lebron
jumper: Kobe
three point shooter: Kobe
defender: Kobe
post game: Kobe
rebounder: lebron
ball handler: Kobe
create fouls: tie
shot blocker: lebron
steals: Kobe

anything you wanna add?

[AussieBoy]

Leadership: Kobe
killer instinct: Kobe
ability to get teammates open: lebron
basketball IQ: Kobe
driving the lane: lebron
jumper: Kobe
three point shooter: Kobe
defender: Kobe
post game: Kobe
rebounder: lebron
ball handler: Kobe
create fouls: tie
shot blocker: lebron
steals: Kobe

anything you wanna add?

sexiness: lebron

[Someone'sCoat]

sexiness: lebron

Touché

[Tyler Vagyler]

Leadership: Kobe
killer instinct: Kobe
ability to get teammates open: lebron
basketball IQ: Kobe
driving the lane: lebron
jumper: Kobe
three point shooter: Kobe
defender: Kobe
post game: Kobe
rebounder: lebron
ball handler: Kobe
create fouls: tie
shot blocker: lebron
steals: Kobe

anything you wanna add?


Look, I'm not going to argue back and forth cause it would go on forever.

I would rather have Lebron on my team.

[abandonship]

Kobe, for now.

[Holly HoX!]

mmmmhmmm Steve Nash is so fuckin' dirty.

http://inklake.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/nash.jpg

[KevinForReal]

Even though it's tough to say until they are both done....

but, Kobe is a champion, and LeBron is well, not.

[KevinForReal]

I really can't stand either of them.


You know them personally? You've met them, been around them enough to come up with an opinion of liking them? Because you can't base your opinion on what is shown on TV

[Formatfun]

I think Kobe, he's done more and had more time to be better.
I don't know I don't follow basketball much anymore.

[tfot11]

Nashty

[TheRealJohnOC]

David LEE! lmao

[flks511]

You know them personally? You've met them, been around them enough to come up with an opinion of liking them? Because you can't base your opinion on what is shown on TV
Yeah, you can. Kobe especially. Pro ball is his job, and he's whining to the refs and shit. If you're acting like that in a professional setting, it's your personality slipping into your career, and you're going to lose my respect, regardless of if I know you or not. I'm also not to fond of athletes, or people in general, that rape other people.

[flks511]

Leadership: Kobe
killer instinct: Kobe
ability to get teammates open: lebron
basketball IQ: Kobe
driving the lane: lebron
jumper: Kobe
three point shooter: Kobe
defender: Kobe
post game: Kobe
rebounder: lebron
ball handler: Kobe
create fouls: tie
shot blocker: lebron
steals: Kobe

anything you wanna add?
There's no way that two players alone dominate every aspect of that little chart you've made.

[Someone'sCoat]

Yeah, you can. Kobe especially. Pro ball is his job, and he's whining to the refs and shit. If you're acting like that in a professional setting, it's your personality slipping into your career, and you're going to lose my respect, regardless of if I know you or not. I'm also not to fond of athletes, or people in general, that rape other people.
Youre naive if you really believe she was raped and not going after his money. He had no scratch marks, to signs of a struggle on either him or her...Not quite sure but if a woman is getting raped, I'd assume she'd try to stop the man from getting her pussy.
There's no way that two players alone dominate every aspect of that little chart you've made.
When comparing two players against each other.....Doesn't make snese to throw people not involved in the argument now does it?

[carnotaurhunter]

Cleveland, represent!

[flks511]

1. Youre naive if you really believe she was raped and not going after his money. He had no scratch marks, to signs of a struggle on either him or her...Not quite sure but if a woman is getting raped, I'd assume she'd try to stop the man from getting her pussy.

When comparing two players against each other.....2. Doesn't make snese to throw people not involved in the argument now does it?
1. Just because she didn't go after his money on court record doesn't mean she didn't go after his money. You're naive if you really believe the charges were just dropped for no reason.

2. Saying LeBron and Kobe are the best at EVERY aspect of basketball doesn't make much snese either.

[Someone'sCoat]

1. Just because she didn't go after his money on court record doesn't mean she didn't go after his money. You're naive if you really believe the charges were just dropped for no reason.

2. Saying LeBron and Kobe are the best at EVERY aspect of basketball doesn't make much snese either.
I was comparing the two against eachother. Are you really that dumb that you don't understand that?

Also, never said the charges were dropped for no reason did I? And my argument was that she WAS going after hsi money you moron.

[flks511]

I was comparing the two against eachother. Are you really 1. that dumb that you don't understand that?

Also, never said the charges were dropped for no reason did I? 2. And my argument was that she WAS going after hsi money you moron.
1. No, it's just that there is an "Other" option in this thread. You seem to have ruled that out.
2. Your argument was that she wouldn't have dropped the charges, when she could have gone after his money in court. One situation you could have overlooked is she was paid off to drop the charges.

[Man in Spenser]

Kevin Durant

[ishah2124]

Hmmm, hard to decide

[KevinForReal]

1. No, it's just that there is an "Other" option in this thread. You seem to have ruled that out.
2. Your argument was that she wouldn't have dropped the charges, when she could have gone after his money in court. One situation you could have overlooked is she was paid off to drop the charges.


arguing on the internet is cool.

[KevinForReal]

Yeah, you can. Kobe especially. Pro ball is his job, and he's whining to the refs and shit. If you're acting like that in a professional setting, it's your personality slipping into your career, and you're going to lose my respect, regardless of if I know you or not. I'm also not to fond of athletes, or people in general, that rape other people.


No, you can't.

I can add you as my facebook friend, you can creep on me, but you really will never know who I am personally. You don't know what LeBron or Kobe are like, nobody does unless they are friends, families, or teammates. You think because you see them playing basketball on TV you can come up with a conclusion of 'I cannot stand either one of them'
Who do you respect? Do you watch NBA? EVERYBODY whines to the ref. They all do. Michael did. Kobe does. Lebron does.
MJ, Kobe nor Lebron have ever 'raped' somebody. Get your facts straight, then come back with some valid arguments.

[KevinForReal]

There's no way that two players alone dominate every aspect of that little chart you've made.


I think it was a one on one comparison, smart one.

[Someone'sCoat]

I think it was a one on one comparison, smart one.
Haha don't even try man. The kid is only 17 and pretty dense. I've already given up.

[flks511]

No, you can't.

I can add you as my facebook friend, you can creep on me, but you really will never know who I am personally. You don't know what LeBron or Kobe are like, nobody does unless they are friends, families, or teammates. You think because you see them playing basketball on TV you can come up with a conclusion of 'I cannot stand either one of them'
Who do you respect? Do you watch NBA? EVERYBODY whines to the ref. They all do. Michael did. Kobe does. Lebron does.
MJ, Kobe nor Lebron have ever 'raped' somebody. Get your facts straight, then come back with some valid arguments.
No other players whine to the refs as frequently or as predictably as Kobe. I can make an inference based on their behavior on a PROFESSIONAL LEVEL. Your JOB is where you are MOST professional and cordial, not the other way around. Saying because I've seen what they act like at work and not their day-to-day life that I can't make a conclusion is idiotic. Because generally, the way a person behaves in their everyday life is MORE unprofessional and emotional than in their job. Saying I can't make a conclusion because I've only seen Kobe on the court is actually helping MY argument, because one would assume a person is more of an asshole when they aren't working, and aren't concerned about their public/professional image.

[foisol]

Jordan :P

[muchoawesomeo]

kobe has a higher basketball IQ, lebron is alot more athletic.
kobe is better now, but it's scarey to see how much better lebron is going to get.

[harley7733]

its not like the cavs STOMPED the lakers TWICE!!! this year or anything. Lebron always plays well, Kobe makes 20some points a game, after taking fifty shots, ball hog.

[KevinForReal]

No other players whine to the refs as frequently or as predictably as Kobe. I can make an inference based on their behavior on a PROFESSIONAL LEVEL. Your JOB is where you are MOST professional and cordial, not the other way around. Saying because I've seen what they act like at work and not their day-to-day life that I can't make a conclusion is idiotic. Because generally, the way a person behaves in their everyday life is MORE unprofessional and emotional than in their job. Saying I can't make a conclusion because I've only seen Kobe on the court is actually helping MY argument, because one would assume a person is more of an asshole when they aren't working, and aren't concerned about their public/professional image.


Yeah, because NBA players conduct themselves in such a professional matter. the term 'professional sports' is a joke. My professional Lawyer would not have ever been caught murdering dogs, or carrying an illegal weapon in NYC, or drove drunk and killed a pedestrian, or was in CO and fooled around with a girl, or became a sex addict while putting from the rough, or juicing up to become better at being a lawyer.- THe term "Professional" means nothing

[flks511]

Yeah, because NBA players conduct themselves in such a professional matter. the term 'professional sports' is a joke. My professional Lawyer would not have ever been caught murdering dogs, or carrying an illegal weapon in NYC, or drove drunk and killed a pedestrian, or was in CO and fooled around with a girl, or became a sex addict while putting from the rough, or juicing up to become better at being a lawyer.- THe term "Professional" means nothing
So I guess the term "Public image" means nothing as well?

[TangledUp]

Kobe Kobe Kobe.

[VoiceoffCamera]

Kobe has a better all around game and a killer instinct. Half the things Lebron does is because he is more athletic. Lebron might be able to jump 40 feet in the air but he can't hit a jumper consistently.

[Croggs]

Nice statistic. This, of course, is ignoring the fact that the Cavs have literally nothing more than a few glorified role players aside from LeBron, while the Lakers have had Pao Gasol, Trevor Ariza, Lamar Odom, etc. In addition to the fact that Kobe's team is coached by Phil Jackson, while LeBron's...

How about some stats that actually represent the players themselves?

Points Per Game
KB: 27.9
LJ: 29.4

Field Goal %
KB: .460
LJ: .503

Rebounds Per Game
KB: 5.3
LJ: 7.1

Assists Per Game
KB: 4.7
LJ: 8.2

Blocks Per Game
KB: 0.3
LJ: 1.0

I probably wouldn't even have Kobe at the two spot at this point (that would go to Kevin Durant).


Maybe if defense wasn't taken into account...

[lftcoastenvy05]

I still think Kobe. Dunno, i still would need to see a Cavs/Lakers game again.

If you saw the two Cavs/Lakers games this season, your answer would be Lebron.

[Clark]

Maybe if defense wasn't taken into account...
That's true. You're right, Kobe should still be ahead of Durant for that reason. I still maintain that LeBron is the best, though.

[incognitojones]

Lebron is still young, he hasn't reached his peak yet. Kobe is getting older, and his peak has past, but that doesn't mean he is better than Kobe yet.

[jay_klinkhammer]

lol at LeBron even having that many votes.

Cmon...seriously? SERIOUSLY? Kobe is the best.

[raukura]

Then, by your stats only argument, Lebron's stats should be 3x better than Kobe's...but they're not. Kobe is a field general, who leads his teammates instead of showboating in front of them. Not to mention, even in the Shaq threepeat, Kobe was the one keeping his foot on the throat of the opposition. He was the one who lead those teams, not Shaq. And instead of throwing the "how well has Kobe done without Shaq" argument out there, consider this, Shaq's only title run without Kobe came when Dwayne Wade was at his all around peak. This Sportscenter generation of basketball fans base who is best because of who makes the "sickest block brah" instead on court intangibles. Watch the games, I'd take Kobe over Lebron any day of the week, especially when the game is on the line.

And on your Kevin Durant argument, I'd take him over Lebron too.

this. stats don't show the whole picture and there is no one better than kobe when the game is on the line lebron doesn't even come close to being as good as kobe in the clutch. Lebron can keep his extra 2-3 points a game i'd rather have someone who is freakishly good at making the big shots come the end of the game.

Not to mention kobe often plays with injuries like broken fingers etc, does lebron do that?

I actually used to favor lebron in this argument but while lebron was dancing and throwing up dust, kobe was quietly making game winning shots which made me rethink things.

[Croggs]

That's true. You're right, Kobe should still be ahead of Durant for that reason. I still maintain that LeBron is the best, though.

I'm a huge Kobe fan. But, Lebron is impressing big time right now. Kobe doesn't have the role of point guard, so he doesn't get the assists Lebron does. I believe Lebron is a better passer/driver/rebounder, and Kobe is a better shooter/perimeter defender/clutch player. You aren't going wrong with either guy. I would say they are one, two however you seed them, with Wade, Durant, CP3, Melo, and other following a little behind.

[alecesp09]

lebron.. duh?

then mo williams

then kobe

[And Hours Pass]

For the first time in my life I will say that Lebron is now a better all around player than Kobe. At THIS MOMENT in time Kobe is too oft-injured and is having a down year. Come the 2010-2011 season Kobe could regain that title, but at this point Lebron is a better player by a hair.

If you're talking about building a franchise around one guy it's obviously Lebron (age + upside) but if you want one guy for the 4th quarters only it's Kobe.
AT THIS VERY MOMENT - I agree with you. Take away Kobe's recent streak of injuries, and it's Kobe all day. However, it will be Lebron soon enough.

[KevinForReal]

So I guess the term "Public image" means nothing as well?


Public Image and Professionalism are 2 different things, you can't be serious.

The term "Professional" is BS when It comes to sports. Most "professionals" can't even speak a correct sentence. Most don't dress appropriately to be called "professionals". If you have ever been to and NBA game, and can afford to buy tickets that aren't cheap, you would know that they certianly dont maintain a level of professionalism on the court. I have never heard such potty mouths.

[KevinForReal]

Who's got more rings?

[flks511]

Public Image and Professionalism are 2 different things, you can't be serious.

The term "Professional" is BS when It comes to sports. Most "professionals" can't even speak a correct sentence. Most don't dress appropriately to be called "professionals". If you have ever been to and NBA game, and can afford to buy tickets that aren't cheap, you would know that they certianly dont maintain a level of professionalism on the court. I have never heard such potty mouths.
All of which is when they're supposed to be on their best behavior.

[BigG1392]

I'd go with Carmelo Anthony. It's a shame he's been hurt quite a bit this year and missed a good amount of time. He's putting up MVP-caliber numbers.

[Steeeve Perry]

So far this year, Lebron. With 1 second left in the game, however, I'd take Kobe every time.

[LoveFameDeath]

4 Championships > 0 Championships