Who do you think is better: Kobe Bryant or LeBron James (why)?

Good, bad, or otherwise the best basketball player resides in Los Angeles not Miami. I laugh at the arguments for LeBron James is better than Kobe Bryant. It is funny that people really think that just because of silly things like stats (they lie in the right situation) that LeBum is the better player. In this post I will shred any argument that LeBron is a better player.

The first argument I always hear is that Kobe has more rings because he has better teams. That is flat out laughable. Last I checked the Cavs have had the best record in basketball the last few years during the regular season. Think whatever your heart desires, one man cannot win 60 plus games by himself. LeBron had guys like Mo Williams, Shaq, Delonte West, Antawn Jamison, J.J. Hickson, Anthony Parker, and Big Z. These are not superstars, but all solid role players that would help the right team win. Look at Kobe’s supporting cast. What was Pau Gasol before he came to bask in Kobe’s glory in LA? He was a solid low post player that was considered lazy. Amazing how Kobe in your face and a beating by Boston turns you into a great player. Fisher? The same Fisher that was cut by Utah because he was ineffective without the space Kobe provides him. Lamar Odom was what before Kobe got in his face? Untapped talent is exactly what he was. I could go on and on ,but the point is great players bring out the best in others. Judging by the five rings, Kobe has gotten more out of his teammates than LeBron.

That nugget of knowledge also puts the dagger through the heart of the LeBron is more like Magic Johnson than Jordan argument. Johnson behind the smile was a fiery leader that commanded his teammates to bring their absolute best. He made guys like Worthy, Cooper, and an older Kareem better. What player has LeBron really made better like Magic made Worthy and Kobe made Gasol? The answer is no one because if he did, he might have the elusive ring.

Next are pure skills. People look at LeBron’s physical gifts and assume because he has the athletic ability to do more than Kobe, he is the better player. This is just not true. LeBron for his size is not exactly a guy that gets his nose dirty in the rebounding department. His passing is over rates by the NBA hype machine. He has so many assists because he plays point forward. The whole offense ran through him. His jump shot is inconsistent at best. The only time he is truly dangerous is in transition or at the top of the key driving.

The man’s game is fatally flawed. LeBron cannot play with his back to the basket. LeBron was able to be guarded at times by both Ray and Tony Allen despite having the clear edge in physical strength. LeBron had no turnaround jumper, fade away jumper, or quick move to the hoop. The result was numerous crucial turnovers.

On top of being as lethal as LeBron in transition or driving to the hoop, Kobe can play with his back to the basket. Kobe has numerous moves. A fade away that is lethal. His jump shot is lethal, but his moves to the hoop on the post up are brilliant. He can score at any time and that being said has earned the “Black Mamba” moniker. Bottom line is LeBron may have more physical gifts, but Kobe has more basketball talents on the court.

The key factor that truly makes Kobe better is his drive. Unlike LeBron, Kobe has craved being the man and has never had a problem acting the part. Instead of joining two talented players on another team, Kobe pushed Shaq out of town after three rings because he wanted to win titles as the unquestioned man. Kobe wants to win. No he wants to take your heart out and feed it to you. His disdain for losing is what fuels him to demand the most out of his Laker teammates and himself. He knows to be considered the best, you must be the man in the big time situations. Kobe has five rings. He has been the man in those situations. When it was crunch time, the game was his. Kobe can take over a big time game. He is one of the games’ greatest closers. What big game has LeBron taken over?

LeBum? Where was he in the series against Boston? Oh wait, I forgot, he had the mysterious shoulder injury that only affected him on the games Cleveland lost. How about Orlando in 09? His only NBA Finals appearance? The common theme is LeBron vanishes when it counts and the blame gets put on the shoulders of his teammates. When Kobe lost in 08, it was on him and he knew it. He did not play as well as he needed to and he allowed his teammates to get away with shoddy play. The result was a more motivated Kobe claimed back to back titles. What did LeBron do? Run to Miami to be Scottie Pippen to Wade’s Jordan. This is another nail in the coffin. Could you see Kobe running to another team because he lost? No the difference is Kobe gets mad and motivated. LeBum gets scared, blames others, and runs.

Overall I'd go for Kobe. James is more the athletically gifted among the two. Kobe, on the other hand has more array of moves that makes him so effective. A player can be so talented but if it doesn't translate to winning it doesn't really make him much better than anyone else.

Kobe Bryant because he didn't give up on his team when Shaq & Phil left(for a while)

Kobe has more experienced, and is a good leader.

He is clutch, and ohh, he can make layups unlike Lebron.

Kobe for many reasons! He just dedicated to basketball by working harder than anyone else. He hungry for more rings. And also HE STAYED AFTER THE MIAMI GAME JUST TO KEEP WORKING ON HIS GAME: a true role model!

As for Lebron, he just like to put his game on a show: regular season guy, that is. I respect him but he's not my type of player.

Kobe

Kobe Bryant

He is a great leader. All wants to do is win. True champion, clutch, all around, great scorer, team leader, etc.

LeBron is better all around but Kobe is better at everything

Kobe. He didn't join a team just so he would have a chance of winning. And look at him now, boom, 5 rings.

And even at this age, Kobe is still going strong. His character and skill is just much better. Sure, LeBron is good, but Kobe is better.

I'd take LeBron for the first 47 minutes of the game, but when you're down 1 with 24 seconds left to go, let the Black Mamba do his thing.

Kobe hes a way better shooter than Lebron and is a better overall. Lebron is not a clutch player but Kobe is.

Kobe, because he is a clutch player and he has five rings! IN YOUR FACE LEBRON!