8 replies to this topic

[Tiger]

Who is the better basketball player? Kobe Bryant or Lebron James? And why?

[Texan4Auburn]

Can't stand either but I'd say Kobe. Because he shows ups and finish's in the 4th quarter when games and series are on the line. Lebron disappears. Kobe in challenged Lebron to take the last shot in the All-Star game and Lebron passed it off.
http://www.sportsgri...-all-star-game/

[AUslug]

Kobe hands down, but Lebron would have some rings if he had Kobe's supporting cast while King James was in Cleveland.

[Tiger]

fair assessments. i feel like lebron is physically a freak so when he puts it together (he was thrown in the fire as a rookie to lead an entire franchise, whereas Kobe was brought along), he'll be up there with the likes of the best ever. The man can only stop himself I feel like.

[Taylor An Auburn Fan]

LeBron is going crazy against the Knicks right now.

[jared52]

Kevin Durant

[Texan4Auburn]

Lebron better learn how to shoot free throws or the Pacers are gonna end his ring chances this year.

[mcgufcm]

Was this a real thread? Kobe hasn't been on LeBron's level for at least a few years. I love bashing LeBron as much as the next guy (and I cheer against El Calor every series), but he's BY FAR the best basketball player on the planet. The Durant v. James debates were fun for a while, but LeBron is the better defender (by leaps and bounds), passer (same), ball handler, and finisher. They're roughly equal as rebounders. Basically, Durant is the better shooter (from distance and the foul line). That's all. LeBron is a much more complete player that affects the game more consistently and in more diverse ways. Love him or hate him, LeBron is the king of the hill.

As for Kobe Bean, he's still the best 2-guard in the league, but that's a low level of competition. Wade is about the only guy competing for that title. Even with that title, he's basically Allen Iverson in the late stages of his career but with better defense: volume scorer for a playoff team with no shot at the title as long as he's the best guy on the team.

Better question: with Manu Ginobili sand-bagging for the post-season, is Manu going to be the guy that swings the championship?

[Tiger]

mcgufcm, thank you for actually thinking the question through, as it seems people love to discount Lebron as a player due to his lack of championship rings (basketball is a TEAM sport isn't it?). I agree Kobe isn't on the same level as Lebron as a BASKETBALL PLAYER. Kobe can score. He hits more contested jump shots than anybody in the NBA. Of course, he probably takes more contested jump shots than anybody as well.

Your assessment of their individual skill sets is spot on, in my opinion. Lebron's impact on each game is leaps and bounds more impactful than Kobe or Durant. One could argue Kobe hurts his team more than helps it with the way he shoots the Lakers out of games when there are two, not one, but TWO, All-Star 7 Footers down low who both shoot higher than 50%.