The Kobes and the LeBrons, excuse me, I mean, the Lakers and the Cavs met for the first time this season a week ago today in Los Angeles, and while the home team won by 17 in an uneventful game where James matched his number in points and Bryant’s 20 weren’t even a team-high, it did give basketball’s so-called pundits another opportunity to debate who’s better: Kobe or LeBron.
This isn’t an “if you were going to start a franchise today, which would you pick?” discussion, because the obvious choice is the 24-year old James. This also isn’t going to be like J.A. Adande’s piece on ESPN where he mused that perhaps the pair can’t be compared because their paths are circular, not linear. Although that’s a novel approach I can’t begin to understand, it is a convoluted way of saying, “I have no freakin’ idea”. Instead, I, The Sports Don, am coming straight out and telling you who the better player is, and it’s Kobe Bean Bryant.
Bryant has a MVP, two scoring titles to Lebron’s one, three times as many All-NBA First Team appearances (6-2), and of course, three championship rings to LBJ’s none. I know the response, “LeBron has never had a teammate like Shaquille O’Neal”, and while Kobe wouldn’t have won without Shaq, it’s reasonable to assume Shaq wouldn’t have won in LA without Kobe. If past NBA champions have taught us anything, it’s that most need more than one great player. Magic had Kareem and Worthy, Bird had Parish and McHale, Jordan had Pippen, etc, etc. Even last year’s New Big 3 had each other.
Sure, when it comes to the career stat sheet, I’ll freely admit, James’ numbers are better in most categories in both regular and postseason play, but by a slim margin. LBJ has averaged more points (27.4-25), rebounds (6.9-5.3), assists (6.6-4.6), steals (1.8-1.5) and blocks (.8-.7). Bryant commits less turnovers, is the better free throw and three-point shooter, and while LeBron has a minimal advantage in field goal percentage (.469-.454), that can easily be explained by his frequent freight train drives to the basket.
James had the greater impact immediately, and he’s done it all by himself. He’s never had a single teammate who belonged on the same court in terms of talent. Whereas that may seem like a statement to bolster LeBron’s case for “Who’s Best?”, I suggest you take a look at that point from a different angle. James has never played with a Pau Gasol, a Lamar Odom and certainly never an all-time great in his prime like Shaq. But even while playing with teammates of that caliber, players who demanded and deserved touches, Kobe’s stats are still nearly equal to those of LeBron. And that doesn’t take into consideration Bryant didn’t start his first two seasons in the NBA.
With all that said, the biggest difference, one you’re not as likely to see in the highlights and therefore not as likely to think about, is Kobe’s superiority on the defensive end. It’s why Bill Russell collected more MVPs and championships than Wilt. It’s why the Celtics won last season, Detroit won in 2004, and why the San Antonio Spurs won four championships in the past decade. Bryant is one of the few premier defenders in the league. He has six All Defensive NBA First Team selections. Not only has James never even appeared on the Third Team, no one ever did as much as whisper about his defensive abilities until THIS season.
And, seriously, if the game was on the line with the final seconds waning, which player would you want to have the ball in his hands? Honestly. Even this past Olympics team admitted Kobe was its go-to guy. If you choose LeBron, you need to be reminded the game of basketball existed previous to Friday’s Cavs-Warriors game.
Until James can play Bryant-like defense for an entire season, until he earns a MVP, and until he can slide a single championship ring onto his finger, Kobe is the superior player. He’s done it longer, and he’s done it better. And this is coming from a Celtics fan.
If you disagree with my opinion, would like to share your own or want to tell me this is the most intelligent post you've ever read, email TheSportsDon@gmail.com.
