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Who would you rather have on your NBA team: LeBron James or Kobe Bryant?
Results so far:
| LeBron | 62% | 454 votes | Total: 732 votes | |
| Kobe | 38% | 278 votes |
LeBron
by Erich Orozco
Created on: March 25, 2008 Last Updated: October 31, 2008
These two great players have very contrasting styles and I don't think that a successful case can clearly be made for one over the other in regards to basketball skills. But clear distinctions can be drawn between their personalities. Also, they are at different points in their careers and on that basis I am able to say I would rather have LeBron on my team.
Kobe is a smooth finesse player and based on his 6 consecutive 50 point games near the end of the 06-07 season and his epic 81 point performance he is the greatest scorer since Wilt Chamberlain. Not only is he a great scorer but when it comes to pure killer instinct Kobe ranks with the likes of Michael Jordon, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. This off-season his win at all costs attitude manifested itself in ugly public tirades against the Lakers organization. But in hindsight these can now be viewed as a Kirk Gibson moment. Many of the Laker players who last season played as if they were half asleep have been playing this season as if the devil is chasing them. Because of that Kobe is likely to win the MVP this year. He should have won it in previous seasons but the award is not given to the best player but to the best player on the best team and for the first time since the Lakers said Bon Voyage to Shaq the Lakers are the best team in the West.
Having said all that I must admit that I am starting to see the signs of Kobe's downward slide. He doesn't have his legs underneath him anymore to make those last second shots and he is having regular sub 50% shooting nights. I am not saying that he won't make those buzzer beaters when it counts or that he can't pull a 40 point scoring spree out of his bag of tricks in the playoffs. But the bottom line is that he has too many miles on him.
On the other hand, Lebron has just woken up to who he is going to be, and who he is going to be is the greatest all around player since Oscar Roberston. Lebron James appeared to have even surprised himself with his performance in the playoffs against Detroit. He single handedly defeated the toughest bunch of basketball players at that time in the NBA. He made them look like they were standing still with his powerful drives to the basket and he hasn't looked back since.
Not only is he a rising star but unlike Kobe his teammates enjoy playing with him. Just watch a Cavaliers game and you can see the genuine affection that the players seem to have for their superstar. Compare that to the way the Laker players react to Kobe. They respect Kobe but given the choice I am sure they would much rather play with Lebron. And given a choice I would rather have Lebron on my team. Despite Kobe's incredible skills and killer instinct I think that based on these intangibles LeBron is the clear choice.
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Kobe
by John Fede
Created on: February 25, 2010
Talking about the best players in the 2009-10 season, two names come up; Kobe Braynt and Lebron James. Now the next question is, who would you rather have on your team? A man who could make a shot from anywhere on the key or another who could throw down a jam with authority?
Well, they both could pretty much do that but you've got to hand the ball over to the vet. Two seconds left in overtime, Kobe would shoot the ball from any range and over any defender (yes, even Bruce Bowen).
Kobe has the strength and skills to carry a whole team on his back and win championships. We've seen it before and we will see it again. I'd rather a guy who gets criticized and called a "ball hog" but wins the game than a guy who gets tripple doubles and loses games. Kobe is the man for any job, he will split through the defenders, pump fake, spin and put the ball where it needs to go.
Let's take last years final for example. We all sort of knew that Orlando did not really stand a chance but still had faith because they were the underdogs and everyone loves a cinderella story. If you were for the Magics, did you ever think for a second, "who is going to guard Kobe?"
The only person who may have had a bit of a chance was Dwight Howard but then who's is going to be down low. Gasol would have a little too much fun down in the paint. Back to reality, Kobe had his ways with the Magics, hands down.
Kobe also has all the stats and rings/championships to back him up. Not only is Kobe a scorer but he is also a team leader and is able to bring the best out of other key players on the team.
Kobe usually sets up good shots for Odom inside the perimeter and also he creates offense for Gasol to handle his biz. Kobe is an all around man, he could also play the point, 2 and small forward with no problem whatsoever.
If there was ever a pick up and had to pick over Kobe/Lebron, HANDS DOWN:KOBE. Theres no doubt in my mind that Kobe is the right guard for the spot. Can't forget that perfected jump shot that Kobe has under his sleeve. Most defenders fall for his pump fakes and leans forward giving Kobe the chance for a 3-point play of the bat. Kobe is statistically the best.
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