Over the years since Bird and Magic left the NBA, there have been many player comparison debates, but none of them have been able to reach the level of the Bird/Magic debate. Duncan/KG looked good for a while, but it just isn't the same. Kobe as a "next Jordan" has been the subject of many debates. Kobe/Vince was a joke from the start. Kobe/TMac had promise, but TMac's injuries removed the luster from it. Kobe/Wade was just too forced by the media and was never a good debate. Now it appears that the Kobe/LeBron may actually be a worth successor. There are legitimate claims on both side for the MVP award. Both players have teams that have realistic chances at the NBA Finals (although the conferences are unbalanced). Both players have been playing at a high level for a number of seasons and are getting better. Both players produce jaw dropping moments on a regular basis. Then there is the biggie, both players have a tremendous will to win and drive their teams to victories. <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:blue">Please try to keep this thread from becoming a Kobe/LeBron debate. Lets focus on the historical context of the debate</span></span> So I ask you, is the Kobe/LeBron debate the worthy successor to the Bird/Magic debate that we have been waiting for?
I think so. I never had a hard time deciding between Duncan or KG, not really. I liked Garnett but I would take Duncan any day. But choosing between Kobe or LeBron is another story, I love LBJ but Kobe has proven so many times why you should not pass him up. Imagine a LeBron vs. Kobe Finals match-up, that would be sick.
Good thread deserves a bump. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (The Dark Defender @ Mar 10 2008, 03:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I think so. I never had a hard time deciding between Duncan or KG, not really. I liked Garnett but I would take Duncan any day. But choosing between Kobe or LeBron is another story, I love LBJ but Kobe has proven so many times why you should not pass him up. Imagine a LeBron vs. Kobe Finals match-up, that would be sick.</div> Nah, Lakers would kill them, just purely on teammates.