I didn't see a thread on this yet, so I thought I might as well make it. They are the premiere wing players in the game today. Some will throw in Pierce or McGrady into the mix as well, but I think most agree that Kobe and LeBron are the cream of the crop. Before this year, Kobe was heralded as the "next Jordan." This year, with LeBron officially becoming a superstar-caliber player, now he's getting all the attention and Jordan comparisons. But how do Kobe and LeBron stack up against eachother? There are lots of different ways to compare players, and it would be cool to explore all those different comparisons in this thread. Here are some examples: - Who's currently the better player? - If you had to start a team today, and your goal was to win the most games THIS year, who would you take first? - After they retire, which player will be remembered as the greater player? - Which player is more skilled? - Which player is more physically gifted? - Which player is a better leader? - Which player is more clutch? I'll start. I've watched several Cavs and Laker games this year, and LeBron's play has impressed me much more than Kobe's. You could argue that Kobe is putting up better stats (more points, rebounds, assists per game), but LeBron seems to be getting comparable stats and doing so with much more ease. He's much more efficient from the field, doesn't take as many bad shots, has better court vision, and is greater in transition. In fact, I have a hard time thinking of a skill at which Kobe is clearly superior. I suppose Kobe is a better defender, but then LeBron's quickness allows him to be a real pest on defense too by playing the passing lanes (much like Iverson). Kobe probably takes and makes more high difficulty shots, but then LeBron seems to be better at creating easy shots for himself and for his teammates. Kobe certainly has experience on his side, and has been a proven clutch performer for several years now. With the game on the line, maybe Kobe would be a better option than LeBron. But, I have to say, I've seen LeBron operating in clutch situations this year, and he usually performs marvelously (not necessarily by taking shots himself, but usually by setting up his teammates). That's my take. I'm interested to your's. Let's try to keep this discussion about the players and their skills, instead of about "Kobe fans" or "LeBron fans."
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting durvasa:</div><div class="quote_post">I didn't see a thread on this yet, so I thought I might as well make it.</div> I really think that quote speaks for itself. Not to insult durvasa (you are a quality poster). I just think it's silly how people see that there is not yet a thread on a certain topic pertaining to Kobe (or Lebron for that matter) so they start one. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">- Who's currently the better player?</div> I was watching Stephen A. Smith and some other dude debate this the other day, wasnt much of a debate as they both chose Lebron. I remember Damon Stoudamire has a great first two years in the NBA. I'm not sayint that Lebron will fall off like that, but still Kobe has proven to be consistant while bron has not. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">- If you had to start a team today, and your goal was to win the most games THIS year, who would you take first?</div> If I had to choose between Lebron in the east or Kobe in the west ? I would take Lebron in the east, and I think we all would. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">- After they retire, which player will be remembered as the greater player?</div> Kobe, until Lebron wins some rings. However if Lebron wins a ring with the team that he has now he will be remembered as greater, because he is the only superstar on his team. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">- Which player is a better leader?</div> As much as people try and deny that off court drama influences on court play, it does. I'm not going to use specific examples on this issue, because it only results in fighting, and we have heard it all before. I would go with Lebron. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">- Which player is more clutch?</div> Not really a fair question. Overall I'd take Kobe everytime.
I am a fan of both players so it's unlikely I'm going to be biased in answering your questions. :beerchug: <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">If you had to start a team today, and your goal was to win the most games THIS year, who would you take first?</div> Judging by how both players have played so far in this season, I'll take LeBron James over Kobe Bryant to lead my team. Statistically (for the first 20 games played), they're pretty even, with Kobe's ppg, rpg, and apg being more superior to LeBron's (26.8 > 24.8 ppg; 7.5 > 6.8 rpg; 6.9 > 6.8 apg) but LeBron is better in terms of overall field goal percentage (.499 to .390), steal per game (2.4 to 1.2), turnover (3.45 to 4.55). So, I wouldn't say statistics are the best way to compare two great players. But statistics aside, I would say that at 19 years old, LeBron is a better leader than Kobe at 26. I guess personality counts when it comes to being a leader. Kobe's individualism isn't exactly the quality that a leader should possess. Understand that some good leaders are individualists, but the difference between those good leaders and Kobe is they know how to put aside their individualisms and work together to achieve a common goal, while Kobe seemingly hasn't been able to. But while I think Kobe is learning to be one, LeBron is like born to be a leader. It amazes me that players seem to find it easy to follow LeBron's lead because he's very young. He doesn't seem to find it awkward that guys 8-10 years older than him are following him around like chicks (I mean real, yellow, fluffy chicks) are following their mom. And LeBron understands that to be a good leader he must lead by examples and he does it everytime the Cavs are down, he'll make a big play or a big dunk to boost and pump up his teammates. While the Laker players seem unsure everytime Kobe does make a big play or big dunk that he does it for himself or for the team. Even if I don't watch live games, just from the recaps and newses, I can feel that the Cavs players are giving their 110% to LeBron and their coach and they play with such a passion for the game, hardworking, and motivated, and while for the Lakers you cannot always say that's the case. And I guess that has got to do with who leads the team. I didn't say that Kobe would never be a good leader, he might be, and he might be better than LeBron, but for now LeBron is a better leader. He doesn't get into negative press that creates distraction, and it's the fact that Kobe is creating distraction to his team regardless of the fact that he should know he shouldn't. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Which player is more skilled?</div> I can see that this thread will generate long pages, because everyone in the forum has their opinion, including myself. I would say Kobe is more skilled, but what brings LeBron to the superstardom is his freakin athleticism and basketball IQ. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Which player is more clutch?</div> Kobe hands down. He has hit game-winning shots in the playoffs and regular seasons more than I can remember. As for LeBron, he hasn't played many games enough to be called clutch, with maybe the exception of last season's game against the Nets, in which he erupted for 41 pts, and kind of took over in the last two minutes. But Kobe has got to be one of the clutchest players in the history of the NBA because he believes that he can knock down those shots, and most of the time, he's right.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Jurassic:</div><div class="quote_post">I really think that quote speaks for itself. Not to insult durvasa (you are a quality poster). I just think it's silly how people see that there is not yet a thread on a certain topic pertaining to Kobe (or Lebron for that matter) so they start one.</div> The way I look at it, what makes NBA basketball so intriguing is how individual talent meshes with a certain team, and how we evaluate what makes individuals great at the game. It's pretty easy, typically, to say which team is better -- just look at their head-to-head records. But the "which player is better?" topic, while quite common, has always sparked more interesting discussions. At least to me. And as Kobe and LeBron might be the two most heralded wing players since Jordan came along, I thought it's an interesting comparison to make. Besides, who wants to read a Mihm vs. LaFrentz thread? Anyways, thanks for your input.
i'll pick kobe right now. lebron is still young and we don't know if he can keep up with his stats right now. kobe already proved that he's a great player. however, it's too early for us to judge lebron's game. he a good sophomore player but he isn't there yet...
Who's currently the better player? Tough question, but I'm going to have to go with LeBron, and the biggest reason for this is endurance. LeBron doesn't run out of steam, whereas Kobe does during the 4th. I think this will all change in the second half of the season (Kobe's better half), but right now, it's LeBron. If you had to start a team today, and your goal was to win the most games THIS year, who would you take first? Well, individually, I said that LeBron was better...but throughout the entire season, I'd choose Kobe...in either conference. Kobe would seriously tear into the East. After they retire, which player will be remembered as the greater player? There's no way I could answer this question. It depends on more than just achievements, though. I think that Kobe will always be remembered not only by his achievements, but by his personal problems, and I hope that doesn't affect his legacy. Hopefully, LeBron doesn't screw up, and they both win a few rings down the road. Which player is more skilled? Right now, Kobe Bryant. In 5 years, LeBron will be. James is still learning...but Kobe is near his prime (which is crazy) and has too much experience...including beating guys off the dribble, drawing fouls, clutch shooting, etc. Which player is more physically gifted? LeBron...look at him...and he's only 19, which makes it even more incredible. Which player is a better leader? Kobe right now. He's got more desire, more experience, and more heart than LeBron. In 5 years, it depends on who wants it more...and I still believe it'll be Kobe. The way I see it, LeBron has a better supporting cast at the moment. Big Z, Gooden, Traylor, McInnis...I wouldn't have said this before the regular season, but these guys are doing better than Butler, Mihm and Odom. Next year, the Lakers will form better chemistry, when Kobe's leadership qualities will shine more. Which player is more clutch? This isn't hard...Kobe. In 5 years, who knows...but LeBron has alot of catching up to do.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting durvasa:</div><div class="quote_post"> Besides, who wants to read a Mihm vs. LaFrentz thread? </div>I would, but then again, that's me.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Real Deal:</div><div class="quote_post">If you had to start a team today, and your goal was to win the most games THIS year, who would you take first? Well, individually, I said that LeBron was better...but throughout the entire season, I'd choose Kobe...in either conference. Kobe would seriously tear into the East.</div> That's the question that confused me. The conference argument come up again. Makes me want to explain what I meant. I would take Lebron in the east on the Cavs over Kobe in the West with the Lakers. It really doesn't matter who gets "more wins", because it is almost guaranteed that Lebron will have a better seed, even if the Lakers win more games. Kobe has virtually no shot at homecourt (especially since the Sonics and Suns have emerged this year). While Lebron is a front-runner for homecourt advantage. Not really a fair question. But as I said before I would take Lebron in the East over Kobe in the West.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Jurassic:</div><div class="quote_post">That's the question that confused me. The conference argument come up again. Makes me want to explain what I meant. I would take Lebron in the east on the Cavs over Kobe in the West with the Lakers. It really doesn't matter who gets "more wins", because it is almost guaranteed that Lebron will have a better seed, even if the Lakers win more games. Kobe has virtually no shot at homecourt (especially since the Sonics and Suns have emerged this year). While Lebron is a front-runner for homecourt advantage. Not really a fair question. But as I said before I would take Lebron in the East over Kobe in the West.</div> The way I look at it, it doesn't specify a conference or a team...it just says "if you had to start a team today" and it doesn't give specifics. Therefore, not knowing how my team would look or what conference it would be in, my choice would be Kobe. Also, it says "most wins"...so that leads me away from trying to get homecourt advantage. If it only goes by who I could get the most wins out of, no matter where I'm at, it's Kobe again. In some situations, I'm going to be partial to guys who have experience vs. youth. Kobe has been to the Finals 4 times now...successful three times. LeBron has never been to the playoffs...another thing to look at. But, in 5 years, who knows.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting durvasa:</div><div class="quote_post"> - Who's currently the better player? </div> Lebron is already the better player, and it's a shame considering Kobe has 7 more seasons of experience. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> - If you had to start a team today, and your goal was to win the most games THIS year, who would you take first?</div> For this year, that's tough but it would be Kobe. He has the experience to lead a team deep. I don't think Lebron can carry that burden. [/quote] <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> - After they retire, which player will be remembered as the greater player?</div> Obviously Lebron. This guy probably has the biggest head-start out of any NBA player so what do you expect? <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> - Which player is more skilled? </div> Lebron. Why do you think Lebron can play all 5 positions? <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> - Which player is more physically gifted?</div> Lebron obviously. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> - Which player is a better leader?</div> Lebron. Kobe tends to play for himself than for his team and a win. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> - Which player is more clutch? </div> Unfair question. Kobe's proven he's one of the best clutch players right now.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> He doesn't seem to find it awkward that guys 8-10 years older than him are following him around like chicks (I mean real, yellow, fluffy chicks) are following their mom. </div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> - Who's currently the better player? </div> It's actually closer then I thought because Lebron at 19 is almost as good as Kobe at 26, and that's pretty scary because Kobe is one of the best (if not THE best) SG's in the league. But if by "better player", you just mean stats wise then it's Kobe right now. Lebron is only 19, give him 2-3 years and this league will be all his. And I mean literally. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> - If you had to start a team today, and your goal was to win the most games THIS year, who would you take first? </div> If all the conferences were the way it is now then I'd take Kobe in the West (if my team was in the West) and Kobe in the East (If my team was in the East) because Kobe would be absolutely ripping most of the teams in the East. But, the question is for THIS year. Three years down the road, if Lebron keeps impriving rapidly then I'd definetly take him over Kobe. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> - After they retire, which player will be remembered as the greater player? </div> It's kind of hard to say right now. I mean, Lebron isn't even close to his prime and Kobe is just starting get into his so we can only answer this 20 years down the road. But, in a nutshell, till Lebron wins some rings, Kobe will be remembered more but as Real said, Kobe might be remembered more for his off-court drama. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> - Which player is more skilled? </div> Lebron. Because Kobe wasn't that skilled at 19. But if we're talking today then I'd side with Kobe simply because he has more utensils and arsenals to use, plus is more consistent. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> - Which player is more physically gifted? </div> Lebron. Hands down, no questions asked. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> - Which player is a better leader? </div> Lebron. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> - Which player is more clutch? </div> Lebron hasn't really had a lot of chances to prove his clutch on a big scale (playoffs, Finals, etc) but when he gets the chance, I still think Kobe would take it. In the end, they are both phenomenal players but Lebron is catching up fast to Kobe's status and skills. I can't wait to see this gu y10 years down the road, can you begin to imagine how good he could be (pending he doesn't mess up and screw himself up)
