This topic contains 126 replies, has 34 voices, and was last updated by AvatarAvatar Wälse 10 years, 9 months ago.

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  • #50019
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    For_Never_Ever
    Participant
  • #796939
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    llperez

    Prime Kobe was better then the prime lebron we see today IMO. Of course it’s close, but nobody should be surprised that many would pick Kobe.
    Kobe being remembered as shaqs sidekick is unfair because shaq was unstoppable. I can gaurantee you that today’s lebron would have been prime shaqs sidekick as well.

    Plus people forget how important Kobe was in the biggest games. Game 7 vs Portland in the game that decided the 2000 NBA champions: Kobe 25pts…11rebs…7assists…shaq: 18pts…grebes…5asts…same amount of minutes.

    Game 7 vs kings that decided the 2002 champions: Kobe: 30pts… 10rebs…7assists. In fact Kobe averaged more points per game in the 2001& 2002 western finals combined then shaq which is where those championships were decided.

    81 points in a regulation game, 35.5ppg for a season, out scored the dirk led mavs for 3 quarters all by himself before sitting out the entire 4th, ten 50 point games in one season, over 40ppg for an entire month(Jan 2006 15 games) . guy is underrated big time for what he has accomplished. In his 17th season he still went out and put up 27- 6- 6 and carried his injury riddled team.

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  • #796871
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    llperez

    Prime Kobe was better then the prime lebron we see today IMO. Of course it’s close, but nobody should be surprised that many would pick Kobe.
    Kobe being remembered as shaqs sidekick is unfair because shaq was unstoppable. I can gaurantee you that today’s lebron would have been prime shaqs sidekick as well.

    Plus people forget how important Kobe was in the biggest games. Game 7 vs Portland in the game that decided the 2000 NBA champions: Kobe 25pts…11rebs…7assists…shaq: 18pts…grebes…5asts…same amount of minutes.

    Game 7 vs kings that decided the 2002 champions: Kobe: 30pts… 10rebs…7assists. In fact Kobe averaged more points per game in the 2001& 2002 western finals combined then shaq which is where those championships were decided.

    81 points in a regulation game, 35.5ppg for a season, out scored the dirk led mavs for 3 quarters all by himself before sitting out the entire 4th, ten 50 point games in one season, over 40ppg for an entire month(Jan 2006 15 games) . guy is underrated big time for what he has accomplished. In his 17th season he still went out and put up 27- 6- 6 and carried his injury riddled team.

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    • #796995
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      fennisdembo
      Participant

      the litmus test was how kobe and Lebron did without being surrounded by other superstars.
      Bron took cavs to finals while the lakers dropped after shaq left. Im no Kobe hater but I remember
      very clearly when shaq left and Kobe was unable to step up and lead his team and make them
      better around him like Lebron did.
      But really this is apples an oranges, two completely different styles but i’ll take the 6″9 mack truck
      over Kobe bean personally.
      *side note* hats off to Kobe this year he was truly amazing

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    • #796927
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      fennisdembo
      Participant

      the litmus test was how kobe and Lebron did without being surrounded by other superstars.
      Bron took cavs to finals while the lakers dropped after shaq left. Im no Kobe hater but I remember
      very clearly when shaq left and Kobe was unable to step up and lead his team and make them
      better around him like Lebron did.
      But really this is apples an oranges, two completely different styles but i’ll take the 6″9 mack truck
      over Kobe bean personally.
      *side note* hats off to Kobe this year he was truly amazing

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      • #797217
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        RObin Padilla
        Participant

        not to take away from lebron taking his team to the finals but the east was weak at the time compared to the west. I remember after the 3-4th seed if they were placed in the west they wouldnt have made the playoffs. Losing a game or two could of taken you out of the playoffs in the west. But yes both are hella talented can’t go wrong with choosing the other.

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      • #797149
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        RObin Padilla
        Participant

        not to take away from lebron taking his team to the finals but the east was weak at the time compared to the west. I remember after the 3-4th seed if they were placed in the west they wouldnt have made the playoffs. Losing a game or two could of taken you out of the playoffs in the west. But yes both are hella talented can’t go wrong with choosing the other.

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    • #797965
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      Ghost01
      Participant

      Pre-Prime LeBron with poor supporting cast: 50-32, Finals appearence.

      Prime Kobe with poor supporting cast on Lakers: 34-48

      Lets not forget this.

      Kobe will always be an all-time great, and if LeBron were to say lose this series, and continue to struggle when it matters most, that will count for sometihng. But LeBron is a superior talent to Kobe.

      Kobe being Shaq’s sidekick doesn’t mean he wasn’t good back then, it means that it was a lot easier to get 3 rings when a 7’1 guy was winning Finals MVP every year and dominating, as opposed to playing on the 03-10 Cavs teams.

      Not to mention, he was mediocre as hell in the 2010 Finals, including the white-hot 25% shooting of game 7. If they lose that game (which Metta hit the big shot, and Sasha sealed with free throws) he is an all-time choker for that game.

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    • #797898
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      Ghost01
      Participant

      Pre-Prime LeBron with poor supporting cast: 50-32, Finals appearence.

      Prime Kobe with poor supporting cast on Lakers: 34-48

      Lets not forget this.

      Kobe will always be an all-time great, and if LeBron were to say lose this series, and continue to struggle when it matters most, that will count for sometihng. But LeBron is a superior talent to Kobe.

      Kobe being Shaq’s sidekick doesn’t mean he wasn’t good back then, it means that it was a lot easier to get 3 rings when a 7’1 guy was winning Finals MVP every year and dominating, as opposed to playing on the 03-10 Cavs teams.

      Not to mention, he was mediocre as hell in the 2010 Finals, including the white-hot 25% shooting of game 7. If they lose that game (which Metta hit the big shot, and Sasha sealed with free throws) he is an all-time choker for that game.

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      • #797977
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        llperez

        “not to mention he was mediocre as he’ll in the 2010 finals”…

        —29ppg…8rpg…4apg…2stls…and locked rondo up after rondo tore through the east. Yep, mediocre as hell.

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      • #797909
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        llperez

        “not to mention he was mediocre as he’ll in the 2010 finals”…

        —29ppg…8rpg…4apg…2stls…and locked rondo up after rondo tore through the east. Yep, mediocre as hell.

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  • #796945
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    For_Never_Ever
    Participant

    Larry Bird also chose Kobe over Lebron.

    I fully agree, even Lebron would have to be the number two guy to Shaq overwhelming dominance. I don’t believe Wade or Lebron would have stood up to Shaq when he supposedly gained weight or went out partying before games like Kobe actually had the balls to.

    http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/7551496/larry-bird-love-play-los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant

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  • #796877
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    For_Never_Ever
    Participant

    Larry Bird also chose Kobe over Lebron.

    I fully agree, even Lebron would have to be the number two guy to Shaq overwhelming dominance. I don’t believe Wade or Lebron would have stood up to Shaq when he supposedly gained weight or went out partying before games like Kobe actually had the balls to.

    http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/7551496/larry-bird-love-play-los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant

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  • #796949
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    Forte IV
    Participant

    Prime Kobe could barely get his team to 45 wins or w/e it was. Let’s face it. Kobe can score but he can’t carry a team throughout the regular season by himself, or in the playoffs. He needed someone else, preferably a big man. LeBron on the other hand took a terrible team and won what, 66 games right? Hell he even led a horrible team to the finals in ’07.

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  • #796881
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    Forte IV
    Participant

    Prime Kobe could barely get his team to 45 wins or w/e it was. Let’s face it. Kobe can score but he can’t carry a team throughout the regular season by himself, or in the playoffs. He needed someone else, preferably a big man. LeBron on the other hand took a terrible team and won what, 66 games right? Hell he even led a horrible team to the finals in ’07.

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    • #796951
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      rabidsnowman
      Participant

      LeBron carrying a team by himself either. Seems to me he only won with D. Wade and Bosh.

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    • #796883
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      rabidsnowman
      Participant

      LeBron carrying a team by himself either. Seems to me he only won with D. Wade and Bosh.

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      • #796955
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        akhan786
        Participant

        He didn’t get a ring, but in Cleveland he definitely carried that team to a couple seasons with the best record in the league as well as a Finals appearance with one of the worst supporting casts in NBA Finals history.

        Meanwhile Kobe missed the playoffs a season when he had a pretty poor supporting cast as well. Of course it is harder to make the playoffs in the West, but I think a lot of people would agree that the Lakers would’ve faired better that year if you switched Kobe and Lebron.

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      • #796887
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        akhan786
        Participant

        He didn’t get a ring, but in Cleveland he definitely carried that team to a couple seasons with the best record in the league as well as a Finals appearance with one of the worst supporting casts in NBA Finals history.

        Meanwhile Kobe missed the playoffs a season when he had a pretty poor supporting cast as well. Of course it is harder to make the playoffs in the West, but I think a lot of people would agree that the Lakers would’ve faired better that year if you switched Kobe and Lebron.

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        • #796961
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          llperez

          The one season the lakers missed the playoffs, they were right in pace to get in. Then right after the all-star break, both Kobe and odom went down with month long injuries at the sane time and the team nosedived as chucky Atkins and chris mihm couldn’t hold ground while Kobe was out and they missed the playoffs.

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        • #796893
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          llperez

          The one season the lakers missed the playoffs, they were right in pace to get in. Then right after the all-star break, both Kobe and odom went down with month long injuries at the sane time and the team nosedived as chucky Atkins and chris mihm couldn’t hold ground while Kobe was out and they missed the playoffs.

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        • #796965
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          For_Never_Ever
          Participant

          I’m not sure, but isn’t that the year when Kobe got injured by a Cavs player when he took a shot and one of the Cavs players went under him causing Kobe to turn his ankle ?

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        • #796897
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          For_Never_Ever
          Participant

          I’m not sure, but isn’t that the year when Kobe got injured by a Cavs player when he took a shot and one of the Cavs players went under him causing Kobe to turn his ankle ?

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          • #796971
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            llperez

            Yes. I was repeating off of memory though and after looking it up I was wrong on the dates. It was before the all star game Kobe went down and missed 16 games where they went from 4 games over to an even .500 by the time he came back. Still, if Kobe and Lamar don’t both do down for long stretches, that team would have made the playoffs.

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          • #796903
            AvatarAvatar
            llperez

            Yes. I was repeating off of memory though and after looking it up I was wrong on the dates. It was before the all star game Kobe went down and missed 16 games where they went from 4 games over to an even .500 by the time he came back. Still, if Kobe and Lamar don’t both do down for long stretches, that team would have made the playoffs.

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            • #796977
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              For_Never_Ever
              Participant

              I was anticipating that game for the Lebron vs Kobe aspect. I remember Kobe was up for it because he guarded Lebron, and made a couple turn around jump shots over him. I was so pizzed off at whatever his name Newbe or something like that, he went under Kobe when he took a shot. I knew Kobe was still at his prime, and I wanted the match up before he got too old.

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            • #796909
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              For_Never_Ever
              Participant

              I was anticipating that game for the Lebron vs Kobe aspect. I remember Kobe was up for it because he guarded Lebron, and made a couple turn around jump shots over him. I was so pizzed off at whatever his name Newbe or something like that, he went under Kobe when he took a shot. I knew Kobe was still at his prime, and I wanted the match up before he got too old.

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    • #796953
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      llperez

      When lebron led the cavs to finals, the east was garbage and the cavs were the easiest team the spurs played all playoffs as they swept them easily. That cavs team doesn’t get out the first round in the west. You can’t compare what lebron did that season with what Kobe did that season leading an inferior squad that had started odom, Walton, smush and kwame with Brian cook as the top 6th man.

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    • #796885
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      llperez

      When lebron led the cavs to finals, the east was garbage and the cavs were the easiest team the spurs played all playoffs as they swept them easily. That cavs team doesn’t get out the first round in the west. You can’t compare what lebron did that season with what Kobe did that season leading an inferior squad that had started odom, Walton, smush and kwame with Brian cook as the top 6th man.

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    • #796957
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      For_Never_Ever
      Participant

      I don’t believe the Cavs when they had Lebron are bad as you make them out to be. Also how tough was the Eastern conference compared to the West during that time ?

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    • #796889
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      For_Never_Ever
      Participant

      I don’t believe the Cavs when they had Lebron are bad as you make them out to be. Also how tough was the Eastern conference compared to the West during that time ?

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  • #796947
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    db24kb24
    Participant

    Listen when the doc speaks!

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  • #796879
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    db24kb24
    Participant

    Listen when the doc speaks!

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  • #796959
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    Forte IV
    Participant

    I’m not even really saying playoffs. I’m saying regular season. 66 wins is damn impressive. You still play the west 30 times a year. So it wasn’t all wins from the east.

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  • #796891
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    Forte IV
    Participant

    I’m not even really saying playoffs. I’m saying regular season. 66 wins is damn impressive. You still play the west 30 times a year. So it wasn’t all wins from the east.

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    • #796975
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      jjbutler73
      Participant

      There were some serious bottom feeders who couldn’t beat a college team. There were great western teams who rested(and still do) their top players a lot during the season to be ready for the playoffs. Not every team cares about the difference between 56 wins or 66. They want rings.

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    • #796907
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      jjbutler73
      Participant

      There were some serious bottom feeders who couldn’t beat a college team. There were great western teams who rested(and still do) their top players a lot during the season to be ready for the playoffs. Not every team cares about the difference between 56 wins or 66. They want rings.

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  • #796967
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    Hale
    Participant

    LeBron over the past two years is absolutely better then Kobe ever was. Not really even debatable, which is why LeBron is going to end up being widely accepted as the 2nd best player ever while Kobe is going to be thought of as 5-10.

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  • #796899
    AvatarAvatar
    Hale
    Participant

    LeBron over the past two years is absolutely better then Kobe ever was. Not really even debatable, which is why LeBron is going to end up being widely accepted as the 2nd best player ever while Kobe is going to be thought of as 5-10.

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    • #796973
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      llperez

      You can certainly disagree, but don’t act like it’s not debatable. Many people have Kobe ahead of lebron including some of the legends of the game. if it’s not debatable, then why is it so heavily debated?

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    • #796905
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      llperez

      You can certainly disagree, but don’t act like it’s not debatable. Many people have Kobe ahead of lebron including some of the legends of the game. if it’s not debatable, then why is it so heavily debated?

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      • #797092
        AvatarAvatar
        Hale
        Participant

        Because Kobe is much farther along in his career. People are already putting LeBron ahead of Kobe on their all time lists despite his lack of rings to this point and he hasn’t even finished his prime. Anyone who thinks prime Kobe is better then LeBron today is a Laker fan straight up. By the time they are both retired it will be virtually unanimous that LeBron is the better player.

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        • #797706
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          AmiableBaller34
          Participant

          I would chose Kobe over LeBron right now, and that’s coming from a Celtics fan. I’ve seen Kobe do things on a basketball court that LeBron can only dream of doing, and he’s been able to do it for years. I’ve seen Kobe come up big time and time again, while I’ve seen LeBron quit on his team twice now. LeBron may have more potential, but he will never have the passion that Kobe has, and that counts for a lot.

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        • #797640
          AvatarAvatar
          AmiableBaller34
          Participant

          I would chose Kobe over LeBron right now, and that’s coming from a Celtics fan. I’ve seen Kobe do things on a basketball court that LeBron can only dream of doing, and he’s been able to do it for years. I’ve seen Kobe come up big time and time again, while I’ve seen LeBron quit on his team twice now. LeBron may have more potential, but he will never have the passion that Kobe has, and that counts for a lot.

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          • #797740
            AvatarAvatar
            Hale
            Participant

            You want to talk about quitting on your team? Kobe quit game 7 against the Suns in 2006, he quit game 6 against the Celtics in the finals in 2008 and he demanded a trade from his team at one point because he was so sick of not having help. So don’t give me any nonsense about how LeBron quit and Kobe didn’t.

            LeBron has done things Kobe could only dream of doing. The only things Kobe has done that LeBron hasn’t are scored 81 points, 62 in 3 quarters, and team up with the most dominant player of his era (which LeBron is, unlike Kobe) to get a 3 peat. Virtually every statistical measure you can find will favor LeBron as a better player, and it’s obvious to any non-biased eyes that his “unseen impact” on a game is VASTLY superior.

            Just for fun let’s compare 2005-2006 Kobe to LeBron this year.

            Kobe: 41 mpg 35.6 ppg 5.3 rpg 4.5 apg 45% FG 34.7% 3pt 85% FT 28.11 PER 55% TS 28.7 EWA

            LeBron: 37.9 mpg 26.8 ppg 8 rpg 7.3 apg 56.5% FG 40.6% 3pt 75.3% FT 31.67 PER 64% TS 30.3 EWA

            The only thing Kobe has ever been superior to LeBron at in pure ability to score. LeBron’s last 5 seasons have been more efficient then any season Kobe has ever had in terms of FG% and TS% and six of the past eight years has had a higher PER then Kobe’s career high. LeBron has led the league in EWA nine of the last 10 years so it’s pretty damn obvious he has a bigger impact on games then Kobe does.

            It blows my mind how anyone can say Kobe as great as he was can even touch LeBron right now. He’s far more efficient, he brings way more to the table, and he straight up impacts the game like no one since Jordan.

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            • #797957
              AvatarAvatar
              llperez

              “You want to talk about quitting on your team? Kobe quit game 7 against the Suns in 2006, he quit game 6 against the Celtics in the finals in 2008 and he demanded a trade from his team at one point because he was so sick of not having help. So don’t give me any nonsense about how LeBron quit and Kobe didn’t.”

              —-Kobe went out and scored about 25 points in the first half vs the suns in game 7 after scoring 50 in game 6. But the lakers still lost game 6 and were down by 15 at the half in game 6. Phil jackson said himself he told Kobe that the only way the lakers could win game 7 was if he used the second half to get his teammates involved. Kobe went pass mode to start the 3rd quarter and The lakers went down by 25. At that point, yes I believe he quit. He also didn’t playthe last like 8 minutes, but he fought until Phil toldhim to pass.

              As for the Celtic game 6, you are the first person ive heard bring up Kobe quitting that game. He fought and played poorly as the whole team did (odom 2-8, radmanivic2-6, gasol 11 Pts 5 turnovers), but I don’t remember him quitting or ever gearing anyone accuse him of quitting.

              As for the demanding the trade, that occurwd the same day the la times leaked an anonymous inside source from the lakers saying Kobe tore the team apart in 2004 and everything bad happening was his fault. He was pussed at being blamed for running the franchise down when he didn’t feel the team was doing everything it could to win and he got emotional. I truly don’t believe for one second that he truly wanted traded. He could have forced his way out if he wanted and by next January he never mentioned being traded again.
              .
              .
              .

              “LeBron has done things Kobe could only dream of doing. The only things Kobe has done that LeBron hasn’t are scored 81 points, 62 in 3 quarters, and team up with the most dominant player of his era (which LeBron is, unlike Kobe) to get a 3 peat. Virtually every statistical measure you can find will favor LeBron as a better player, and it’s obvious to any non-biased eyes that his “unseen impact” on a game is VASTLY
              superior.”

              —–okay this sounds like biased fan talk. Lebron has done things Kobe can only dream of doing??? Like what? Kobe is a 5 time champ and was the undisputed man for 2 of those and finished games the other 3 while playing with shaq. Kobe has a better jumper, better post game, better mid range game and has had numerous memorable moments. Him being jealous of lebron or needing to bow down to what Levon has done is laughable. If by doing things Kobe could only dream of doing you mean he’s 6-8 260 and unendurable while overpowering guys in transition, then yes Kobe needs to envy lebron. But if you are talking actual accomplishments on the court and overall skills that can’t be learned in the womb, lebron is chasing Kobe. As for unseen impact, they are different. Lebron will make the smart play that also relies on his teammates stepping up and making shots. Kobe is and has always been better at forcing his own will on a game. When it comes to winning games, a all around talent who makes the smart play might be more valuable and stuff stats. When it comes to winning the ultimate ring, give me the guy who will take over him self.

              —–

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            • #797890
              AvatarAvatar
              llperez

              “You want to talk about quitting on your team? Kobe quit game 7 against the Suns in 2006, he quit game 6 against the Celtics in the finals in 2008 and he demanded a trade from his team at one point because he was so sick of not having help. So don’t give me any nonsense about how LeBron quit and Kobe didn’t.”

              —-Kobe went out and scored about 25 points in the first half vs the suns in game 7 after scoring 50 in game 6. But the lakers still lost game 6 and were down by 15 at the half in game 6. Phil jackson said himself he told Kobe that the only way the lakers could win game 7 was if he used the second half to get his teammates involved. Kobe went pass mode to start the 3rd quarter and The lakers went down by 25. At that point, yes I believe he quit. He also didn’t playthe last like 8 minutes, but he fought until Phil toldhim to pass.

              As for the Celtic game 6, you are the first person ive heard bring up Kobe quitting that game. He fought and played poorly as the whole team did (odom 2-8, radmanivic2-6, gasol 11 Pts 5 turnovers), but I don’t remember him quitting or ever gearing anyone accuse him of quitting.

              As for the demanding the trade, that occurwd the same day the la times leaked an anonymous inside source from the lakers saying Kobe tore the team apart in 2004 and everything bad happening was his fault. He was pussed at being blamed for running the franchise down when he didn’t feel the team was doing everything it could to win and he got emotional. I truly don’t believe for one second that he truly wanted traded. He could have forced his way out if he wanted and by next January he never mentioned being traded again.
              .
              .
              .

              “LeBron has done things Kobe could only dream of doing. The only things Kobe has done that LeBron hasn’t are scored 81 points, 62 in 3 quarters, and team up with the most dominant player of his era (which LeBron is, unlike Kobe) to get a 3 peat. Virtually every statistical measure you can find will favor LeBron as a better player, and it’s obvious to any non-biased eyes that his “unseen impact” on a game is VASTLY
              superior.”

              —–okay this sounds like biased fan talk. Lebron has done things Kobe can only dream of doing??? Like what? Kobe is a 5 time champ and was the undisputed man for 2 of those and finished games the other 3 while playing with shaq. Kobe has a better jumper, better post game, better mid range game and has had numerous memorable moments. Him being jealous of lebron or needing to bow down to what Levon has done is laughable. If by doing things Kobe could only dream of doing you mean he’s 6-8 260 and unendurable while overpowering guys in transition, then yes Kobe needs to envy lebron. But if you are talking actual accomplishments on the court and overall skills that can’t be learned in the womb, lebron is chasing Kobe. As for unseen impact, they are different. Lebron will make the smart play that also relies on his teammates stepping up and making shots. Kobe is and has always been better at forcing his own will on a game. When it comes to winning games, a all around talent who makes the smart play might be more valuable and stuff stats. When it comes to winning the ultimate ring, give me the guy who will take over him self.

              —–

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              • #797963
                AvatarAvatar
                Hale
                Participant

                Only reason I said “LeBron has done things Kobe could only dream of doing” is because the previous user before me said it first. For Kobe being such a better shooter it’s funny how he’s never shot close to 40% from deep like LeBron did this year (don’t you dare use attempt, bailouts or tough shots as a counter because that is a flat out excuse).

                In the end you said it yourself, LeBron makes the smart play, Kobe forces his game on his teammates. That is why LeBron is better than Kobe could ever be. He can take over himself (which you want, ex: Pistons 07, Celtics game last year, last year’s finals) and he can elevate his teammates by making the best decision for the team on a level far greater then Kobe has ever.

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              • #797896
                AvatarAvatar
                Hale
                Participant

                Only reason I said “LeBron has done things Kobe could only dream of doing” is because the previous user before me said it first. For Kobe being such a better shooter it’s funny how he’s never shot close to 40% from deep like LeBron did this year (don’t you dare use attempt, bailouts or tough shots as a counter because that is a flat out excuse).

                In the end you said it yourself, LeBron makes the smart play, Kobe forces his game on his teammates. That is why LeBron is better than Kobe could ever be. He can take over himself (which you want, ex: Pistons 07, Celtics game last year, last year’s finals) and he can elevate his teammates by making the best decision for the team on a level far greater then Kobe has ever.

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                • #797971
                  AvatarAvatar
                  llperez

                  As for 40% from 3, Kobe gas shot 38% twice and I absolutely believe he is the more confident perimeter shooter, inside 23 feet as well all the way to 10 which are all essentially jumpers although I’m not gonna take time to look up numbersbecase reality is Kobe is played for the jumper more then Lebrun who gets easier looks since opponents aren’t as scared of hisjumper compared to him driving.

                  Either way, put prime Kobe in the same court as lebron Abd I dont see any way someone could say it’s clear who is better, kObe dominated games and could score at will and was far more then just a scorer as he could do it all. Kobe, lebron and Jordan would have some great battles and would take turns carrying their teams over each other. As I’ve said from the get go, pick lebron if you want, but i fully and 100% disagree if u in any way make it sound like it’s not close. Kobe wasn’t handed 5 rings and he didn’t score 40-50 points almost at will because teams didn’t respect him.

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                • #797903
                  AvatarAvatar
                  llperez

                  As for 40% from 3, Kobe gas shot 38% twice and I absolutely believe he is the more confident perimeter shooter, inside 23 feet as well all the way to 10 which are all essentially jumpers although I’m not gonna take time to look up numbersbecase reality is Kobe is played for the jumper more then Lebrun who gets easier looks since opponents aren’t as scared of hisjumper compared to him driving.

                  Either way, put prime Kobe in the same court as lebron Abd I dont see any way someone could say it’s clear who is better, kObe dominated games and could score at will and was far more then just a scorer as he could do it all. Kobe, lebron and Jordan would have some great battles and would take turns carrying their teams over each other. As I’ve said from the get go, pick lebron if you want, but i fully and 100% disagree if u in any way make it sound like it’s not close. Kobe wasn’t handed 5 rings and he didn’t score 40-50 points almost at will because teams didn’t respect him.

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          • #797807
            AvatarAvatar
            Hale
            Participant

            You want to talk about quitting on your team? Kobe quit game 7 against the Suns in 2006, he quit game 6 against the Celtics in the finals in 2008 and he demanded a trade from his team at one point because he was so sick of not having help. So don’t give me any nonsense about how LeBron quit and Kobe didn’t.

            LeBron has done things Kobe could only dream of doing. The only things Kobe has done that LeBron hasn’t are scored 81 points, 62 in 3 quarters, and team up with the most dominant player of his era (which LeBron is, unlike Kobe) to get a 3 peat. Virtually every statistical measure you can find will favor LeBron as a better player, and it’s obvious to any non-biased eyes that his “unseen impact” on a game is VASTLY superior.

            Just for fun let’s compare 2005-2006 Kobe to LeBron this year.

            Kobe: 41 mpg 35.6 ppg 5.3 rpg 4.5 apg 45% FG 34.7% 3pt 85% FT 28.11 PER 55% TS 28.7 EWA

            LeBron: 37.9 mpg 26.8 ppg 8 rpg 7.3 apg 56.5% FG 40.6% 3pt 75.3% FT 31.67 PER 64% TS 30.3 EWA

            The only thing Kobe has ever been superior to LeBron at in pure ability to score. LeBron’s last 5 seasons have been more efficient then any season Kobe has ever had in terms of FG% and TS% and six of the past eight years has had a higher PER then Kobe’s career high. LeBron has led the league in EWA nine of the last 10 years so it’s pretty damn obvious he has a bigger impact on games then Kobe does.

            It blows my mind how anyone can say Kobe as great as he was can even touch LeBron right now. He’s far more efficient, he brings way more to the table, and he straight up impacts the game like no one since Jordan.

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      • #797159
        AvatarAvatar
        Hale
        Participant

        Because Kobe is much farther along in his career. People are already putting LeBron ahead of Kobe on their all time lists despite his lack of rings to this point and he hasn’t even finished his prime. Anyone who thinks prime Kobe is better then LeBron today is a Laker fan straight up. By the time they are both retired it will be virtually unanimous that LeBron is the better player.

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  • #796983
    AvatarAvatar
    Tdot Prophet
    Participant

    Lebron is way superior on defense than Kobe is, plus he can guard 5 positions relatively well not saying he can guard centers
    like Gasol and etc. The fact that hes able to create for his teammates and score his IQ is already top 5 imo, Not knocking Kobe hes a way better scorer per volume of shots, but he hasn’t played well in the finals either thats no joke looked at his FG percentage and amount of shots http://forums.hoopshype.com/forums/index.php?topic=56895.0 Say what they may players would rather play with James than Kobe because of the chances he creates for them. Lebron and its not even close, Kobe got the rings hes top 5 all time.

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  • #796915
    AvatarAvatar
    Tdot Prophet
    Participant

    Lebron is way superior on defense than Kobe is, plus he can guard 5 positions relatively well not saying he can guard centers
    like Gasol and etc. The fact that hes able to create for his teammates and score his IQ is already top 5 imo, Not knocking Kobe hes a way better scorer per volume of shots, but he hasn’t played well in the finals either thats no joke looked at his FG percentage and amount of shots http://forums.hoopshype.com/forums/index.php?topic=56895.0 Say what they may players would rather play with James than Kobe because of the chances he creates for them. Lebron and its not even close, Kobe got the rings hes top 5 all time.

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    • #796987
      AvatarAvatar
      For_Never_Ever
      Participant

      Lebron is a more versatile, but he isn’t good as Kobe at locking down the 1 and 2 spot. Lebron only started to take up the challenge of defending the best player on the other team just last year. Remember before that “Everyone” was calling him out for it. Kobe has been guarding the best pg,sg,sf on the other since he was 24.

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    • #796919
      AvatarAvatar
      For_Never_Ever
      Participant

      Lebron is a more versatile, but he isn’t good as Kobe at locking down the 1 and 2 spot. Lebron only started to take up the challenge of defending the best player on the other team just last year. Remember before that “Everyone” was calling him out for it. Kobe has been guarding the best pg,sg,sf on the other since he was 24.

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    • #796993
      AvatarAvatar
      jjbutler73
      Participant

      Players want to play with Steve Nash, too. And Chris Paul. It doesn’t mean they are the greatest players or winners. It’s impossible to come to an agreement on who is the greatest, basketball is a team sport, but players wanting to play with you is not part of the argument. I’m sure not many players tell their agent “I want to play with Tim Duncan”, but he’s widely considered the greatest power forward ever.

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    • #796925
      AvatarAvatar
      jjbutler73
      Participant

      Players want to play with Steve Nash, too. And Chris Paul. It doesn’t mean they are the greatest players or winners. It’s impossible to come to an agreement on who is the greatest, basketball is a team sport, but players wanting to play with you is not part of the argument. I’m sure not many players tell their agent “I want to play with Tim Duncan”, but he’s widely considered the greatest power forward ever.

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  • #796985
    AvatarAvatar
    Tdot Prophet
    Participant

    Lebron is way superior on defense than Kobe is, plus he can guard 5 positions relatively well not saying he can guard centers
    like Gasol and etc. The fact that hes able to create for his teammates and score his IQ is already top 5 imo, Not knocking Kobe hes a way better scorer per volume of shots, but he hasn’t played well in the finals either thats no joke looked at his FG percentage and amount of shots http://forums.hoopshype.com/forums/index.php?topic=56895.0 Say what they may players would rather play with James than Kobe because of the chances he creates for them. Lebron and its not even close, Kobe got the rings hes top 5 all time.

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  • #796917
    AvatarAvatar
    Tdot Prophet
    Participant

    Lebron is way superior on defense than Kobe is, plus he can guard 5 positions relatively well not saying he can guard centers
    like Gasol and etc. The fact that hes able to create for his teammates and score his IQ is already top 5 imo, Not knocking Kobe hes a way better scorer per volume of shots, but he hasn’t played well in the finals either thats no joke looked at his FG percentage and amount of shots http://forums.hoopshype.com/forums/index.php?topic=56895.0 Say what they may players would rather play with James than Kobe because of the chances he creates for them. Lebron and its not even close, Kobe got the rings hes top 5 all time.

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  • #796929
    AvatarAvatar
    sportzryan
    Participant

    F LeBron. Stupid front runner bandwagon fans. Kobe and MJ so much better.

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    • #797074
      AvatarAvatar
      rileymcshea3
      Participant

      This is from a Kevin Durant fan but I’d take prime LeBron over prime Kobe anyday, there is a reason why Kobe has only 1 MVP, and LeBron has 4

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      • #797213
        AvatarAvatar
        Dr.Red
        Participant

        The media votes for MVP, which is why LeBron has won 4 in a row. Kobe has never been media friendly, thus only one MVP. LeBron is the media darling of his generation, which is why he has won 4 straight.

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      • #797145
        AvatarAvatar
        Dr.Red
        Participant

        The media votes for MVP, which is why LeBron has won 4 in a row. Kobe has never been media friendly, thus only one MVP. LeBron is the media darling of his generation, which is why he has won 4 straight.

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        • #797985
          AvatarAvatar
          Wälse
          Participant

          Are you kidding? Lebron became the most hated man in sports after “the decision”. You act as if those 4 MVP’s weren’t well deserved & came as a result of favoritism. That’s garbage.

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        • #797917
          AvatarAvatar
          Wälse
          Participant

          Are you kidding? Lebron became the most hated man in sports after “the decision”. You act as if those 4 MVP’s weren’t well deserved & came as a result of favoritism. That’s garbage.

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    • #797142
      AvatarAvatar
      rileymcshea3
      Participant

      This is from a Kevin Durant fan but I’d take prime LeBron over prime Kobe anyday, there is a reason why Kobe has only 1 MVP, and LeBron has 4

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  • #796997
    AvatarAvatar
    sportzryan
    Participant

    F LeBron. Stupid front runner bandwagon fans. Kobe and MJ so much better.

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  • #796938
    AvatarAvatar
    PistonsFan22
    Participant

    Let’s judge at the end of their careers. Lebron has a longer way to go than Kobe. Most legendary players think strongly in terms of winning so they judge other players on how many rings they have. As Larry Bird said, Kobe is a winner and that’s why he would choose him. Lebron will look much different if he ever gets as many rings as Kobe. Accomplishments do matter so judging Lebron at this age is not really fair. The fact that many people would already choose Lebron over Kobe is a stronger statement than legends choosing a player with 5 championships over a player with 1.

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  • #797005
    AvatarAvatar
    PistonsFan22
    Participant

    Let’s judge at the end of their careers. Lebron has a longer way to go than Kobe. Most legendary players think strongly in terms of winning so they judge other players on how many rings they have. As Larry Bird said, Kobe is a winner and that’s why he would choose him. Lebron will look much different if he ever gets as many rings as Kobe. Accomplishments do matter so judging Lebron at this age is not really fair. The fact that many people would already choose Lebron over Kobe is a stronger statement than legends choosing a player with 5 championships over a player with 1.

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  • #796948
    AvatarAvatar
    Cynthia
    Participant

    To those who say LeBron is better because he led a “bad” Cavs team to the finals while Kobe missed the playoffs after Shaq, you’re ignorant.

    No matter how “bad” people want to say LeBrons ’07 supporting cast was, they were leaps & bounds better than the Shaqless Lakers team.

    LeBron had a much better post, with Ilgauskas, a young Varejao, Gooden, and a decent Donyell Marshall. Kobes post? Chris Mihm, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and Brian Cook. Mihm is perhaps one of the worst starting centers in NBA history, Grant was a has been, the only respectable player on this list was Odom who isn’t even a true post player anyways.

    As for wing/guard play LeBron has much better here too with Larry Hughes still producing, also with Daniel Gibson & Sasha Pavlovic having above average seasons for their career. Also some vet guards in Damon Jones & Eric Snow who weren’t too shabby either. Kobe had Caron Butler, Chucky Atkins, Jumaine Jones, Devean George, Luke Walton & Sasha Vujacic. Caron is probably the best from either team on this list, but when you consider the Lakers were starting Chucky Atkins that kind of abolishes any positive Butler brings.

    When you break it down LeBron had the much better team, the Lakers had the worst starting Center and Point Guard in the entire league, on top of that Kobe only played 66 games due to injury as opposed to LeBrons 78 games. The fact Kobe still got 34 wins out of that team is quite amazing, because his supporting cast is worse than todays Charlotte Bobcats.

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    • #797115
      AvatarAvatar
      Hale
      Participant

      The 4th paragraph here is absolute nonsense. How you got 9 points is beyond my comprehension. You seriously want to argue Larry Hughes, Daniel Gibson and Sasha Pavlovic?

      Hughes:
      2005-36 games 35.6 mpg 40.9% FG 14.08 PER
      2006-70 games 37.1 mpg 40% FG 12.17 PER
      2007-40 games 30.3 mpg 37.7% FG 12.14 PER

      Despite raw “numbers” you use to act like he was still producing he was awful. 15.5 ppg is solid but not when he played half the season, played 36 mpg and was inefficient as all hell. It only got worse from there.

      Daniel Gibson:
      Averaged double digit points one season LeBron was in Cleveland. 10.4 ppg in 30.4 mpg while offering absolutely nothing outside of 3 point shooting. also missed 24 games that year. PER while a teammate of LeBron’s: 9.39, 11.76, 10.10, 11.31.

      Sasha Pavolovic:
      The most absurd thing you said by far. In the 5 seasons he spent in Cleveland you could only classify one of them as anything other then garbage. His highest PER was 12.17 with him only having one other year above 9 (9.07). You want to know how he did in his non-terrible season? 9 ppg on 45.3% shooting while offering nothing to the table in any other area as he was an overrated defender. As soon as he left Cleveland was immediately put on the end of the rotation of a terrible Timberwolves team too. Shows he “above-average” he was.

      Next time don’t try to state nonsense like Hughes was producing (unless you meant terribly) or that Gibson and Pavlovic were anything other then trash. Caron Butler’s PER was 15.80 in that one year and shot 5% better from the floor then Hughes while grabbing nearly 6 boards a game. He was definitely the best player on either side.

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      • #797480
        AvatarAvatar
        Cynthia
        Participant

        I never claimed Hughes, Gibson, or Pavlovic were good. I was comparing the supporting cast of both Kobe & LeBron from top to bottom. As far as “above average” I said for THEIR career, *their* being the key word, meaning compared to the rest of their careers this was a brighter season for them. You seem to have taken it as I was saying they were above average compared to the league which is absolutely false.

        Then you go on to say Caron Butler was definitely the best player on either side, as if I was ignoring Butler. However I already stated he was the best on either side, but thanks for repeating.

        At the end of the day both teams outside of their stars were atrocious, but I do believe LeBron had a better supporting cast. The whole point of the post was to prove to those saying LeBron is better cause he went to the finals with a bad team and Kobe is worse because he couldn’t make playoffs with a bad team is false, Kobe had the worst team between the two & thus has nothing to do with who’s better or not.

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        • #797486
          AvatarAvatar
          ProudGrandpa
          Participant

          It’s ironic that someone (I think Bangbangwayne) tried to insinuate that Cynthia was Y2G’s second account. I think this pretty much debunks that theory.

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        • #797553
          AvatarAvatar
          ProudGrandpa
          Participant

          It’s ironic that someone (I think Bangbangwayne) tried to insinuate that Cynthia was Y2G’s second account. I think this pretty much debunks that theory.

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        • #797496
          AvatarAvatar
          Hale
          Participant

          Since you want to get technical you said Butler was “probably” the best player on either side then immediately said he was negated by Atkins. Although you did clarify things with your last post so I will give you that.

          I understand that people bringing up to completely random teams has nothing to do with who’s better, hence why I haven’t brought it up. LeBron is superior to Kobe because he’s a better, more impactful basketball player, not because one of his teams may have been worse.

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        • #797563
          AvatarAvatar
          Hale
          Participant

          Since you want to get technical you said Butler was “probably” the best player on either side then immediately said he was negated by Atkins. Although you did clarify things with your last post so I will give you that.

          I understand that people bringing up to completely random teams has nothing to do with who’s better, hence why I haven’t brought it up. LeBron is superior to Kobe because he’s a better, more impactful basketball player, not because one of his teams may have been worse.

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      • #797547
        AvatarAvatar
        Cynthia
        Participant

        I never claimed Hughes, Gibson, or Pavlovic were good. I was comparing the supporting cast of both Kobe & LeBron from top to bottom. As far as “above average” I said for THEIR career, *their* being the key word, meaning compared to the rest of their careers this was a brighter season for them. You seem to have taken it as I was saying they were above average compared to the league which is absolutely false.

        Then you go on to say Caron Butler was definitely the best player on either side, as if I was ignoring Butler. However I already stated he was the best on either side, but thanks for repeating.

        At the end of the day both teams outside of their stars were atrocious, but I do believe LeBron had a better supporting cast. The whole point of the post was to prove to those saying LeBron is better cause he went to the finals with a bad team and Kobe is worse because he couldn’t make playoffs with a bad team is false, Kobe had the worst team between the two & thus has nothing to do with who’s better or not.

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    • #797183
      AvatarAvatar
      Hale
      Participant

      The 4th paragraph here is absolute nonsense. How you got 9 points is beyond my comprehension. You seriously want to argue Larry Hughes, Daniel Gibson and Sasha Pavlovic?

      Hughes:
      2005-36 games 35.6 mpg 40.9% FG 14.08 PER
      2006-70 games 37.1 mpg 40% FG 12.17 PER
      2007-40 games 30.3 mpg 37.7% FG 12.14 PER

      Despite raw “numbers” you use to act like he was still producing he was awful. 15.5 ppg is solid but not when he played half the season, played 36 mpg and was inefficient as all hell. It only got worse from there.

      Daniel Gibson:
      Averaged double digit points one season LeBron was in Cleveland. 10.4 ppg in 30.4 mpg while offering absolutely nothing outside of 3 point shooting. also missed 24 games that year. PER while a teammate of LeBron’s: 9.39, 11.76, 10.10, 11.31.

      Sasha Pavolovic:
      The most absurd thing you said by far. In the 5 seasons he spent in Cleveland you could only classify one of them as anything other then garbage. His highest PER was 12.17 with him only having one other year above 9 (9.07). You want to know how he did in his non-terrible season? 9 ppg on 45.3% shooting while offering nothing to the table in any other area as he was an overrated defender. As soon as he left Cleveland was immediately put on the end of the rotation of a terrible Timberwolves team too. Shows he “above-average” he was.

      Next time don’t try to state nonsense like Hughes was producing (unless you meant terribly) or that Gibson and Pavlovic were anything other then trash. Caron Butler’s PER was 15.80 in that one year and shot 5% better from the floor then Hughes while grabbing nearly 6 boards a game. He was definitely the best player on either side.

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    • #797199
      AvatarAvatar
      brandonmacey
      Participant

      lebron had a SLIGHTLY better team, not a way better team. and I still say Lebron makes those around him play better in a way kobe doesn’t. I think lebron would have won more games with that odom team. PLUS, LEBRON WOULDN’T HAVE MISSED TIME, HE NEVER GETS INJURED. That’s got to be worth something in the debate. Lbj is iron man, he’s always gonna be there. But I still say thay if theres less than a minute to go and I can choose kobe lebron or evrn MJ to take that final shot, I’m taking Kobe. period. most killer instinct ive ever seen.

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    • #797132
      AvatarAvatar
      brandonmacey
      Participant

      lebron had a SLIGHTLY better team, not a way better team. and I still say Lebron makes those around him play better in a way kobe doesn’t. I think lebron would have won more games with that odom team. PLUS, LEBRON WOULDN’T HAVE MISSED TIME, HE NEVER GETS INJURED. That’s got to be worth something in the debate. Lbj is iron man, he’s always gonna be there. But I still say thay if theres less than a minute to go and I can choose kobe lebron or evrn MJ to take that final shot, I’m taking Kobe. period. most killer instinct ive ever seen.

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  • #797015
    AvatarAvatar
    Cynthia
    Participant

    To those who say LeBron is better because he led a “bad” Cavs team to the finals while Kobe missed the playoffs after Shaq, you’re ignorant.

    No matter how “bad” people want to say LeBrons ’07 supporting cast was, they were leaps & bounds better than the Shaqless Lakers team.

    LeBron had a much better post, with Ilgauskas, a young Varejao, Gooden, and a decent Donyell Marshall. Kobes post? Chris Mihm, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and Brian Cook. Mihm is perhaps one of the worst starting centers in NBA history, Grant was a has been, the only respectable player on this list was Odom who isn’t even a true post player anyways.

    As for wing/guard play LeBron has much better here too with Larry Hughes still producing, also with Daniel Gibson & Sasha Pavlovic having above average seasons for their career. Also some vet guards in Damon Jones & Eric Snow who weren’t too shabby either. Kobe had Caron Butler, Chucky Atkins, Jumaine Jones, Devean George, Luke Walton & Sasha Vujacic. Caron is probably the best from either team on this list, but when you consider the Lakers were starting Chucky Atkins that kind of abolishes any positive Butler brings.

    When you break it down LeBron had the much better team, the Lakers had the worst starting Center and Point Guard in the entire league, on top of that Kobe only played 66 games due to injury as opposed to LeBrons 78 games. The fact Kobe still got 34 wins out of that team is quite amazing, because his supporting cast is worse than todays Charlotte Bobcats.

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  • #796960
    AvatarAvatar
    Velvet Hoop
    Participant

    When I hear someone like Dr. J picks Kobe over Lebron, my first thought is “why is this a surprise to anyone?” Dr. J as a player was more similar to the MJ’s and Kobe’s than he is to the Magic’s and Lebron’s. Those guys have similar styles, so it is easy to see that he would favor a player that more closely resembles his playing style.

    Both players are all time greats. They both have solid resumes. While Kobe is the better scorer shooter, and with an insane will to win. Lebron is the better rebounder, passer, shot blocker and teammate. Me personally, if I’m drafting a team I certainly take Lebron over Kobe simply because he does more with less touches. When you are picking a team, you want a guy that is as versatile as possible, and Lebron can play basically any position on the floor on defense. In the NBA there are a ton of guys that can score off of bad shots. How many 6’8 270 guys are there that play power forward and point guard? Lebron is just a match up nightmare. You might be able to guard him. That is fine, he will just find somebody else for an easy bucket. If you are able to stay in front of Kobe, you are getting a contested fall away from just inside the 3 point line while the rest of the team runs back on d. How many times in a row does this happen before “the others” get fed up busting their ass on the glass and on defense, only to see another bad shot taken with no ball movement?

    To me the question – who would most players rather play with?, is very telling. I know that it isn’t a popularity contest, but players aren’t stupid. Lebron is playing team ball and Kobe is not. If you want to stand in the corner and watch on offense, go play with Kobe. If you want to be a part of the offense, go play with Lebron. We aren’t talking about wanting to play with Steve Nash or CP3. We are talking about Lebron vs. Kobe. Between those two. If you ask around the league, do you think it is 80-20 in Lebron’s favor, or is that too low?

    I would just think that everyone that has played with a player who plays similar to the way Kobe plays, would know how frustrating it is and it eats away at team chemistry. This isn’t a question of which player is more offensively skilled. Kobe wins that award easily, but in the NBA, where there are way more me first than we first guys, I love that it is the Spurs and Heat that are in the finals. The Spurs move the ball and the open man gets the shot and nobody questions Lebrons ability to make those around him better. This is the way basketball should be played. Not ISO followed by stationary dribbling the air out of the ball before settling for a contested fader.

    And for those who want to go back and talk Kobe’s “prime”, just think, Lebron isn’t even at his yet.

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    • #797185
      AvatarAvatar
      DolanCare
      Participant

      I agree with everything you said. It will be interesting to see if Magic picks Lebron as the better of the two once his career is further along. The same thing for HOF bigmen who may admire Lebron’s defense, rebounding and post-scoring.

      Ultimately, guards get more respect throughout public opinion. They’re comparatively smaller statures make them more relatable to the fans. Big Men may win championships, but they dont sell tickets.

      That being said Lebron is highly skilled, and I believe will be acknowledged as top 3 of all time once he retires.

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    • #797117
      AvatarAvatar
      DolanCare
      Participant

      I agree with everything you said. It will be interesting to see if Magic picks Lebron as the better of the two once his career is further along. The same thing for HOF bigmen who may admire Lebron’s defense, rebounding and post-scoring.

      Ultimately, guards get more respect throughout public opinion. They’re comparatively smaller statures make them more relatable to the fans. Big Men may win championships, but they dont sell tickets.

      That being said Lebron is highly skilled, and I believe will be acknowledged as top 3 of all time once he retires.

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    • #797237
      AvatarAvatar
      SubZero
      Participant

      IMO, this is his prime. He’s already 28, turning 29 this December. The only thing I can see him making improvements in is his shooting and his post game (which will probably happen after he starts losing some athleticism)

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    • #797169
      AvatarAvatar
      SubZero
      Participant

      IMO, this is his prime. He’s already 28, turning 29 this December. The only thing I can see him making improvements in is his shooting and his post game (which will probably happen after he starts losing some athleticism)

      0
  • #797028
    AvatarAvatar
    Velvet Hoop
    Participant

    When I hear someone like Dr. J picks Kobe over Lebron, my first thought is “why is this a surprise to anyone?” Dr. J as a player was more similar to the MJ’s and Kobe’s than he is to the Magic’s and Lebron’s. Those guys have similar styles, so it is easy to see that he would favor a player that more closely resembles his playing style.

    Both players are all time greats. They both have solid resumes. While Kobe is the better scorer shooter, and with an insane will to win. Lebron is the better rebounder, passer, shot blocker and teammate. Me personally, if I’m drafting a team I certainly take Lebron over Kobe simply because he does more with less touches. When you are picking a team, you want a guy that is as versatile as possible, and Lebron can play basically any position on the floor on defense. In the NBA there are a ton of guys that can score off of bad shots. How many 6’8 270 guys are there that play power forward and point guard? Lebron is just a match up nightmare. You might be able to guard him. That is fine, he will just find somebody else for an easy bucket. If you are able to stay in front of Kobe, you are getting a contested fall away from just inside the 3 point line while the rest of the team runs back on d. How many times in a row does this happen before “the others” get fed up busting their ass on the glass and on defense, only to see another bad shot taken with no ball movement?

    To me the question – who would most players rather play with?, is very telling. I know that it isn’t a popularity contest, but players aren’t stupid. Lebron is playing team ball and Kobe is not. If you want to stand in the corner and watch on offense, go play with Kobe. If you want to be a part of the offense, go play with Lebron. We aren’t talking about wanting to play with Steve Nash or CP3. We are talking about Lebron vs. Kobe. Between those two. If you ask around the league, do you think it is 80-20 in Lebron’s favor, or is that too low?

    I would just think that everyone that has played with a player who plays similar to the way Kobe plays, would know how frustrating it is and it eats away at team chemistry. This isn’t a question of which player is more offensively skilled. Kobe wins that award easily, but in the NBA, where there are way more me first than we first guys, I love that it is the Spurs and Heat that are in the finals. The Spurs move the ball and the open man gets the shot and nobody questions Lebrons ability to make those around him better. This is the way basketball should be played. Not ISO followed by stationary dribbling the air out of the ball before settling for a contested fader.

    And for those who want to go back and talk Kobe’s “prime”, just think, Lebron isn’t even at his yet.

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  • #796982
    AvatarAvatar
    Wälse
    Participant

    At this moment Lebron is better than Kobe ever was. These last 2 yrs he’s been on a level that only Jordan has reached. It seems to me that a lot of these old-timers have some resentment towards Lebron, like they’re hesitant to give him his due. Rodman’s comments for instance…rings blah blah blah. Fine, Bill Russell is better than Jordan. Sometimes I think former players lack objectivity more than most fans.

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    • #796992
      AvatarAvatar
      Velvet Hoop
      Participant

      was teammate of Jordan, so that one was pretty obvious to me as well. He definitely wasn’t going to take Lebron (who he called an average NBA player in his time – laughable!) over Jordan.

      Not that I would take him over Jordan either. Who knows in another 5-7 years though.

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    • #797059
      AvatarAvatar
      Velvet Hoop
      Participant

      was teammate of Jordan, so that one was pretty obvious to me as well. He definitely wasn’t going to take Lebron (who he called an average NBA player in his time – laughable!) over Jordan.

      Not that I would take him over Jordan either. Who knows in another 5-7 years though.

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    • #797440
      AvatarAvatar
      mini_marz
      Participant

      Honestly I feel the same way all the old guys just hate on him. Are we really comparing prime Kobe to prime lebron ?? When thinking about a prime Kobe I never once thought he could reach Jordan’s level and always thought he was very inefficient to be honest but was still a great player but not Jordan great. When seeing a prime lebron rite now I feel if he were to just stay at his level now and not improve he’s looking like he could be the most complete player ever and funny thing is lebron continues to improve every year and I think mentally be is getting stronger and seems to realize when he needs to be more assertive scoring. Mentally he still needs to be stronger in my opinion but he is developing that to me

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    • #797507
      AvatarAvatar
      mini_marz
      Participant

      Honestly I feel the same way all the old guys just hate on him. Are we really comparing prime Kobe to prime lebron ?? When thinking about a prime Kobe I never once thought he could reach Jordan’s level and always thought he was very inefficient to be honest but was still a great player but not Jordan great. When seeing a prime lebron rite now I feel if he were to just stay at his level now and not improve he’s looking like he could be the most complete player ever and funny thing is lebron continues to improve every year and I think mentally be is getting stronger and seems to realize when he needs to be more assertive scoring. Mentally he still needs to be stronger in my opinion but he is developing that to me

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  • #797050
    AvatarAvatar
    Wälse
    Participant

    At this moment Lebron is better than Kobe ever was. These last 2 yrs he’s been on a level that only Jordan has reached. It seems to me that a lot of these old-timers have some resentment towards Lebron, like they’re hesitant to give him his due. Rodman’s comments for instance…rings blah blah blah. Fine, Bill Russell is better than Jordan. Sometimes I think former players lack objectivity more than most fans.

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  • #797031
    AvatarAvatar
    Brennan23
    Participant

    Kobe has the need and will to be great and lebron doesn’t. Kobe wants the final shot while Lebron doesn’t. Kobe has that “IT” factor Jordan had. Lebron doesnt

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  • #797099
    AvatarAvatar
    Brennan23
    Participant

    Kobe has the need and will to be great and lebron doesn’t. Kobe wants the final shot while Lebron doesn’t. Kobe has that “IT” factor Jordan had. Lebron doesnt

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  • #797039
    AvatarAvatar
    bdiddy5115
    Participant

    “It” factor or not, Kobe is not in LeBron’s league as a complete player who can dominate all phases of the game.

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    • #797094
      AvatarAvatar
      Hale
      Participant

      No idea why you got negged here. Outside of his demeanor and variety of ways to score LeBron is better then Kobe in every facet of basketball.

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    • #797161
      AvatarAvatar
      Hale
      Participant

      No idea why you got negged here. Outside of his demeanor and variety of ways to score LeBron is better then Kobe in every facet of basketball.

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  • #797107
    AvatarAvatar
    bdiddy5115
    Participant

    “It” factor or not, Kobe is not in LeBron’s league as a complete player who can dominate all phases of the game.

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  • #797070
    AvatarAvatar
    ph90702

    The notion of a single player carrying a team is ridiculous. No player can carry a team by himself. Every player needs help or else the entire defense can focus on them. Not even Michael Jordan could be successful if he was guarded by five defenders every time he had the ball.

    In no way am I saying that a great player doesn’t make his teammates better. What I’m saying is that the role players have to make something out of the opportunities created for them.

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    • #797197
      AvatarAvatar
      Velvet Hoop
      Participant

      the role players that play with Kobe get far fewer opportunities than the role players that play with Lebron. I’m not saying that I wouldn’t want my star player taking the shot over my role players, but when defenses key in on you, do you force the action and take bad shots, or do you hit the open man (create opportunities for your role players)? Lebron is hands down better at creating for others.

      It’s all about reading the defense and making the correct play. Not “I’m shooting this no matter what.”

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    • #797129
      AvatarAvatar
      Velvet Hoop
      Participant

      the role players that play with Kobe get far fewer opportunities than the role players that play with Lebron. I’m not saying that I wouldn’t want my star player taking the shot over my role players, but when defenses key in on you, do you force the action and take bad shots, or do you hit the open man (create opportunities for your role players)? Lebron is hands down better at creating for others.

      It’s all about reading the defense and making the correct play. Not “I’m shooting this no matter what.”

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      • #797268
        AvatarAvatar
        ph90702

        I agree with you that LeBron is better at creating for his teammates. He averaged 8.6 assists per game in his last season for Cleveland. His supporting cast in Cleveland wasn’t as bad as people made it out to be, but it could have been better.

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      • #797335
        AvatarAvatar
        ph90702

        I agree with you that LeBron is better at creating for his teammates. He averaged 8.6 assists per game in his last season for Cleveland. His supporting cast in Cleveland wasn’t as bad as people made it out to be, but it could have been better.

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  • #797138
    AvatarAvatar
    ph90702

    The notion of a single player carrying a team is ridiculous. No player can carry a team by himself. Every player needs help or else the entire defense can focus on them. Not even Michael Jordan could be successful if he was guarded by five defenders every time he had the ball.

    In no way am I saying that a great player doesn’t make his teammates better. What I’m saying is that the role players have to make something out of the opportunities created for them.

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  • #797270
    AvatarAvatar
    Kayjay
    Participant

    Hate is blinding some people in here. Other than the Laker fan, no one should say Kobe in his prime is leaps and bounds a better player than LeBron James. He’s more effecient, he fills up the stat sheet, he defends multiple positions, can play multiple positions. At the end of the day I think all players can say Kobe is better because his reputation of sinking enemy teams with clutch performances speaks for itself. But I’ll be damned if any of those same players would like to play on a team with Kobe Bryant.

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  • #797338
    AvatarAvatar
    Kayjay
    Participant

    Hate is blinding some people in here. Other than the Laker fan, no one should say Kobe in his prime is leaps and bounds a better player than LeBron James. He’s more effecient, he fills up the stat sheet, he defends multiple positions, can play multiple positions. At the end of the day I think all players can say Kobe is better because his reputation of sinking enemy teams with clutch performances speaks for itself. But I’ll be damned if any of those same players would like to play on a team with Kobe Bryant.

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  • #797333
    AvatarAvatar
    Tongue-Out-Like-23
    Participant

    Trust him, he’s a doctor.

    In all honesty, if LeBron had Kobe’s/MJ’s personality and mentality, he would be the best player of all time.

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  • #797401
    AvatarAvatar
    Tongue-Out-Like-23
    Participant

    Trust him, he’s a doctor.

    In all honesty, if LeBron had Kobe’s/MJ’s personality and mentality, he would be the best player of all time.

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  • #797348
    AvatarAvatar
    Wälse
    Participant

    4 MVP’s to 1, right? Say what you will about titles, but was there ever a point where Kobe was the consensus best player in the league, the way LBJ is today? Correct me if I’m wrong but I’m pretty sure there was always a strong argument for the likes of Duncan, KG, Shaq, Lebron etc. during Kobe’s career. Personally, I think LBJ has been the best in the game for at least the last 5 yrs.

    As someone stated, I think Lebron is better at every facet of basketball except for perimeter shooting.

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  • #797416
    AvatarAvatar
    Wälse
    Participant

    4 MVP’s to 1, right? Say what you will about titles, but was there ever a point where Kobe was the consensus best player in the league, the way LBJ is today? Correct me if I’m wrong but I’m pretty sure there was always a strong argument for the likes of Duncan, KG, Shaq, Lebron etc. during Kobe’s career. Personally, I think LBJ has been the best in the game for at least the last 5 yrs.

    As someone stated, I think Lebron is better at every facet of basketball except for perimeter shooting.

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  • #797499
    AvatarAvatar
    mini_marz
    Participant

    Not sure i would say he just started guarding the best player last year. I remember his first year in Miami against the MVP Derrick rose in the playoffs he absolutely locked down rose I think Rose was like 1-26 in the conference finals when lebron was on him and that was the MVP Derrick rose.
    I think on the defensive side lebron is way to versatile to be compared Kobe who was only guarding guards for the most part. And I’m not saying lebron doesn’t get lit up sometimes but I remember Gilbert putting 60 on the lakers in LA where was Kobe then ? Sorry it’s just a game I remember watching on TV

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  • #797431
    AvatarAvatar
    mini_marz
    Participant

    Not sure i would say he just started guarding the best player last year. I remember his first year in Miami against the MVP Derrick rose in the playoffs he absolutely locked down rose I think Rose was like 1-26 in the conference finals when lebron was on him and that was the MVP Derrick rose.
    I think on the defensive side lebron is way to versatile to be compared Kobe who was only guarding guards for the most part. And I’m not saying lebron doesn’t get lit up sometimes but I remember Gilbert putting 60 on the lakers in LA where was Kobe then ? Sorry it’s just a game I remember watching on TV

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  • #797492
    AvatarAvatar
    BigChamp12
    Participant

    On Mike&Mike in the morning, Dr. J also said that Lebron is definitely one of the games best players ever and that when he’s done, he would probably the best player of all time.

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  • #797559
    AvatarAvatar
    BigChamp12
    Participant

    On Mike&Mike in the morning, Dr. J also said that Lebron is definitely one of the games best players ever and that when he’s done, he would probably the best player of all time.

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  • #797626
    marcusfizer21marcusfizer21
    marcusfizer21
    Participant

    I’d take an aggressive Kobe Bryant over a passive LeBron James any day…

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  • #797692
    marcusfizer21marcusfizer21
    marcusfizer21
    Participant

    I’d take an aggressive Kobe Bryant over a passive LeBron James any day…

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  • #797628
    marcusfizer21marcusfizer21
    marcusfizer21
    Participant

    I’d take an aggressive Kobe Bryant over a passive LeBron James any day…

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  • #797694
    marcusfizer21marcusfizer21
    marcusfizer21
    Participant

    I’d take an aggressive Kobe Bryant over a passive LeBron James any day…

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  • #797745
    AvatarAvatar
    rwd5035
    Participant

    Lebron might be the most complete player in NBA history, over the last few years as I’ve seen people try to compare him to Michael I have begun to just ask, why? Kobe is the most comparable player to Jordan since Jordan left the league and that’s not because I think Kobe is better than Lebron either. It’s just the way Kobe plays, he shoots a lot more than Lebron, in his prime he was a great defender (9-time NBA 1st Team All Defense) and just has Jordan’s attitude. However, there isn’t a chance in hell that Jordan would ever have missed the playoffs in his prime, as Kobe did in 04-05 (on top of them barely scraping into the playoffs in 05-06 and 06-07 as 7 seeds). That’s why Kobe isn’t as good as Jordan and imo, isn’t as good as Lebron if you want to compare them directly.

    Apart from Lebron’s first two seasons in the NBA, he’s made the playoffs (and in his first season the Cavs doubled their wins from the previous season and in the 2nd season ended 42-40). Since Lebron has been 21, he’s been in the playoffs and has never been eliminated in the 1st round (as Kobe was in 06 and 07, you could count this year but he didn’t even play because of the injury), he’s now a 5-time 1st Team All Defense, 4 MVPs in 5 seasons and quite easily the best player in the game. Lebron is also regarded as the best perimeter defender in the game and if the NBA Defensive Player of the Year wasn’t now designated for post players, he’d have a damn good shot of winning it. Kobe has never been the widely accepted best player in the game that Lebron is, Kobe for years was regarded as a scorer who doesn’t care about his teammates. There can be a good case made that he’s not the best player drafted in the 1990’s (Duncan, Shaq) while Lebron is the best player drafted in the 2000’s and that’s pretty much accepted at this point. So now the question who does Lebron best compare to because we all agree (or at least anyone with a basketball IQ) that Jordan/Lebron isn’t a good comparison because they just play the game differently.

    I think Lebron’s best comparison in the history of basketball is Magic Johnson. Magic was 6’8” 215 lbs, Lebron is 6’8” 250 lbs, they could play so many positions on the floor (game 6 v Philly in 1980 when Magic had to play C with Kareem’s injury and put up a 42-15 in Kareem’s absence), they both have great court vision and their versatility really hurts defenses. They both can rebound, great handle, hell they both have iconic moments in their career in playoff games in Boston (Magic’s skyhook in 87 and Lebron’s 45-15 last year), they both won 3 MVPs in 4 years (Lebron did 4 in 5 just this past year) and they both have efficient FG% (Magic’s 52%, Lebron’s 49%). Now, Magic was a better passer (assists wise) and Lebron was a better scorer (points wise) but they both played in different NBAs. In Magic’s time, it was more fast paced, more up and down, defenses weren’t as good as they are today. But I think if we were looking for a better comparison, Magic would be the best historical comparison to Lebron and I still think Magic is ahead of him because of his accomplishments (5x Finals winner, 3x Finals MVP) but Lebron could get there and could become one of the greatest players in NBA history.

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  • #797679
    AvatarAvatar
    rwd5035
    Participant

    Lebron might be the most complete player in NBA history, over the last few years as I’ve seen people try to compare him to Michael I have begun to just ask, why? Kobe is the most comparable player to Jordan since Jordan left the league and that’s not because I think Kobe is better than Lebron either. It’s just the way Kobe plays, he shoots a lot more than Lebron, in his prime he was a great defender (9-time NBA 1st Team All Defense) and just has Jordan’s attitude. However, there isn’t a chance in hell that Jordan would ever have missed the playoffs in his prime, as Kobe did in 04-05 (on top of them barely scraping into the playoffs in 05-06 and 06-07 as 7 seeds). That’s why Kobe isn’t as good as Jordan and imo, isn’t as good as Lebron if you want to compare them directly.

    Apart from Lebron’s first two seasons in the NBA, he’s made the playoffs (and in his first season the Cavs doubled their wins from the previous season and in the 2nd season ended 42-40). Since Lebron has been 21, he’s been in the playoffs and has never been eliminated in the 1st round (as Kobe was in 06 and 07, you could count this year but he didn’t even play because of the injury), he’s now a 5-time 1st Team All Defense, 4 MVPs in 5 seasons and quite easily the best player in the game. Lebron is also regarded as the best perimeter defender in the game and if the NBA Defensive Player of the Year wasn’t now designated for post players, he’d have a damn good shot of winning it. Kobe has never been the widely accepted best player in the game that Lebron is, Kobe for years was regarded as a scorer who doesn’t care about his teammates. There can be a good case made that he’s not the best player drafted in the 1990’s (Duncan, Shaq) while Lebron is the best player drafted in the 2000’s and that’s pretty much accepted at this point. So now the question who does Lebron best compare to because we all agree (or at least anyone with a basketball IQ) that Jordan/Lebron isn’t a good comparison because they just play the game differently.

    I think Lebron’s best comparison in the history of basketball is Magic Johnson. Magic was 6’8” 215 lbs, Lebron is 6’8” 250 lbs, they could play so many positions on the floor (game 6 v Philly in 1980 when Magic had to play C with Kareem’s injury and put up a 42-15 in Kareem’s absence), they both have great court vision and their versatility really hurts defenses. They both can rebound, great handle, hell they both have iconic moments in their career in playoff games in Boston (Magic’s skyhook in 87 and Lebron’s 45-15 last year), they both won 3 MVPs in 4 years (Lebron did 4 in 5 just this past year) and they both have efficient FG% (Magic’s 52%, Lebron’s 49%). Now, Magic was a better passer (assists wise) and Lebron was a better scorer (points wise) but they both played in different NBAs. In Magic’s time, it was more fast paced, more up and down, defenses weren’t as good as they are today. But I think if we were looking for a better comparison, Magic would be the best historical comparison to Lebron and I still think Magic is ahead of him because of his accomplishments (5x Finals winner, 3x Finals MVP) but Lebron could get there and could become one of the greatest players in NBA history.

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  • #797874
    AvatarAvatar
    anthony_DavIS23
    Participant

    Overrated. That’s the word that’s followed Kobe Bryant throughout his career; and this season, the shoe fits. He’s been hailed by some as the third- or fourth-best player in the entire NBA, and me, I just don’t see it. He’s a very good, yet inefficient and selfish, offensive player, but an absolutely terrible defender.

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  • #797941
    AvatarAvatar
    anthony_DavIS23
    Participant

    Overrated. That’s the word that’s followed Kobe Bryant throughout his career; and this season, the shoe fits. He’s been hailed by some as the third- or fourth-best player in the entire NBA, and me, I just don’t see it. He’s a very good, yet inefficient and selfish, offensive player, but an absolutely terrible defender.

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  • #797979
    AvatarAvatar
    AwardedBaller
    Participant

    Ever since I typed this I never really feel like writing another response to this topic, so here it goes.
    http://ballislife.com/winner-of-the-ballislife-sprite-uncontainable-contest-kobe-vs-lebron/

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  • #797911
    AvatarAvatar
    AwardedBaller
    Participant

    Ever since I typed this I never really feel like writing another response to this topic, so here it goes.
    http://ballislife.com/winner-of-the-ballislife-sprite-uncontainable-contest-kobe-vs-lebron/

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