[Bryant24Participant]

Its official now sorry to all you lebron fans Mj said kobe is better than lebron.

[Malik-UniversalParticipant]

THANK YOU MJ, SPEAKIN’ DA ABSOULTE TRUFFF!!!

[OhCanada-Participant]

It doesnt take a rocket scientist to tell you 1+1=2

Why do people need to hear it from Micheal Jordan to know Kobe is better than Lebron.Just count the fingers…

[stanford hoops]

I still think Kobe is better but Im not going by what Jordan says the same guy who drafted kwame brown. Yes he’s talented but his judge of talen isn’t the best

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

lol that doesn’t in any way make it official. But yeah as of now Kobe has absolutely had the better career.

5 championships to none, along with 8 all-NBA first teams, 8 all-defensive first teams and 12 all-star games by the age of 31 makes that pretty clear…

It would take a pretty big Lebron homer to argue otherwise.

[Bryant24Participant]

So if jordan comes up to you and see you guys balling a local gym and tell you guyd you got potential and can be better than lebron you guys wouldnt think thats official well kobe is my favorite player he’s bout to be 32 in august but he still is the best player in the nba to me.

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

So if jordan comes up to you and see you guys balling a local gym and tell you guyd you got potential and can be better than lebron you guys wouldnt think thats official
———————————————————————————————————————————–

lol I definitly wouldn’t think that’s official and I would then assume MJ is either crazy or trying to stroke my ego. That would actually make me put even less stock in Jordan’s opinion…

[Toronto16Participant]

In related news, water is wet…..

[IknoBall12Participant]

maybe now that mj said it ppl will start 2 listen

[SteroidParticipant]

MJ has credibility regardless of the Kwame Brown pick because regardless, Kwame would have been the first pick, if not first, in the top five anyway..

But on topic, Kobe has obviously had the better career thus far compared to LeBron James. I don’t get it because people try to compare LeBron and Kobe when they are in two different points in their career. Kobe has won two championships in two years, but he is past his physical peak although he is still getting better in different phases of the game. LeBron is or will be 26 this year. LeBron is going to win a ring in Miami, but that/those ring(s) will be more tarnished than the rings with Shaq..

[Bryant24Participant]

Steroid thank you your the only one has made sense and Jordan selecting Kwame brown getting is irrelevant to my point Mj is the greatest of all time and when he says something people listen . To stanford hoops in 2001 kwame brown was the consensus #1 pick so not picking him wouldve look stupid Gasol was the right pick but foreign players were overlooked at the time of the nba.

[mini_marzParticipant]

its MJ man u gotta listen to him… thats the REAL fucking GOAT…. but at the sametime… Kwame Brown and Adam Morrison ??? but its still MJ lol

[JoeWolf1]

Lebron is a freak of nature athlete who has honed his skills to become a great basketball player, but Kobe is a better defender, better offensive player, and has a more polished game, plus incredible poise and a fist full of rings. Maybe in 5 years it will be a closer call, but I say the edge goes to Kobe.

[stanford hoops]

Yeah Morrison as well plus history shows that great players are usually not the best judge of talent or coachs. It’s a well know fact that Jordan was a bad gm or owner while in Washington. Tha pretty much isn’t debateable. To be honest I’ll listen to the guy who got fired out in Portland before I listen to Jordan and I know for a fact Jordan is a better player then he was if he played. Just because it’s Jordan would you take him as a coach/scout over Jerry west who wasn’t as good as Jordan?

[stanford hoops]

My point being great personal talent doesn’t automatically mean great judge of talent. Also there were other teams who didn’t have kwame as the number one pick if they had it nor Morrison as there top pick if they were in the bobcats spot. Couple teams had Tyson Chandler. Actually I think most did. Jordan had him or curry then changed his mind after there workout…. That was in the Washington post that year

[willie wise fanParticipant]

duh lebron doesnt take the challenge of winning in clevelans hes going to miami to play second to dwyane wade

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

Is this really news? I find it funny that it took the Cavs losing to Boston, LA beating Boston and then LeBron joining his competition on the wing in order for people to realize that Kobe is better… It’s been clear to me all along and I’ve posted it consistently.

It doesn’t take being a scientist to realize Kobe is a better basketball player and competitor than LeBron. “King” James and him sitting on the throne was a marketing scheme/his “brand” and now that’s over. Now, LeBron will actually have to win a ring… And even if he does, it’s somewhat tarnished.

[Bryant24Participant]

I agree with you 100% Butlerbulldogs his brand is not the same i want say gone he went to dwade team and dwade is the leader of that team and he still is the fan favorite you probably wont even see that many lebron commericals no more lebron may be the most hated player player sports right now and that is going to kill his image.

[billykParticipant]

Lebron is getting seriously underrated… Lebron would win just as many championships if you replaced him with Kobe on any of the Lakers championship teams that Kobe has played on… Lebron is ONLY 25 going on 26 and he still has a good 6-7 years of prime basketball… Kobe has had a better career that Lebron so far but he has played longer than Lebron, what where people saying about Kobe before that Lakers go Gasol??? Its about CHAMPIONSHIPS and if the Heat do it the right way, Lebron, Wade, and Bosh gonna win a hand full of CHAMPIONSHIPS… When both (Kobe & Lebron) their careers are over then we can compare them…

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

@billyk

What does LeBron do better than Kobe as a basketball player right now?

[Bryant24Participant]

dont bring that if he was on lakers talk up he not so that arguments ends there lebron probably the most talented palyer to play basketball but he dont have a killer instinct and he isnt a closer but he is only 25 but at the same age kobe already had all that while he was playing kobe on the indiana pacers series in 2000 kobe was the won who close them out and he was only 21.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

By going to Miami, I think LeBron did significant damage to both his brand and his fan base.

Regardless… I don’t think he’s better than Kobe. People can say all they want about how he has the better body, more athletic, covers more ground, etc, but I don’t see anything in his skill set that makes me think he’s a better/more complete basketball player. I don’t even want to bring up his mindset… Kobe doesn’t have a perfect mindset either, but I know he’s more of a competitor and has a bigger hunger for a challenge.

[billykParticipant]

I think matched up aganist Kobe he would get his money.. I dont think Kobe would DOMINATE Lebron.. As basketball players Kobe is a more polished player, but Lebron would more that hold his own if the matched up aganist each other.. BULLDOGS personally I would take Lebron over Kobe RIGHT NOW… Lets see how Lebron does when he actually has a TEAM around him.. To answer you question Lebron is a BETTER ball handler, passer, off ball defender, and he is better at taking the ball to the RACK…

[idunnonymoreParticipant]

lebron is better than wade imo.lebron is better than kobe imo.kobe is the 2 best closer of all time.for one lebron passes better than kobe.2 he drives better.I think lebron is the best nba player as of rite now.lebron would win with the lakers switchin kobe lebron so.i agree with billyk

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

How can a player do three things better than someone and be considered a better player? LeBron drives to the rim better, has better natural court vision/passing ability and plays better off of the ball defense… That’s it…

[NYK2010Participant]

Its 4 titles to none the 2002 title belongs to the Kings.
Also he’s been in the league longer and played with an All time Great big man.
Now Lebron has no excuse he has to win multiple titles now.
I wouldn’t say Kobe is a better overall player but he is more clutch a better closer and has a better killer instinct too.
Overall I think Lebron is better if you count defense, rebounding, block shots, passing etc.
Game on the line you want Kobe though definately.
This really isn’t something new though.

Now who’s going to get the MVP it’ll be much harder for Lebron to win them.
Wade and Lebron will likely take votes away from each other.
Top candidates
Durant
Dwight Howard
Lebron
Kobe
Mello
Dirk
Wade
Gasol
Paul
Deron Williams

[Bryant24Participant]

NYK2010 wrong post mvp is my other post this is about kobe and lebron.

[Bryant24Participant]

He dont handle the ball better than kobe he dont shoot better he dint have the ball iq of kobe and he dont have the killer instint he isnt clutch like him he really isnt a closer like kobe he drivers better and pass better he cant defend like kobe lebon gets blocks from the offside thats good in all but not like he blocks like dwight howard kobe isnt the athlete he was once but back in his prime far as jumping he could compete with lebron but athleticism is overrated. Bill russell want a great athlete,magic want a great athlete,jerry west wont a great athlete,and larry bird want but they all got something lebron dont rings.

[Bvilleballer21Participant]

Butlerbulldogs, I have a lot of respect for you and your knowledge about b ball, but lebron is better at LOTS of aspects of the game. He is a better passer (to worse teammates), a better finisher at the rim , better rebounder, and overall better player through three quarters. The only things I think Kobe is clearly better at are his post game, jumpshot, and killer instinct.

[stanford hoops]

Look at it like this. Lebron is more athletic and the superior body but if both have the same body who’s the better more skilled player?

[NYK2010Participant]

Kobe is a better defender not anymore.
Who does he defend that was elite Rondo a lil and that 1 game against Russell Westbrook who doesn’t have a consistent jumper in his 1st playoff series.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

Work ethic and hunger to be the greatest EVER? Kobe
Determination and drive? Kobe
Killer instinct? Kobe.
Competitiveness? Kobe
Clutch and willingness to take the clutch shots? Kobe
Three-Point? Kobe
Mid-Range? Kobe
Free-Throw? Kobe
Catch and shoot? Kobe
Shot making level of difficulty? Kobe
Shoot off the dribble? Kobe
Play off of/move without the ball? Kobe
On ball defense? Kobe
Defensive IQ? Kobe
Post game and ability to take advantage of the double team? Kobe
Footwork? Kobe
NUMEROUS go to moves? Kobe… Does LeBron even have one?

It’s just not really close to me. LeBron’s just the better athlete and a better body… LeBron has improved his jumper somewhat and defense, but I don’t see any other improvements in his game.

[billykParticipant]

@ Bulldog if Kobe played on the CAVS do they win 50 games??? I respect Kobe, but I believe it can go either way as who is a better player.. Question… If you are playing in a tournament, Rec. League, Intermurals, College ball etc… Dont you wanna play with the BEST players you can find??? Kobe has been blessed to play for a world class organization and has played with some GREAT players… Who has Lebron played with??? I also believe that Lebron is better off the ball on offense.. I think this year we are gonna see a DIFFRENT Lebron he will DOMINATE in all aspects of the game and MIGHT even win a DPOY, because he isnt gonna be asked to BE THE WHOLE TEAM… I dont know ONE player in the NBA than can go to the Cavs and carry them like Lebron most def NOT Kobe…

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

“I also believe that Lebron is better off the ball on offense.”

WOW…

[stanford hoops]

Why do people say if this guy played here or there like anyone can answer that

[billykParticipant]

All those things you listed is besides the point… Kobe v Lebron head up he probaly a draw.. I just think the at 25 Lebron was just as good even better than Kobe.. WOW if Lebron played with SHAQ in his prime they would won 4 or 5 championships.. BTW I also think Lebron is a better TEAMATE.. LOL what if the Lakers had TRADED Bynum for Kidd would the Lakers be winning championships??? IDK..

[Bryant24Participant]

Butlerbulldog is killing you guys by himsself im not even going to comment anymore on this topic

[billykParticipant]

WOW??? He has never played with a TEAM where he can actually play off the ball.. Dude has a serious BBALL IQ and he is a very unselfishg player.. I think he will be able to change his game up..
@ Stanford Hoops the point im trying to make is that its easy to bash a player when his team SUCKS… You are only as GOOD as your SUPPORTING CAST… Kobe has played with alot of GREAT players…

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

How are all of those aspects of basketball besides the point?

Kobe doesn’t care about being the most liked teammate… He doesn’t care about being everybody’s best friend. His teammates love him and fear him at the same time, which is how it should be when you’re the leader.

LeBron is a front runner. He loves to celebrate and dance on the sidelines… Entertain people. IF that’s being a great teammate, then so be it. Kobe wants to win rings and THEN celebrate. Kobe RARELY celebrates a regular season win. The difference in mentality is amazingly obvious.

[billykParticipant]

Leader??? Yeah he is a leader when his team got Pau Gasol before that people where questioning his leadership… Lebron DOESNT wanna win a championship… Thats the whole point in joining the Heat with Bosh and Wade.. To BEAT the Lakers in the next couple years you gotto come with a STACKED team and Leborn doesnt wanna wait til the Laker dynasty is over when Kobe retires he wants to win now.. Its basketball it suppose to be FUN and ENTERTAINING.. Lebron is young and hes having a GOOD TIME whats wrong with that… Kobe only acts like that because he asks himself “what would Jordan do?” Kobe is more mature than Lebron true, but how mature was Kobe when he was 25???

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

Kobe’s leadership may have been questioned at one point, BUT has anyone EVER questioned his competitiveness or his drive? Or his desire, hunger and *obsession* with wanting to be the greatest of all time? ALL of those things… LeBron has been questioned about.

It’s a matter of opinion really. LeBron is a phenomenal player with God given qualities. He just has holes in his game and he’s missing something mentally… I’d go with Kobe, but that’s just me.

[billykParticipant]

Yeah and I believe he will answer those questions… IF Lebron lack all these qualities you mentioned why is he such a sought after player… Drop Lebron James on the Pacers and we are talking about a top team in the EAST… Lebron brings it and plays as HARD as any player in the league… As far as being the greatest of all time, maybe your are more concerned about him being the GOAT and Lebron is more concerned on winning CHAMPIONSHIPS…

[Tyreke JohnsonParticipant]

ButlerBulldogs is single handedly destroying ever Lebron argument ever, I was going to comment but he has pretty much summed it all up, I agree with everything that ButlerBulldogs has said and he is right Kobe is the best player in the NBA right now.

[Bvilleballer21Participant]

Lebron carries Damon jones, boobie, gooden, varejao and Z to the finals. Can you all honestly say that if you throw artest, odom, Gasol, and Bynum on that team lebron doesn’t win??? Hell no. Lebron is gonna show the world what he can do with a supporting cast this year. Keep in mind MO WILLIAMS is the best player he has ever played with, who would be the 6th best player
MAYBE on the lakers.

[llperez]

jordan has always shown respect for kobe. When kobe was a rookie, he had his high scoring game of the season on jordan putting up 30 and jordan acknowledged he was legit. When Kobe took a bunch of shots in his first all-star game and people accused him of being a selfish 19 year old, jordan stood up for him and said that’s exactly how he would have approached the game as well. Whne Vince Carter blew onto the screen and people were comparing him to jordan, Mike stepped in and said dont ever put vince ahead of kobe until vince learns to play defense. When Jordan gave his HOF induction speach, he said kobe might be better then him.

And in return, kobe has always shown the same respect to jordan and said he is the goat. Those two are very similar in personnality, work ethic and skills. Greatness recognizes greatness.

[SlimParticipant]

Kobe’s leadership may have been questioned at one point, BUT has anyone EVER questioned his competitiveness or his drive?
————–

when the Lakers werent winning/werent competing for a championship Kobe demanded a trade. Everyone knows you need someone to give your superstars a break and still be competitive

when Kobe and was playing 40 minutes a night and getting beat by the Suns
who demanded a trade?

UPDATE: ESPN’s Greg Anthony says on Outside the Lines that he has talked to Kobe Bryant. Anthony reports that Bryant tells him he will rescind his trade demand if the Lakers terminate whoever was responsible for the leaked rumor that Bryant was responsible O’Neal’s departure.

From ESPN News Services:

The story lines that have engulfed the Los Angeles Lakers in the last week hit a crescendo Wednesday when Kobe Bryant said he would welcome a trade.

“I would like to be traded, yeah,” Bryant said on 1050 ESPN Radio in New York. “Tough as it is to come to that conclusion there’s no other alternative, you know?”

Bryant, interviewed by Stephen A. Smith, was asked if there was anything the Lakers could do to change his mind?

“No,” Bryant said. “I just want them to do the right thing.”

(You can listen to the whole thing. He leaves little doubt. He says he wants to be traded both because he has been lied to and because he isn’t confident in their ability to surround him with appropriate talent.)

At the end of the show, Stephen A. Smith asks: “Is there ANYTHING the Los Angeles Lakers can do to get you to remain with the organization?”

And Bryant responds: “No, bro.”

Wow, OK. Is this really going to happen?

Would the Lakers really agree to trade him? Could they possibly get back equivalent value (especially as he has a no-trade clause and can veto a move to a weak team)?

Kobe realizes what it takes to win a championship
and when the lakers didnt have it he wanted a trade
—————

[SlimParticipant]

@llperez

Sir, Lebron was also mentioned in the same speech. one after the other

“When Jordan gave his HOF induction speach, he said kobe might be better then him.”

video in the post:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Jordan-Don-t-be-in-a-rush-to-find-the-next-Mic?urn=nba,188900

“Greatness recognizes greatness.”

[llperez]

yes he was, but since nothing i was saying had to do with lebron i didnt mention him. My post was not a kobe/lebron post

[llperez]

it should be noted that kobe rescinded his trade demands and admitted he was wrong and wanted to retire a laker BEFORE they got Pau Gasol, soething that is often innacurately stated on here.

[SlimParticipant]

Jordan is not dumb. Jordan has already said that in his prime he would take Kobe numerous times.

So if he says that Kobe is better than Lebron, then he is indirectly saying that he is better than both of them.

Jordan feels he’s the greatest of all time and he doesnt live under a rock. Jordan wants to take them both down a notch.

Kobe meanwhile doesn’t care about the conversation, he knows he has one more ring than Shaq

next on his list: Michael Jordan 6 rings

If he surpasses Michael in ring count then the public perception will be that he has the advantage in the GOAT conversation

[llperez]

doubt that the majority of the public perception would give kobe the edge unless he won like 8 rings. Kobe and Jordan both im sure think in their own heads they would beat the other. BUt at the same time they know deep inside they respect each other because they are so similar with their work ethic and  mentality.

[SlimParticipant]

Kobe realizes what it takes to win a championship
and when the lakers didnt have it he wanted a trade

Lakers convinced him to stay because they already had Bynum
after they got Gasol they

moved Odom to the 6th man and the rest is history…

the Lakers had a trio of great players… and Bynum hasn’t even peaked yet

Lebron made his raw-power move just like the Lakers and Celtics made theirs

If Lebron wasnt competitive or demanding he could have gone anywhere else

but the Power of 3 had him sold

[Author]

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