Black Mamba vs. The King
Both super hyped coming out of high school Lebron has shown the promise to perhaps eventually pass Bryant. While Kobe since day one has been a consistent threat posied to possibly pass…. dare I say, Jordan.
When you hear the words NBA, immediately two characters come to mind. There is no doubt that these two men are the most talented and exciting players to watch. Both primarily sponsored by Nike are not only the faces of their respective teams and league but have crossed over to become the current undisputed faces of basketball, a title shared only by names such as Bird, Jordan, Magic, and Russell. One is the young, explosive, invincible heir to the throne titled best in the biz; currently held by the other cool, clutch, old timer who is never fazed when the clock nears triple zeros. No one questions these guys ability or legacy as two of the greats. The only thing worth debating is who is better now; Kobe Bryant or Lebron James.
Ever since Lebron’s four years of high school hysteria at St. Vincent-St. Mary’s Lebron has been dubbed the chosen one, and he hasn’t disappointed. With his earth shattering dunks and improved outside shot you honestly can’t guard him with one person. At 6’8’’ 250 he may have been a better NFL star than basketball stud. Imposing on defense by swatting layups off the backboard in what has become a nightly occurrence he is the most talented, terrifying, popular, prolific person in sports currently. Yet, once again he is not the best.
Kobe Bryant has surprised a lot of NBA teams since he was passed on by 12 teams for the likes of Shareef Abdur-Rahim , Todd Fuller, Samaki Walker, Kerry Kittles, and Vitaly Potapenko (ironically by the Cavaliers). However his night after night performance of 50 point games, slickly smooth fade away jumpers, and unguardable buzzer beaters have not been unpredictable. It’ s like watching Tiger sink a 60 foot eagle putt to win the Masters, or tuning into Peyton Manning driving down the field with two minutes left to score the go ahead TD; you know what’s gonna happen, but you always ask yourself “maybe he will miss this time I mean nobody is that goo”……..SWISH!!- a couple fist pumps, an interview with Lisa Salters, and another Sports Center top 10 play. One word sums up Kobe’s entire career, Clutch.
Both these superstars are phenomenal to watch; unfortunately for the fans and the NBA they have yet to face one another in The Finals. Partially thanks to the Magic last year but mostly because one thing that continues to separate #24 and #23; Lebron has yet to put his team on his shoulders as Kobe did 4 times and get the ring. This sensitive subject of championships won, will taint Lebron till he breaks through. And by the time that happens Kobe could have officially been labeled the GOAT( Greatest Of All Time). There is no doubt in my mind that one day The King will pass Bryant and other greats in people’s minds, but for now I don’t think you would be smart to take Lebron over Kobe, for 50 years from now Lebron’s highlights will be at the back of people’s minds compared to Kobe’s rings.
By Ben Cary