Lebron is a better player than Kobe

[ Re: Statistics and Positions ] Pro pointed out that LeBron has more rebounds than Kobe, which I countered by saying that this is an obvious statistic since LeBron plays a forward position and Kobe is a guard (who leads his team in scoring and assists, as the role of the shooting guard tends to do). Pro agrees with me and says, "Well i think that is not true on a basketball team usually u leave the dirty work of rebounding to your power forwards and centers." He then says that this standard can't be applied to this debate, though, because James leads his team ALL-AROUND including in scoring, assists, etc. That can obviously be attributed though to the teammates around him; I think it's obvious that the Lakers are a better team than the Cavs, thus the Cavs can only survive if they have LeBron stepping up to lead the team in all of those areas. [ Re: Awards ] My opponent tries to bring up the fact that James currently holds the league's MVP award as a basis for his affirmation of the resolution. However, it can be argued that he was given the MVP award even though he isn't the actual best player in the league: a title which I would personally award to Tim Duncan. Anyway, if we're speaking in terms o awards, championship rings, etc., it is obvious that Kobe Bryant trumps James in all of these areas. James was given the award and deserved it; however, I don't think that because he's the most valuable to a franchise or a team necessarily means that he is the best player in the league. [ Re: Leadership ] Pro has said, "Lebron James is a better leader because Lebron James pushes his team and makes them better as players." While it's great that James excels in this area - and I believe is better at this than Kobe - his abilities to push his teammates doesn't say anything about his PERSONAL abilities. Like I said, if this debate were about who is the most valuable asset to a team in terms of their overall contributions, LeBron James would win this contest hands down. However, this debate is about their personal skills (as the resolution itself implies), i.e. who would win in a 1 on 1 match-up. Kobe's agility and finesse would give him the obvious win. Moreover, Pro has said, "Lebron always has the ball in his hands in some cases he even has to bring the ball from full court and work from there that is the entire cavailers playbook give the ball to LeBron." However, it is infamously known that LeBron James - in a big game - GAVE UP THE BALL and the chance to win to another way inferior player (Donyell Marshall), which completely blew it for his team. Kobe's confidence allows him to take charge - which implies leadership - and get the ultimate goal of victory accomplished. After all, this is about winning basketball games - not making your teammates feel good. Save that for the after party. [ Re: Statistics ] My opponent and I have both posted stats pages. Both of them indicate each player's respective strengths and weaknesses, and speak for themselves. Check em both out. [ CONCLUSION ] James will clearly outshine Kobe in seasons to come. However, Kobe's still got it. Regardless of his bad attitude or so-called selfishness, he's got the skills and abilities to back up his big talk and has proven that time and again with his many championships and success with the Lakers. Say what you want about his ethics; the truth is that in a match-up between the two players, Kobe would out-shine LeBron hands down. LeBron's size and rebounds would be meaningless because Kobe wouldn't miss a shot. He's the better offensive player and LeBron's defense couldn't touch him. Additionally, Kobe is a stellar defense player as well (it just tends to get overshadowed by his offensive star power). I think in this case, it's pretty clear who the better basketball PLAYER is... maybe not person, but definitely player.