Kobe v. LeBron

In this round, I will present mainly my arguments and reserve rebuttals until the third round. Why Kobe is better than LeBron 1. a Alpha dog factor--- Although Pau Gasol is one of the best power forwards in the NBA, he is clearly Kobe's sidekick. While Kobe critics claim Artest and Gasol saved him Game 7 of the NBA 2010 Finals, they fail to notice that Kobe dropped 19 points in one quarter against the Celtics Game 5 second only to Isiah Thomas in most points scored in a quarter in the NBA finals. The difference is that his amazing performance in Game 5 is overshadowed by the loss, but his terrible performance is spotlighted even though the team won. I want to reiterate, Kobe has been the unquestioned leader of Lakers from '05-present. Kobe has rightfully deserved his two Finals MVP and season MVP in '08 b. What seperates Kobe from LeBron is that he wants to win on his own terms as the alpha dog. LeBron, this past summer, chose to play with Wade and Bosh which hurts his legacy as the alpha dog. I am not arguing that LeBron should win a championship by himself, but he could have gone to Chicago or New York and be the unquestionable leader. Instead, he sides with a potential rival (Wade), which is something a Michael Jordan, a Larry Bird, or even a Reggie Miller wouldn't do. Kobe ran Shaq out of LA to be that alpha dog, LeBron chased Wade because his mentality mirrors more of a Robin than a Batman. LeBron is about twitter, joking around, dancing, SNL, and having an easy time. Kobe is all about the win, and he will do whatever it takes to get the win. It's no surprise that LeBron was humbled by Kobe's inhuman work ethic when played on team USA together. 2. Clutch ability In the fourth quarter of any game, Kobe Bryant is the most dangerous player in the NBA today. He is an assassin that everyone fears. Anyone guarding Kobe in the fourth quarter today must have their knees shaking. He holds the record for most gamewinners made. Kobe wants the ball in the fourth quarter and goes for the jugular. If LeBron isn't feeling, he will play hot potato with the ball. I refer to Game 6 of the 2010 NBA Finals. In the fourth quarter, LeBron and co. brought the game within four with over eight minutes remaining. Rondo is fouled and missess two free throws. Unfortunately, he gets a turnover on the fast break crushing the momentum allowing Pierce to drill a three. In the fourth quarter LeBron only connected two FGs. A clutch three and an uncontested dunk. This was the biggest game of the season and LeBron backs away. Sure LeBron had the stats, but anyone who watched the game saw LeBron breaking down and giving up in the fourth quarter. At one point Andersen Varajao (a power forward) attempts a three. This was a clear indication that the team had given up as they were signaled by LeBron. 3. Fundamentals. LeBron James is a superstar player. His fundamentals are questionable. LeBron's trademark is his athleticism. Only time will tell if he will adapt when his knees refuse to jump that high anymore. His passing ability is superb and almost unmatched. Even though this is true, the footwork, the jumper, the post game, the defensive awareness, the IQ, and perserverance even despite injuries are missing. Kobe's feet are similar to Olajuwon's Dream Shake, his jumper is solid, his post game is adopted from Jordan, his IQ is similar to Larry Bird's although not quite the same, and he plays through injuries without relying on his athleticism. That's why Kobe has had a long career (14 seasons) and still going.