G vs Sami Vol 2

Since Sami likes to unjustly trash Kobe Bryant, the topic for the second volume of "G vs Sami "was easy: Kobe vs Lebron.
Sticking up for Kobe Bryant is going to annoy me a little because he is someone I have never really rooted for; I do however respect his game and feel he is the best player in the sport.

Kobe was one of the first players to be drafted right out of High School to the NBA and made an impact right away. His first few years in the league, Bryant did not sit at the end of the bench and rot away like most of the High School busts. Instead Kobe spent two years coming off the bench, learning the game and developing his skills helping himself become the player he is today.

By his third year in the league Kobe had moved into the starting lineup and in that lockout shortened year of 1999, Bryant averaged 20 points per game. From that season on Bryant would not average less than 20, and below 25 only twice.

As everyone should know, starting in the 99-2000 season Kobe and NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal began their run of three straight championships. While popular opinion will tell you that the Lakers were all O'Neal during that run, the truth is Bryant was just as important of piece as Shaq.

Of course it is a little unfair to use those facts to prove that Kobe is better than Lebron, but they do exist and cannot be overlooked. Looking back at the last three years, both players have dominated the game with their scoring, both averaging over 27. Kobe led the league twice over that span scoring an amazing 35.4 per game, in 05-06, something only done by three other players in NBA history. Lebron of course has been better on the glass and passing the ball averaging 6 plus rebounds and assists per game. Lebron has the edge on FG % at an amazing 48%, while Kobe has the edge at 3P% and FT%.

In fact , everyone should be aware of how inept Lebron is from the line. A career 73% shooter from the line, he actually dipped below the 70% mark in 06-07. Compare that to Bryant's career 84% and you will see a major flaw in Lebron's game. Being the kind of player that Bryant and James are, Free Throws are very important and can make or break a big playoff game.

Free Throws are a very important part of the game, but what separates the greats and the legends is the other side of the ball. Since Kobe has come into the league, he has been one of the better on ball defenders. As his offensive game matured, his defensive game has as well. Since 99-2000 Bryant has been a part of the NBA All-Defensive 1st team six times, and NBA All-Defensive 2nd team twice. This proves that over the last eight years Bryant has been the best defensive guard in the league and is a difference maker on both ends of the court. While Lebron's defense is still improving, he will never be a shutdown defender like Bryant.

Of course what makes Kobe truly great is his ability to take the ball with the game on the line and drill a game winning shot. While Lebron has take over big games, I have not seen him make the kind of big shots that Bryant has.

I understand that Lebron is still only 23 and his game is improving every year. If we were to have this same argument in 15 years, the answer may be different. Looking at things right now Kobe has consistently been the best at his position for the last eight years and by his dominance on both sides of the ball and his ability to hit the big shot, Kobe Bryant is the best player in NBA today.

Career Highlights

• 10 Time NBA All-Star (2 All-Star Game MVPs)
• 6 All NBA 1st Defensive Team (2 All 2nd Defensive Team)
  
• 6 All NBA 1st Team (2 All 2nd Team and 2 All 3rd Team)
• 2 NBA Scoring Titles
• 2007-08 NBA MVP
  
• 3 NBA Titles (5 total appearances in the NBA Finals)