This, not sure how anyone can argue otherwise except by including what Kobe did while riding Shaq's coatails. Well, it could be argued, it's just such a reaching argument when Lebron would've been just as successful if he was paired with Shaq as well. Hell, look what Dwade did with an old Shaq. Shaq makes everything easier for the perimeter players.
It really isn't close. If you were line up Kobe and LeBron and ask the GM's who do you want, from beginning of career to the end... The line for LeBron would be way longer. Further, LeBron James has been the best player in the league for 5-6 years straight. Kobe was maybe the best 1-2 times... And James is still improving. All the advanced statistics further widen the gap between Kobe and LBJ, with LBJ winning overwhelmingly. Defensively it isn't even close, LBJ is far better. If LBJ retired at the end of the season he would already have surpassed Kobe. Their peaks are not even in the same neighborhood.
Absolutely. IF LBJ wins MVP and FMVP this year, he has 100% surpassed Kobe's career. He's been dominating the league for so long and, even when he fell short, usually had deep playoff runs with amazing numbers. The problem I have with Kobe is that he doesn't "dominate" as often as LBJ. Many times his teammates have big games or make significant plays for the team. LBJ's Cavs...if LBJ doesn't dominate, Cavs almost always lose. Without looking at stats, I felt that Kobe was outplayed by a teammate regularly: usually Gasol, sometimes Bynum, and rarely Odom/Artest. For example, in 2010 NBA finals, many felt Gasol was a legitimate co-MVP. All Kobe did was take more shots, and missed more.
I'm assuming you have some statistical support showing that Kobe has better career numbers vs the East and that LeBron has worse career numbers vs the West?
Exactly. I'd prefer not to be down two with only a few seconds left, so I'll take Lebron on my team from the start of the game and we'll have a much better chance of having a comfortable lead at that point.
The Kobe played 2nd fiddle argument Helps and hurts kobe. Sure his individual numbers would have been better if he was the main guy but he most likely wouldn't have 3 rings by the age of 28 either.
Also if Kobe was the guy from the get go all he would have over Lebron is points. So if Kobe was the man from the start it would actually hurt him in this argument.
Strongest supporting cast in NBA history??? You must of forgot about that 04' Lakers squad with Shaq, Malone, and Payton included.......And just about got swept in the NBA Finals. IMO thats a stronger team than this years Heat....
Heck, they barely made it with both. Should have lost to the Blazers and Kings during 2 of those runs. No way they make it past either without both stars.
There's really not much of a comparison if you compare the two individually. If you already haven't noticed that lebron dominates more aspects of the game while doing it more efficiently than you're just being bias. The final argument keeps coming to 5>1 because that's the ONLY thing Kobe has on lebron.
Pace-adjusted statistical comparison of Jordan, LeBron, and Kobe. Stats are per 75 estimated possessions. Code: [B]PTS REB AST STL BLK TOV TS% PER[/B] Jordan* 31.2 6.1 5.7 2.6 1.0 2.9 59% 29.6 LeBron** 27.6 7.3 6.9 1.7 0.8 3.3 57% 27.6 Kobe*** 28.4 5.7 5.2 1.6 0.5 3.1 56% 24.8 * First 10 seasons ** Career so far (10 seasons) ** Top 10 seasons by PER.
