No one is saying other all-star wings could've put up Kobe's numbers. The argument was that Shaq was so dominant that if you replaced Kobe with Iverson/McGrady/Carter, then the Lakers would've still won titles.
LeBron James is a great player, but to me, he is boring to watch. I never felt excited watching a Cavs game or Heat game. He has three type scoring moves: go strong at basket for layup or get fouled, a jump shot which looks kind ugly, and finally, a tomahawk dunk (probably his only dunk move). Fanboys can say he is better than this or better than that. But I am not a fan of his. I enjoy watching Jordan or Kobe playing basketball much more. Just my 2 cents.
Prime Shaq was the most dominate player ever. Prime Shaq made Robinson, Duncan, and Deke look pedestrian. Prime Shaq>>>>>>>Wade+Bosh+Haslem+Battier+Miller
Prime Shaq did not make Duncan look pedestrian. During the Lakers 3peat the Spurs were in a bit of a transition period from Robinson, Elliot, Avery aging to bringing in the current big 3 with Parker and Ginobli. You should really go look back at how good Duncan played in the series against the 3peat Lakers. If you trade that Duncan for Shaq the Lakers likely still win 2 or 3 rings.
I remember prime shaq taking like 40 FTs one game and bricking more than half of them. Shaq has played with some very talented teams. The magic had nick, penny, grant. The lakers had 4 all stars on their roster at one point. The Heat ship was led by wade, but they had a lot good role players as well.
If he shot 40 fts, he probably single-handedly fouled out the opponent's entire front court. At that point, it doesn't matter if he missed more than half of them. The Lakers won that game, right?
Probably. He also never shot 40 FT's in a game, Dwight Howard has the record with 39. EDIT - shaq also had 39 against the Pacers in a "hack a shaq" game in the 00 finals LOoks like Dale Davis and Sam Perkins fouled out, and they apparently brough Rocket legend Zan Tabak in to do some Shaq-hacking.
Shaq is biggest physical freak in NBA History. He'd bully anyone on the block in his prime while still being able to run the floor. Greatest power game the league has ever seen.
True, but Shaq was not that good. For starters, hes the fourth best C in the game history behind Olajuwon, Wilt, Kareem (I think Bill Russell is overrated) and Shaq can't make a free-throw.
I agree he isn't exciting to watch other than on fast breaks. But in the end, it's more than just highlights. Kobe, as exciting as he was, always felt like a poor mans Jordan to me. Which is amazing, but i take Lebron over a poor man's Jordan.
I love Kobe not because he is successful but because he truly is a solid player. Lebron is no where near the conversation of Kobe and MJ. Lebron can win as many MVPS as he wants, as many DPOY, ALL STAR MVPS, but his game and career as of now cannot rival that of that of Kobe. Here is why. IF you give credit for Wade winning the title this year or at least being somewhat influential, all the Kobe/Shaq **** has to stop. Kobe has a 2nd option put up better numbers than Wade did, and as good as Lebron did these playoffs (not better, but competitive). He did that for 3 straight years when his surrounding cast was Rick Fox, Glen Rice, Derek Fisher, Ron Harper, AJ Green (you probably recognize like 3 of these names.) And Kobe was drafted into that situation with Shaq. it wasn't like "hey I'm already a champion, MVP or perennial all star, let me go to LA and team up and become a dynamic DUO". He was put in a situation where he thrived. YET Lebron has to lose a finals with the best second option in league history and a perennial big last year for them to win this year. Kobe while an immature prick, never lost a finals until he was going through a rape trial and added retired vets of Malone and PAyton which disrupted their entire offense. Yet all through that, he had some brilliant playoff runs, performances (15-1 one year) and clearly made the argument that he was the closet to MJ. Every few years someone does it. Kobe did it best in his situation by winning three rings. Iverson was truly the best offense of the decade. He took Mutombo and Eric Snow to the finals. REally? And then Wade did it, but he could only do it once, until he was reeled off into first round exits. (does anyone question his ring or brilliance even though he had a stacked squad)? Lebron is 1-3 in the finals at a YOUNG AGE with quite possibly the best core in history of the game. Him winning right now will always reflect on the fact that he needed Wade and Bosh to step up. Their role players also dominated too (mike Miller broke a finals record). So that type of performance is going to get you championships. Also, Kobe deserves credit because in his first three rings, he was the one responsbile guarding the opposing teams best player: Iverson, Miller, Kidd. Shaq duty was to guard Rik Smiths, Mutombo, and some clown I forgot from Jersey. I mean Kobe exerted himself tremendously and deserves those rings and recognition that he is a flat out stud overall than Lebron. But the last two rings and three finals apperance are even more of a testament that Kobe is better. Bynum didnt even play the first playoff run, Ariza was hurt too. Still went 6 games against Boston Trio. Second year, dominated the entire playoffs. If you honestly think Gasol is a historic big man, you are on crack. He is good, but KG/Bosh are in the same league, so if you give gasol credit, give them credit and thus hurt leron's legacy. Kobe proved he can get to 3 straight finals, win two rings solely on his own. He had production from his starting 5 which was necessary, but no bench help ever. In the end, I believe Lebron will be a flat out stud, and finish as the 4th best player ever after Magic, but every ring he wins we will always question if he could've done with a little less talent than a top 5 big and a top 2 guard of our generation. Also it's easy to win MVP's when your assisting historic shooters and superstars. Lets look at the situation people before we rides Lebron's piece. I know i rode Kobe pretty hard right now, but the man has played through 6 years of injuries, a busted shooting hand and weak knees to win rings. if you play basketball, its not even a question that kobe is #2
You said kobe as a 2nd option put up better numbers than Wade did yet you called Wade the best 2nd option in the league history??? Bosh a perennial big???? So the lakers lost to the Pistons because of Malone and Payton??? Not because of Kobe played hero and ignored everyone else???? Lebron won because he has Wade and Bosh. Kobe won because he is really good and nothing to do with Shaq???? Kobe guarded the opposing teams best palyers whereas Lebron did nothing this playoffs???? Please tell me without Gasol where did Kobe lead the lakers to???Let me tell you, one missed playoffs and 2 first rounds exit. So kobe didn't win any rings solely. He needed helps just like Lebron and Gasol played real well those 3 years you mentioned that's why they able to make it that far. Gasol played soft the last 2 seasons where did Kobe lead the lakers to again? At most 2nd round. Don't forget Odom, the player who cause mismatch everywhere he came off from the bench 2 of the MVPs won by Lebron was during his Cleveland days Stop the injuries bull****s. Weren't Kobe supposed to be finally healthy this season? Why did he shoot worst than the last 5 injuries seasons????
the goal is to win the games, not be the most clutch. you can do it by being clutch down the wire or you can do it by dominating early, see the final game 5. if lebron wins more, then he's a greater player.
to each their own i guess. kobe's got more skills no doubt but lebron's explosive power game excites me more. the same reason i like watching westbrook more than tony parker. now jordan got the best of both styles of play that's why he's a thing of beauty to watch.
