Pretty much everyone has decided that Kobe is the better player. Both are in a league of their own, but LeBron is better. In Bryant's 5th year, he shot 46.4% from the field and 30.5% from 3 point range. He shot 85.3% from the free throw line, which is the second highest average in his career. He also had 1.7 steals, 0.6 blocks, 5 assists, and 28.5 ppg. Experts would agree that Kobe is the better shooter and the better defender.
Year 5 LeBron (this year) is shooting 48.6% from the field, 30% from beyond the arc, and 70.9% from the free throw line. James' FG percentage is higher than Kobe has EVER SHOT in his entire career. LeBron has also improved his shooting from his rookie season by 6.9%. Interestingly enough, both Kobe and LeBron shot 41.7% from the field in their rookie seasons. LJ is also averaging 2 steals, 1 block, 7.5 assists and 30.3 points per game - better than Kobe in every category. Keep in mind that Kobe was also playing for a Laker team that won 3 NBA titles in 3 consecutive years and LeBron, more or less, has to carry the Cavs on his shoulders.
What about rebounds? LeBron is averaging 8.1 per game. Kobe averaged 5.8. Statistically speaking, LeBron is a better player than Kobe was during his 5th year. He is also the League's best scorer in the 4th quarter...ahead of Kobe by about 90. LeBron is also #1 in player efficiency rating, while Kobe is 6th
LeBron's deflated career averages, for the most part, are also better thank Kobe's averages this season - a season where the media has all but crowned Bryant the MVP.
Year 5 LeBron (this year) is shooting 48.6% from the field, 30% from beyond the arc, and 70.9% from the free throw line. James' FG percentage is higher than Kobe has EVER SHOT in his entire career. LeBron has also improved his shooting from his rookie season by 6.9%. Interestingly enough, both Kobe and LeBron shot 41.7% from the field in their rookie seasons. LJ is also averaging 2 steals, 1 block, 7.5 assists and 30.3 points per game - better than Kobe in every category. Keep in mind that Kobe was also playing for a Laker team that won 3 NBA titles in 3 consecutive years and LeBron, more or less, has to carry the Cavs on his shoulders.
What about rebounds? LeBron is averaging 8.1 per game. Kobe averaged 5.8. Statistically speaking, LeBron is a better player than Kobe was during his 5th year. He is also the League's best scorer in the 4th quarter...ahead of Kobe by about 90. LeBron is also #1 in player efficiency rating, while Kobe is 6th
LeBron's deflated career averages, for the most part, are also better thank Kobe's averages this season - a season where the media has all but crowned Bryant the MVP.
You could argue that Kobe is a better scorer than Jordan. And it would seem that an easier argument to make is that Kobe is a better player right now than LeBron James. I have to disagree. Kobe is graceful, he is a great driver, he can shoot the lights out...I mean he scored 81 points against the Raptors. But you cannot. Stop. LeBron. The dude can fly. If he decides to dunk it, you're going to get posterized. If he wants to shoot it, he'll do it better than Kobe. "Hibachi," Gilbert Arenas would say. He has willed the Cavs to 4th place in the Eastern Conference. Kobe's Lakers are in 2nd place in the West. Everyone knows the Western Conference is better...just like the AFC is better than the NFC...and that's why the Patriots blew out the Giants.
When it's all said and done, King James > Kobe.
