So, let me ask you this question. Basketball is one of the few sports where, if one is comparing contemporaries, an answer can be reached by each player engaging in a game of one-on-one.
You think LeBron can beat Kobe in a, say, best two out of three.
Absolutely! By the same token, knowing the competitor that Kobe is, he'll challenge LeBron to another 2 of 3 series and maybe win that one.
For the purpose of this discussion, I'm not just talking about simple individual talent. I look at the entire package. LeBron is bigger and the better rebounder. He can play 4 of 5 positions. In terms of being clutch, I think it's a wash. LeBron is a more willing passer and a better floor general. Basketball IQ, I think is also a wash. In all, I look at just how each player contributes to their teams. Kobe will shoot 30 times a game and score 30 points with 4 assists. LeBron will shoot 20 times a game get 8 assists, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals and just be more of an overall presence on the court. Don't get me wrong, Kobe is a definite presence and has the absolute best under pressure shot I've ever seen. But, he often neglects his teammates ability to contribute. LeBron makes his teammates better. That's what tips the scales in his favor for me.
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