Battle for Jordan's Throne: Kobe Bryant vs. LeBron James

Kobe Bryant Proves LeBron James Still Has More to Learn About Being the NBA's Best

Ryan Ward
Ryan Ward, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Jan 21, 2009 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
Over the past ten years it would be hard to argue that Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers has not been the best player in the NBA and the world. But with LeBron James showing he can be just as dominant on defense as he is with the basketball this season, the debate over who will take over Michael Jordan's throne as NBA best has never been closer in comparison.

Coming into Monday's night's game in Los Angeles, the Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers were arguably the two best teams in the NBA with the two best players in the league and someone had to come out on top.

Since coming into the NBA back in 2003 the Cavs have dominated this match up against the Lakers, but this season both teams are on top of their conferences and both Kobe and LeBron are leading the MVP talk making this game a NBA fan's fantasy match up that is usually only played on video games.

There is no doubting that Kobe Bryant is the best closer in the game and the one player that no opposing coach wants to see with the basketball when the game is on the line. LeBron James on the other hand continues to improve with every passing game and is looking more and more like he is taking over the NBA much like Michael Jordan did back in the 90s with the Chicago Bulls.

Both players knew how important this game was, not only because it might show which team deserved the best in the NBA title, but also because LeBron James and Kobe Bryant have never been so evenly matched.

Only about two minutes into Lakers and Cavs head to head battle Kobe Bryant dislocated his ring finger on his shooting hand. Immediately Bryant signaled to the Lakers bench that something was seriously wrong and every Lakers fan watching at the Staples Center and on TV held their breath as the fate of team literally with held in Kobe hands.

Fortunately for Kobe and the Lakers, the reigning came back onto the floor after getting the finger popped back into place and lead his team to victory over LeBron and company.

Although the Lakers beat the Cavs by 17 points, the final score did not dictate the game as the two teams battled back and forth all game long. Kobe Bryant finished the game in a lot pain in his hand he was able to hit some incredible shots over King James and end up with 20 points and 12 assists.

LeBron James on the other hand finished with 23 points in a poor shooting performance only hitting 9 shots out of 25. The Lakers were able to contain James by limiting his penetration and committing hard fouls keeping him at bay and stopping his plays at the rim in which he has become famous for.

So as of right now, Kobe is still the man, but it won't be long before LeBron surpasses the Black Mamba as NBA's best!

Published by Ryan Ward

I'm a 27 year old college student majoring in journalism and just looking for my place in the world. I have passionate for sports that pours out on paper and hopefully one day turns into a full time career.  View profile

11 Comments

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  • Andrew Sweat6/10/2011

    LeBron will never have the killer instinct like MJ or Kobe. And Kobe keeps on getting better. His 2011 season was more efficient than is 2009-2010 seasons, and he's aging like fine wine.

    http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8094427/kobe_bryant_aging_like_fine_wine.html?cat=14

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  • Clayton Gilbert8/18/2010

    Nice Article!! Come and check out my debate on kobe vs lebron!!! I agree lebron still has much to learn. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5648892/kobe_bryant_vs_lebron_james_whos_really.html?cat=9

  • Trick Tanglewood7/14/2010

    Right now, no question...Kobe is the better player overall. Lebron is the more gifted athlete, but he has yet to develop the full arsenal of offensive moves that Kobe has. He also lacks the killer instinct that Kobe possesses, much like the legendary #23.

    Truth is, much as I am not a huge fan of Kobe, he's still the Black Mamba for a reason.

  • Adrienne7/13/2010

    What's the big fuss about LeBron James going to Miami. He let them down badly in the play offs by being a no show. They should be glad to be rid of him. Besides it's a business for God Sake, the players are just that, they are players, not idols to be worshipped.

  • wat is wat anit take a bath u still stank4/27/2010

    lebron will blow kobe out any time any day wat up

  • charmzz164/9/2010

    i think lebron is way better....kobe has never done what lebron is doing in his 7th season as a pro....dont get me wrong kobe is the man, but if he ddnt have 5yrs over lebron in the league..there would be no doubt that lebron is the best player in the world. And to me he is rite now! kobe just has rings.

  • charmzz164/9/2010

    i think lebron is way better....ikobe has never done what lebron is doing in his &th season as a pro....dont get me wrong kobe is the man, but if he ddnt have 5yrs over lebron in the lead..there would be no doubt thta lebron is the best player in the world.

  • Young guns4/6/2009

    Lebron has a great shooting touch and the stats show that he is better than kobe.

  • Kukajames3/22/2009

    for now Kobe reached his peak as an NBA superstar he has more experience than LeBron, and not to forget he has 3 rings.As of now Lebron has more to improve especially his shooting touches.BUT, if the King reaches his full skills and potentials and improved his weaknesses...well so long mamba.In time
    Lebron will improve..

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