Four Reasons Kobe Bryant is Better Than LeBron James

It's the hot topic that all NBA fans seem to love to discuss. Who is the best player in the NBA? Ask one hundred people and just about everyone will say either LeBron James or Kobe Bryant. There is no doubt that they are the two best players in the league today, but which one of them really deserves to be called the best? While I appreciate the fact that LeBron James has done some amazing things in his career, Kobe Bryant has done much more and deserves the title as the league's best. Before you go thinking that I'm a Lakers fan or Bryant is one of my favorites, I should say that the Lakers are my least favorite team in the NBA and I'm not a fan of Kobe's at all. I simply think that as someone who follows the sport closely, there is no debating that Kobe is better than LeBron right now.

Four Reasons Why Kobe Bryant is Better Than LeBron James

4.Kobe Has the Better Outside Shooting Stroke- While LeBron is a force when he goes to the rim, Kobe has the much better shooting stroke. Bryant is able to stretch the defense and cannot be left open at any time. Kobe's shot is much smoother and is something you would want a kid starting out in hoops to follow, while LeBron's has a bit of a hitch. The ability to knock down open long jump shots consistently is a big key for Kobe.

3. Bryant Hits His Free Throws- One of my biggest knocks on LeBron's game so far in his career is his relatively poor free throw shooting percentage. Kobe's lowest free throw percentage in any given year in the last 12 years is 81%, while LeBron shot just under 70% in 2006-2007. Bryant is shooting 84% for his career, while James is shooting 74%. The 10% difference makes a huge difference in the long run, since both of these players get to the line a whole lot.

2. Kobe Has the Rings- I know you can't judge a player solely by the number of titles he has won, but Kobe has four NBA titles and LeBron doesn't have one as of yet. James will have plenty of opportunities and I expect he will win at least one in his career, but I'm not sure he'll catch Kobe in the title department.

1. Kobe Has the Clutch Winning Attitude- Michael Jordan had it, and Kobe has it to large degree as well. A true basketball champion has to have that fire in them to push their teammates to do their best and fight tooth and nail for every loose ball come playoff time. Kobe has proven to be a leader and his clutch shooting has been heralded by many as the best in the NBA today. LeBron has yet to prove he can take over a game in the clutch when his team needs him the most.

Sources:

NBA.com: LeBron James Career Stats Page

NBA.com: Kobe Bryant Career Stats Page