MJ was better in every category but one. I can't help but think of when Kerr and Paxson with their shots...I don't think Kobe would've looked their way...Actually Paxon's was after a Horace Grant pass, that Horace got from MJ.

 

I agree, I'm a fan of Kobe but would never look to anyone of the role players on his team in the last second of a championship.

I agree, I'm a fan of Kobe but would never look to anyone of the role players on his team in the last second of a championship.

Thats because not one of them are/were as good as MJ's role players.

It's debatable whether or not Pippen, Longley, Kukoc, ect were better because of MJ or regardless of MJ in comparison to Odom, Parker, Kwame, ect.

 

I think MJ was the better player and I would definently prefer to have him on my team, but Kobe is probably a better offensive player, and as HT said may surpass him someday.

Kobe is closer to MJ than some want to admit, but better? No way. At least not yet. At age 29, he still has plenty of time and he has a chance to surpass MJ, but he needs to lead the Lakers back to dominance. He has the stats and individual awards. For him to ever be considered at MJ's level, he'll have to lead the Lakers on another run of multiple titles and match the 6 that Jordan won. I certainly think it's possible, but it won't be easy.

 

As of now, it's still Jordan. It's closer than some would care to admit, but it's still not THAT close. Yet.

With a career average over 5 points lower, assists lower, fg% significantly lower and similar 3pt and ft%'s, why would someone say Kobe's a better offensive player? I'm having trouble following that.

^ Me too...it simply doesn't make sense....

It's debatable whether or not Pippen, Longley, Kukoc, ect were better because of MJ or regardless of MJ in comparison to Odom, Parker, Kwame, ect.

 

I think MJ was the better player and I would definently prefer to have him on my team, but Kobe is probably a better offensive player, and as HT said may surpass him someday.

 

How is he better offensively? Jordan avg. more points per game on a better field goal percentage. Where exactly is Kobe beating Jordan with the exception of the 80 pt game?

With a career average over 5 points lower, assists lower, fg% significantly lower and similar 3pt and ft%'s, why would someone say Kobe's a better offensive player? I'm having trouble following that.

He has 10 years to average that scoring out.

Understood, but people are putting him there now and that's what I don't understand. Even if the scoring comes up I would think the percentages and assists need to come up also to be considered with Jordon offensively.

Understood, but people are putting him there now and that's what I don't understand. Even if the scoring comes up I would think the percentages and assists need to come up also to be considered with Jordon offensively.

I think he is more polished than MJ. I know that sounds semi foolish because MJ's stats are better. He isn't there now. But like 5wide said its closer than people think.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=sk-rankings032607&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

 

In the past five games, Kobe Bryant has averaged 54 points per game. Think about that for a moment. Fifty four! Most importantly, the Los Angeles Lakers won all five, reversing a seven-game losing streak that had threatened to ruin their season.

 

In effect, Bryant placed the entire team on his shoulders and willed it back into a positive state. The Lakers are now confident again, they have Luke Walton and Lamar Odom back from injuries and they're no longer looking like road kill for the West's top seeds come playoff time. And they owe it all to Kobe.

 

His offensive game is so good, so fundamentally sound in every aspect, that it may be time to debate whether or not he's the most complete offensive player in the history of the NBA. I'm not talking about the best player – there are plenty of players who rank well ahead of Bryant in that category. I'm simply wondering if there has ever been a player with a more complete skill set with footwork, ball handling, perimeter shooting and leaping ability.

 

I'll look forward to your emails on that one.

 

In the meantime, Kobe has brought his team back into the NBA spotlight, and he's helped L.A. climb back to the brink of Yahoo! Sports' top 10. Here are the latest rankings (records and statistics are through March 25):

How is he better offensively? Jordan avg. more points per game on a better field goal percentage. Where exactly is Kobe beating Jordan with the exception of the 80 pt game?

Just as you can make the argument that MJ made the players around him better, you can make the argument that Kobe's teammates are not nearly as good, which is what I believe.

Kobe is the ONLY player that can be in this debate. Those of you that are trying to look at stats or championships to make your judgment do not know how to watch a player. To even for one second try to equate Kobe's cast to MJ's shows either a lack of knowledge or a distaste for Kobe. MJ never won a championship without Pippen and Kukoc. KB never won one without Shaq. Kobe is now stuck with Luke Walton and Odom as his best options while MJ had a Top 50 all-timer in Pippen and an early Dirk Nowitzski type player in Kukoc.

 

They're very, very close.

Kobe Bryant is the best player in the league right now hands down...love him or hate him how can you argue? the numbers dont lie

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=sk-rankings032607&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

 

In the past five games, Kobe Bryant has averaged 54 points per game. Think about that for a moment. Fifty four! Most importantly, the Los Angeles Lakers won all five, reversing a seven-game losing streak that had threatened to ruin their season.

 

In effect, Bryant placed the entire team on his shoulders and willed it back into a positive state. The Lakers are now confident again, they have Luke Walton and Lamar Odom back from injuries and they're no longer looking like road kill for the West's top seeds come playoff time. And they owe it all to Kobe.

 

His offensive game is so good, so fundamentally sound in every aspect, that it may be time to debate whether or not he's the most complete offensive player in the history of the NBA. I'm not talking about the best player – there are plenty of players who rank well ahead of Bryant in that category. I'm simply wondering if there has ever been a player with a more complete skill set with footwork, ball handling, perimeter shooting and leaping ability.

 

I'll look forward to your emails on that one.

 

In the meantime, Kobe has brought his team back into the NBA spotlight, and he's helped L.A. climb back to the brink of Yahoo! Sports' top 10. Here are the latest rankings (records and statistics are through March 25):

 

Exactly.