I think if anyone else showed up offensively the Cavs would have won game 1. Changes to the defense will allow them to win the series.

 

The differences in their games have nothing to do with age. Kobe is tiny compared to LeBron. LeBron is an NFL Offensive Tackle playing Small Forward. LeBron and Kobe are not close athletically, and never have been. That's not saying Kobe isn't athletic, but LBJ is probably the best overall athlete to ever play in the league. He is 6-8, 270 lbs, and is the fastest player in the league and can jump out of the gym. No one matches that.

 

Aside from that, LeBron has the ability to guard 1-5, gets more rebounds because of his size and strength, and brings the ball up the floor/gets more assist. Their games are different. Kobe's game has always involved, much like Jordan, great footwork. He knows how to set up either his drive or a jumper. LeBron doesn't have to do that and doesn't do that. He is so physically imposing that he can just bully his way to the basket or shoot over you. Kobe cannot do that, and that is just in how they are genetically. In no way are the two the same player.

 

As for their prime. Kobe is still arguably in his. He is what 31? That is your prime. LeBron hasn't entered his yet. For most players, their primes are somehwere in the ages of 26 to 32/33. That is when all the polish is on a player, and he isn't too old to show it. At no point in Kobe's career, and to me last year was his best, would I take him over what LBJ gives you right now. He just doesn't give you everything that LeBron can give you. I don't see how anyone can argue that.

At the same age,

 

Kobe had- 25.2 ppg., 5.5 rpg, 5.5 apg, 1.5 spg, .04 bpg. He shot 47% from the field, 25 % from 3.

 

LeBron has- 28.4 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 7.2 apg, 1.7 spg, 1.1 bpg. He shot 48.9 % from the field this year, and 34.4% from 3.

 

If you are going to compare the two and not base it on today, then the two players at 24 years of age is the way to go. That would be this season for LeBron, and Kobe's 2nd title season with LA. Statistically speaking, which I again hate, but most on here love, LeBron is superior in every category at the same age, except for ft%. So sure you can compare Kobe in his prime, but why would you? LeBron isn't in his yet.

 

And no I don't love bashing Kobe. I just think that only a Kobe fan could think that he is better than LeBron.

 

 

Kobe has already left his prime. This is his 13th year in the NBA. He can't penetrate the lane with reckless abandon like he used to. Many people have commented on how he improved his jumper throughout the years to extend his career a la MJ. You can't possibly believe that the Kobe now is the same Kobe from 2000-2007. Playing in the Olympics after going to the finals combined with this year has taken its toll on him. I think his best years are gone and not coming back. Kind of like a RB at 31, he has no legs left and I think it is evident every game we watch him play.

 

Now, LeBron is well on his way to becoming the G.O.A.T. barring injury. He has accomplished things at the age of 24 that no one has accomplished. The person who accomplished all the records LeBron is breaking every day......Kobe Bryant. At 24, LeBron's athletic ability and size are the only things I feel separate him from Kobe at 24. The fact that LeBron isn't in his prime yet is why I feel he will be the G.O.A.T.

 

Before this year, I felt that Kobe was better than LeBron, but,IMO, LBJ has passed him. I still think the Lakers will beat the Cavs in the finals and I hope we get to see that matchup. I also think that after this year, it is LBJ's world.

 

 

For now it's Kobe's Last Stand......

It's not that close any more. Lebron is bigger, stronger and more athletic. The advantage Kobe has is his killer instinct and ability to hit clutch shots...and the fact that he rarely misses FT's down the stretch, something Lebron seems to do with regularity. That clutch ability becomes magnified at this point in the post-season. Now that Lebron has a big one under his belt, he'll get better at that aspect of the game.

 

Lebron is clearly the better player right now. But, they're on the same planet. He's not THAT much better.

 

It's not close, but he's not that much better?

 

In any case the fact that Kobe is in his prime, and LeBron hasn't reached it really kind of makes my case.

In any case the fact that Kobe is in his prime, and LeBron hasn't reached it really kind of makes my case.

 

The argument is who is better now. I will agree without hesitation that LeBron is going to pass Kobe very soon, if he hasn't already. When it is all said and done, LeBron has the chance to go down as THE best player of all-time. The same can't be said for my man Kobe.

Kobe has already left his prime. This is his 13th year in the NBA. He can't penetrate the lane with reckless abandon like he used to. Many people have commented on how he improved his jumper throughout the years to extend his career a la MJ. You can't possibly believe that the Kobe now is the same Kobe from 2000-2007. Playing in the Olympics after going to the finals combined with this year has taken its toll on him. I think his best years are gone and not coming back. Kind of like a RB at 31, he has no legs left and I think it is evident every game we watch him play.

 

Now, LeBron is well on his way to becoming the G.O.A.T. barring injury. He has accomplished things at the age of 24 that no one has accomplished. The person who accomplished all the records LeBron is breaking every day......Kobe Bryant. At 24, LeBron's athletic ability and size are the only things I feel separate him from Kobe at 24. The fact that LeBron isn't in his prime yet is why I feel he will be the G.O.A.T.

 

Before this year, I felt that Kobe was better than LeBron, but,IMO, LBJ has passed him. I still think the Lakers will beat the Cavs in the finals and I hope we get to see that matchup. I also think that after this year, it is LBJ's world.

 

 

For now it's Kobe's Last Stand......

 

He is 31, let's not act like he's an old geezer. I would take the last two years of Kobe over any of his previous years. Yes, he's a different player, a better player. He can still get to the basket, but I don't think he needs to every night. He is a smarter player now, that knows where to pick his spots.

 

Also, LeBron's overall game is more advanced than Kobe's at any stage. Not just scoring, because Kobe can create a jumper with the best of them. But, LeBron is a much better rebounder, passer, defender than Kobe at any point in time in the Mamba's career. Kobe is an all-time great on the ball defender, but LeBron passes him as a defender because of his greatness off the ball, which is unmatched in the NBA. He can guard 1-5. Kobe probably could guard 1-3 most nights.

The argument is who is better now. I will agree without hesitation that LeBron is going to pass Kobe very soon, if he hasn't already. When it is all said and done, LeBron has the chance to go down as THE best player of all-time. The same can't be said for my man Kobe.

 

What would LBJ have to do for you to concede? Does he have to get to the finals vs. Kobe, average 50 and lock Kobe down on his way to sweeping the Lakers? Or would that still not be enough?

 

LBJ has passed Kobe. Whether it is close or not.

It's not close, but he's not that much better?

 

In any case the fact that Kobe is in his prime, and LeBron hasn't reached it really kind of makes my case.

 

Kobe is not in his prime. Kobe in his prime made posters starring Dwight Howard, Ben Wallace, and Yao Ming. He can't do that any more.

What would LBJ have to do for you to concede? Does he have to get to the finals vs. Kobe, average 50 and lock Kobe down on his way to sweeping the Lakers? Or would that still not be enough?

 

LBJ has passed Kobe. Whether it is close or not.

 

Since you asked, yeah......at least beat Kobe is all I am saying.

Kobe is not in his prime. Kobe in his prime made posters starring Dwight Howard, Ben Wallace, and Yao Ming. He can't do that any more.

 

I guess Jordan wasn't in his prime vs. the Suns and Blazers either? Give me a break. If 31 is old for a guard maybe he'll just retire after this season.

 

It all comes back to an excuse for why Kobe isn't as athletic as LeBron. Well Kobe at 31, 21, or whatever age could not come close to matching LBJ athletically. Not close. NOT CLOSE. I don't see what there is to argue over.

What would LBJ have to do for you to concede? Does he have to get to the finals vs. Kobe, average 50 and lock Kobe down on his way to sweeping the Lakers? Or would that still not be enough?

 

LBJ has passed Kobe. Whether it is close or not.

 

Kobe is a smarter player and better down the stretch. That is what is keeping him right there with LBJ for now. You have your opinion and I have mine.

I guess Jordan wasn't in his prime vs. the Suns and Blazers either? Give me a break. If 31 is old for a guard maybe he'll just retire after this season.

 

It all comes back to an excuse for why Kobe isn't as athletic as LeBron. Well Kobe at 31, 21, or whatever age could not come close to matching LBJ athletically. Not close. NOT CLOSE. I don't see what there is to argue over.

Athletically, nobody in history compares to LeBron. He is a FREAK of nature.

He is 31, let's not act like he's an old geezer. I would take the last two years of Kobe over any of his previous years. Yes, he's a different player, a better player. He can still get to the basket, but I don't think he needs to every night. He is a smarter player now, that knows where to pick his spots.

 

Also, LeBron's overall game is more advanced than Kobe's at any stage. Not just scoring, because Kobe can create a jumper with the best of them. But, LeBron is a much better rebounder, passer, defender than Kobe at any point in time in the Mamba's career. Kobe is an all-time great on the ball defender, but LeBron passes him as a defender because of his greatness off the ball, which is unmatched in the NBA. He can guard 1-5. Kobe probably could guard 1-3 most nights.

 

Kevin Garnett is 31 and he has no knees now. 13 years in the NBA since you were 18 makes you an old 31. The body can only take so much. I would much rather have Kobe from 2005- early 2008 than this year's version. That version was way more fresh than this one, never got tired, never came out the game, still penetrated on any and everyone. This version penetrates and gets more shots blocked than I have ever seen him get blocked. Why, no legs, therefore he is not in his prime. To me it's very evident and that simple.

Kobe is a smarter player and better down the stretch. That is what is keeping him right there with LBJ for now. You have your opinion and I have mine.

 

I think that Kobe does think the game better, but I think his overall knowledge is Jordan-esque. I think they are really equal down the stretch. I really do. LeBron played bad last night, but came through in the clutch. He usually plays alot better than that. One bad game, or one good game, cannot be the way a player is judged.

Kevin Garnett is 31 and he has no knees now. 13 years in the NBA since you were 18 makes you an old 31. The body can only take so much. I would much rather have Kobe from 2005- early 2008 than this year's version. That version was way more fresh than this one, never got tired, never came out the game, still penetrated on any and everyone. This version penetrates and gets more shots blocked than I have ever seen him get blocked. Why, no legs, therefore he is not in his prime. To me it's very evident and that simple.

 

Kevin Garnett is 7-0 tall as well. That makes an impact. Tall player's bodies wear out quicker than smaller players. 2007-2009 Kobe is the best version.

 

Just so I can get a frame of reference, would you take MJ in 1989 or MJ in 1996?

I guess Jordan wasn't in his prime vs. the Suns and Blazers either? Give me a break. If 31 is old for a guard maybe he'll just retire after this season.

 

It all comes back to an excuse for why Kobe isn't as athletic as LeBron. Well Kobe at 31, 21, or whatever age could not come close to matching LBJ athletically. Not close. NOT CLOSE. I don't see what there is to argue over.

 

I'm glad you brought Jordan up. Jordan was 21 when he entered the NBA so mathematically, Kobe at 31 is Jordan at 34. Not to mention Jordan took 2 years off during his prime which meant less wear and tear on his body. Kobe has been pounding his body yearly for 13 years. After 13 years in the NBA for Jordan, he walked away for the 2nd time. Thanks for helping me make my point.

 

I also never said anything about matching LBJ athletically. All I have said is that Kobe is nowhere near his prime.

I think that Kobe does think the game better, but I think his overall knowledge is Jordan-esque. I think they are really equal down the stretch. I really do. LeBron played bad last night, but came through in the clutch. He usually plays alot better than that. One bad game, or one good game, cannot be the way a player is judged.

I agree with all of the above. I still think, and many do, that Kobe has the advantage down the stretch. Maybe it is because he has been doing it for longer, but if you give me a choice I'd put the ball in Kobe's hands.