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 would take the 89 version with the 96 TEAM.......

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 don't know if the two years off meant less wear and tear. When Jordan came back he was no where near his athletic peak. He was great player still though, actually probably a little better. I think players are at the end of their primes around 31-33. That is where I feel that they play their best. They have the most polish on their games then. Kobe at 26 was no where near the scorer he is today though he was a much better athlete. Just because you cannot jump as high as you used to doesn't mean that you are devalued as a basketball player.

I don't know if the two years off meant less wear and tear. When Jordan came back he was no where near his athletic peak. He was great player still though, actually probably a little better. I think players are at the end of their primes around 31-33. That is where I feel that they play their best. They have the most polish on their games then. Kobe at 26 was no where near the scorer he is today though he was a much better athlete. Just because you cannot jump as high as you used to doesn't mean that you are devalued as a basketball player.

 

It does mean that an aspect of your game that made you feared no longer makes you scary so you become easier to defend, if that is possible. If he could penetrate without getting his shot blocked, he'd be a much different player today. His game now is polished and smarter, but if he could still jump like he used to, we'd see a much different Kobe.

I would take the 89 version with the 96 TEAM.......

 

Really... that's fine. I'm sure many on here would as well.

 

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.

 

I can accept that. I would take LBJ, but obviously you couldn't go wrong with either.

 

It does mean that an aspect of your game that made you feared no longer makes you scary so you become easier to defend, if that is possible. If he could penetrate without getting his shot blocked, he'd be a much different player today. His game now is polished and smarter, but if he could still jump like he used to, we'd see a much different Kobe.

 

If his body never deteriorated at all, he wouldn't be anywhere near the player he is today. His jumper gets better every year. Why? Because it has to. That makes him just as tough to defend. He can't get to the basket as well, but you are just as well served to have a consistent jumper. His game wouldn't have been as polished. Same with Jordan. I think both players would tell you the same thing. As a matter of fact, in one of the Jordan books he is quoted as saying so.

 

In most circumstances I will take a crafty vet over a superb athlete. I think LBJ is mixing the best of the two, and the way he is built it will take longer for his body and athleticism to leave him, which will eventually push him above everyone else.

 

The last two seasons of Kobe are the best Kobe has been.

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.

 

Allow me to elaborate since you obviously missed the point...

 

1. When people say it's close (or very close), they're saying you could argue it either way. To be certain, you can argue anything, but you can't make a valid argument that Kobe is better than Lebron right now.

 

2. A previous post stated that Lebron was on another planet. I say he isn't...yet. That's what I meant by the statement "He's not THAT much better."

 

Lebron is clearly the better player, but he isn't light years ahead.

LeBron had a better year, does that make him officially a better player? I don't think so. You helped make the argument for Kobe in your previous post. You can't convince me that it isn't very close.

 

Lebron was better last year as well.

 

It was close in '05-06 and '06-07. Lebron has established himself as the superior player now.

Allow me to elaborate since you obviously missed the point...

 

1. When people say it's close (or very close), they're saying you could argue it either way. To be certain, you can argue anything, but you can't make a valid argument that Kobe is better than Lebron right now.

 

2. A previous post stated that Lebron was on another planet. I say he isn't...yet. That's what I meant by the statement "He's not THAT much better."

 

Lebron is clearly the better player, but he isn't light years ahead.

 

OK, I see what you meant now.

Lebron was better last year as well.

 

It was close in '05-06 and '06-07. Lebron has established himself as the superior player now.

 

Kobe is smarter, better in the clutch and a better shooter/scorer.

 

It is close IMO.

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 past his prime. That's obvious to anyone who has watched him through the years.

 

He's still great. He's still better than anyone not named Lebron James. And, he's refined his game to the point where he can likely maintain or slow his decline far more than normal players.

 

His offensive arsenal, IMO, is unmatched by anyone to ever play in the NBA. Kobe has every conceivable offensive move in his repetoire. He can continue to be near the top for several more years because he can make a living elevating over guys and shooting jumpers, while using his other moves selectively...similar to what he does now.

 

But, he's not the explosive athlete he was in his prime. He can still pick his moments, but he can't attack the rim repeatedly. And, it's not in his best interest to do so. He can extend his career, playing at a high level, by playing smarter and picking his spots.

 

Lebron hasn't peaked by any means, but he's closer to his prime than Kobe.

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

 

His frame reminds me of that of Karl Malone. However, LBJ jumps higher, runs faster...

Kobe is smarter, better in the clutch and a better shooter/scorer.

 

It is close IMO.

 

Better shooter...yes.

 

Better scorer... I'm not so sure. LeBron has average more than Kobe the past two years, while having many more assist. I don't think you can say Kobe is the better scorer.

 

Both are very clutch. Kobe has played longer, but LBJ has had his moments as well.

Kobe is smarter, better in the clutch and a better shooter/scorer.

 

It is close IMO.

 

Smarter? Based on what?

 

Better in the clutch? Without a doubt.

 

Better shooter/scorer? Shooter? Yes. Scorer? No. A better, more polished offensive arsenal doesn't mean he's a better scorer? Lebron can use his unmatched combination of size, strength and speed to get to the rim almost at will. And, he's a decent three point shooter. Kobe uses a smorgasbord of moves to score, while Lebron has two main weapons. But, either guy could drop 50 (maybe 60) almost any time they wanted if that was their only goal.

Better shooter...yes.

 

Better scorer... I'm not so sure. LeBron has average more than Kobe the past two years, while having many more assist. I don't think you can say Kobe is the better scorer.

 

Both are very clutch. Kobe has played longer, but LBJ has had his moments as well.

I guess by better scorer I meant he has more ways to scorer.

Kobe vs. LeBron

 

Titles- Kobe

Athleticism- LeBron

Shooting- Kobe

Scoring- LeBron

Passing- LeBron

Defense- Push.

On the ball defense- Kobe

All other defensive categories- LeBron

Rebounding- LeBron

Knowledge- Kobe

Size- LeBron

 

Kobe is a smarter player, who has played longer, been on a title team, and can shoot better.

 

LeBron is a smart player, who hasn't played long, has never had a title worthy supporting cast, and is better at all other parts of the game.

I guess by better scorer I meant he has more ways to scorer.

 

I don't know that he has that either. He has great moves to get a jumper, but LeBron can hurt you so many ways. When his jumper is on, he cannot be stopped from scoring. You cannot keep him from getting the ball either.