When people think of the NBA, their minds often drift to the names of Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James to name just a few. One player most people haven’t heard of however, is Michael Jordan. The former Bulls star has been a fan of the current Lakers superstar since he was a child. In a recent interview with The Athletic, Jordan revealed that Kobe Bryant is the player he would select if he had a son, saying: “Kobe has it all. He’s clutch. He’s smart. He’s tough. He’s durable. He’s a winner. You can never take that away from him.”
Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Kevin Durant, And Other NBA Stars Pick Kobe Bryant Over LeBron James: ‘If You Want To Have Fun, Go Play With LeBron. If You Want To Win, You Play With Kobe’
LeBron James and Kobe Bryant are two of the best basketball players of all time. Kobe and LeBron were the two faces of the NBA in the post-Michael Jordan era, and they enjoyed the greatest success since Jordan retired for the second time in 1998. Michael Jordan was known for his win-at-all-costs attitude, and Kobe was no exception.
However, LeBron James is a team player who strives to include all of his teammates in the game. The argument about who was the superior player between the two has gone on since 2003.
Older fans believe Kobe Bryant is greater than LeBron James because of what he accomplished throughout his career, which included winning five championships. Others think LeBron James is better than Kobe Bryant and should be considered with Michael Jordan for the title of Greatest Of All Time.
Similarly to the MJ-LeBron argument, the Kobe-LeBron dispute may never be resolved, regardless of how many championships LeBron achieves before retiring.
However, other NBA players, particularly those who have faced both Kobe and LeBron, believe there is no need for a discussion. Several NBA players from the past and present discuss Kobe Bryant and LeBron James in the video below.
All the people in the video, either directly or indirectly, say Kobe Bryant is better than LeBron James. The stars in the video include Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Chris Bosh, Shaquille O’Neal, and Dirk Nowitzki among others.
“LeBron passes the ball…,” Metta World Peace says. He’s not a terrific player off the ball, but he’s a fantastic passer… Off the court, LeBron is fine, and he’s getting better. He’d pass it to you, and you’d have to assist since you’re wanting to win, so you’d have to assist your other teammate… That was before he was able to take over games; he’s really incredible… Kobe reminds me of Michael Jordan. Definitely the most difficult player since he came into the league with a lot of confidence and polish. He didn’t play much, but he was quite skilled. Strong, capable of shooting and defending for extended periods of time. He did it for more than a year; he did it year after year after year. As a result, as he grew older, Kobe became the most difficult to defend.”
“LeBron can do that and score 30 points,” Andre Iguodala says. As a result, it’s as if you’re on an island with him. Overall, Kobe Bryant was the most difficult player I had to guard.”
Larry Bird: “It’s most likely Kobe. Because I believe he would not have been shooting nearly as much as he does today. It’s his passion to win that drives him to work hard in the summer to improve. He’s simply a hardy feline. However, if you want to have as much fun as I had with Bill Walton, you should play with LeBron… It’s Kobe if you want to win, win, win.”
“When you try to compare Michael’s instinct, his ability to take over games, his desire to get that final shot…,” Scottie Pippen says. That is a DNA that LeBron does not possess. Kobe has that gene, therefore it’s not in him.”
“Did you say LeBron James is the best player of all time?” Shaquille O’Neal asks. What about Kobe and Michael? So you’re simply going to walk away from Kobe like that?”
“Who is better?” Gilbert Arenas asks. It’s most likely Kobe. In every way, he’s a superior player in terms of talent and knowledge. But it’s difficult to criticize LeBron’s achievements. LeBron James is incredible.”
“Greatness,” says Chris Bosh. He is, without a doubt, the best player of my generation. He was the man who had just won following Mike. He was all about championships, and he accomplished this at an early age. When he was 21-22 years old, they made a three-peat. And it was incredible to watch him so quickly rise so high. They had their ups and downs, but he was still a fantastic player, one of the best I’ve ever seen.”
“I’m taking Kobe,” Kenyon Martin says. I was pitted against both of them. More Kobe, as a result of being in the West and seeing it firsthand. I’m not taking anything away from LeBron, but I’m going with Kobe because of his mindset. In my view, he’s the closest thing to Michael Jordan.”
“Kobe or LeBron?” Michael Jordan asks. Kobe.”
“Like I’ve been saying all along, he’s our Michael Jordan for my generation,” says Dirk Nowitzki. He’s one of the greatest lace-ups ever. And it’s been a joy and an honor to fight against him for nearly the whole of my professional career. I wish him nothing but happiness throughout his life.”
Jordan is one, and Kobe is the other. That isn’t a dig on LeBron; I believe LeBron is right there, but it’s simply Kobe’s killing instinct and the way he approached the game.”
“Kobe is the closest thing to Michael,” Steve Kerr says. I don’t believe LeBron is Michael Jordan. I believe he is a totally different player, with a completely different attitude and approach. Kobe has the same attitude and mentality as Michael Jordan, the assassin, the one who says, “I’m going to tear your throat out with my scoring, low post dominating fadeaway jumper.” I felt Kobe’s footwork was one of the greatest aspects of his game, and perhaps the most underappreciated, since everyone praised his shooting and agility, but it was his footwork that carried him to victory. That’s where he reminded me of Michael.”
“I’d take Kobe…,” Stephen Jackson says. Why do I like Kobe? Relentless. Mamba, you’ve got a killer attitude. He’ll go out every night and give it his all, regardless of who he’s playing against. If you’re on another team, he won’t want to work out with you or be your buddy in the summer.”
“I’ll say Kobe,” James Harden says.
“LeBron is fantastic,” Allen Iverson says. I’m not sure why they don’t have that discussion with him (MJ) and Kobe? I’m not sure what you’re talking about. Have you forgotten? I believe they completely overlooked the Mamba!”
“Mike 1, Kobe 2, Shaq 3, Hakeem 4, and Magic 5,” Kevin Durant says.
During their NBA careers, both LeBron and Kobe have enjoyed a lot of success. When it comes to titles, Kobe currently has the upper hand over LeBron. However, LeBron has a longer list of MVPs and Finals MVPs.
It’s difficult to compare the two guys since their playing styles are so dissimilar. But one thing is certain: the two belong in the discussion of all-time greats.
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