With the NBA lockout now over the intense argument over who is the better player, Kobe or LeBron, can now start up again. Yes, Kobe is older and LeBron is much younger and has the bigger body but this is beside the point.  Kobe may no longer be the NBA’s top player as he is now 33 while LeBron is the youth of the NBA at 26.

Both of these players came right out of high school and joined the NBA.  In Kobe’s instance he wasn’t the big time star leaving high school as James was. Bryant was drafted 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets. At first he couldn’t find his home as he jumped around from a few teams untill in 1996 when he landed with the Lakers.  LeBron was drafted with the number one pick in the draft by the Cleavland Cavaliers. Once finding a home both of these stellar athletes made an impact in a big way.

Of the two players Kobe has the better skill set.  The saying by Mark Jackson says it all, “Hand down, man down.”  Since entering the league Kobe has averaged 25 points a game, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.  Being a  NBA All-Star in 13 seasons while winning the All-Star MVP in 2002, 2007, 2009 and 2011.  Recieving this honor over James in 07, 09 and 2011 must I say.  Along with an All-Star MVP Kobe has earned the spot on 13 All NBA Teams.  The thing that seems to stand out most about Kobe are two things, Mr. Clutch and of course his rings.

With the time winding down there is no other player that I would want with the ball in his hands and the outcome of the game depending on him.  Many times in clutch situations has Kobe knocked down a game winner that propelled his team on.  Although websites say that LeBron has a better percentage of clutch shots, that can’t be true.  Look what he did in the play-offs this year, next to a no show in the fourth quarter and couldn’t bring home the title.  Kobe even can put a ring on his pinkie since he has won 5 NBA Championships.

Now to LeBrons defense he is a great player.  Someone that can score in many aspects of the game and is the most athletic player in the NBA.  He won back to back MVP races in 2009 and 2010 but his downfall seemed to be last off-season when he chose to “take his talents to south beach “ in a nationally televised press conference that he set up.  Leaving Cleveland and his home town is something that he should have never done. In this move he lost the hearts of millions of people; everyone now roots for anyone but the Heat.  I can’t fault a guy for wanting to win, but in a situation of an All-Star like LeBron, he is being compared to MJ and should be able to win without Dwayne Wade and Chris “The Raptor” Bosh. Both I must argue are two huge stars and also all-stars in themselves.

LeBron also lost his followers with his appearance in the Finals against the Mavs.  In the play-offs LeBron was a virtual no show in fourth quarter when it mattered.  He had stats that would rival someone coming off the bench for a few minutes.  Up until game six of the finals LeBron only averaged 3.2 points in the fourth quarter and only had 7 so called clutch points in the series.  Mavs star Dirk Nowitzki on the other hand had 28 points, shutting LeBron and the Heat down.  This kind of sighting is uncalled for, LeBron is the star of the NBA and can’t finish a game.  Someone once asked him before the game for a dollar and LeBron replied with .75 cents saying he doesn’t have a 4th quarter.

Deciding who is the best player comes down to skills.  Kobe has mastered his footwork, post skills, and a work ethic.  This is what gives Kobe the edge over LeBron as the both have a great mid-range game.  Both can take an opponent on the dribble drive and even pull up for a three.  Kobe has aged and isn’t in his prime but I believe that he will still be a better all around player when its all said and done.  As of right now I feel like it is hard to compare, not even close I’m sorry.  Kobe has the rings and has proved himself in the clutch without 2 other all-stars while LeBron is still looking for the ego as the Mavs destroyed it in the finals.  Like all the other so called “LeBron” fans I don’t want to hear anything about this until your “boy” Baby Bron Bron gets a ring.