To politicians, "The Great Debate" often refers to a close presidential election in which both candidates possess great leadership, responsibility and a knack for demonstrating their personal strengths. For NBA aficionados like myself, the basketball terminology for "The Great Debate" can be translated into two names: Kobe Bryant and Lebron James.
Bryant and James are two of the NBA's rarest commodities.
Despite a seven-year age difference, Kobe (33), and Lebron (26), are very similar players. They both want to be the best.
Kobe started off slow in the pros, averaging only 7.6 points per game and starting only six games his rookie year. But he earned himself a reputation as a high-flyer by winning the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest in dramatic style.
Then Kobe matured.
During the 2000-01 season, Kobe led the Lakers to a championship alongside star center Shaquille O'Neal while averaging 28.5 points per game. He was quickly becoming my favorite athlete. Kobe and Shaq would go on to win two more championships in consecutive years.
Flash forward to present-day 2011. At the age of 33, many would agree that Kobe Bryant has passed his prime. He has evolved from a pompous, self-minded offense-oriented player into a multi-dimensional charismatic floor general whose unselfishness has distinguished him as the ultimate team player.
And the scary part is Kobe is not even close to done.
Then came Lebron James.
Today, Lebron James is looked at by many as the best player in the world.
A never-before-seen combination of power and speed, Lebron has the skill of a Kobe Bryant, size of a Karl Malone, and the basketball IQ of a Magic Johnson all rolled up into one – "The Chosen One." Now take all of that ability and speed it up a little. Add some finesse to that Malone fade-away jumper, a little gusto to that Kobe drive, and an extra no-look pass for Magic's sake and you are left with – the future.
Lebron is also known for his tendency to draw fouls. He has the gifted ability to control his 6-foot-8-inch, 265-pound frame especially when confronted by a defender on a fast break. Rarely will he commit an offensive foul because of his knack for contorting his body to avoid the defender and staying in the air long enough to get a shot off. That's what makes him special. He has an arsenal of weapons and at times seems invincible.
So who truly is better?
I say Lebron James.
If a player's career is based on championships, then yes, Kobe is better. With that being said, I believe that Lebron's overall game is much more diverse than Kobe's. Kobe is a great player and I do believe that he's a better perimeter shooter than James, but Lebron can do a lot of everything. He has a plethora of tricks up his sleeve that he can go to when the time calls.
Even Lebron's defense has taken major leaps and bounds over his short career. Lebron still has many things to work on, like his inconsistent jump shot, which would improve if he stops fading away as often as he does. If Lebron works on some minor tune-ups, he will be virtually unstoppable and mark my words: The Miami Heat will win the NBA championship in this long-awaited season.
Valid arguments for both Lebron James and Kobe Bryant can prove that either one is the best. Whether it's Kobe's leadership and experience or Lebron's once-in-a-generation talent combined with his strength, smarts and quickness. One thing is certain: the NBA is in great hands and at 33 and 27 years of age, it is scary to imagine that both of these supernatural athletes will be around for years to come.
I am going to leave it up to you. What do you think? Who really is better?
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