“Lebron vs Kobe”

Rick Reilly recently wrote a very intriguing article regarding basketball’s best player rivalry.  It has been basketball’s big debate for the better part of three years now.  Kobe or Lebron?  Who you got?

What a thrilling matchup it would be to see Kobe and Lebron go head to head in a one on one extravaganza at next year's All Star Weekend.

Well in Reilly’s question, he is strictly talking about a one on one competition.  He would like to see the two guys play to 21 with no refs.  Just straight up one and one that you could find anywhere in America.  You want to talk about an extravaganza that would put butts in the seats?  An event that would bring in the big bucks?  Well here it is folks.

Kobe and Lebron going at it in a winner take all, one on one battle to 21 (must win by 2), at the All Star Game Weekend.  Do not worry if the dunk contest is lackluster and unoriginal.  With this event.  All of America would want to watch.  You could also have other matchups such as Kevin Durant versus Carmelo Anthony.  And maybe an old school Larry Bird versus Magic Johnson just for kicks.  But honestly, who in America, would not like to see Kobe and Lebron go head to head, mono y mono?

Now I realize that just because somebody can beat another guy one on one does not make them a better player.  But in a League that has become dominated by one on one street ball, this marquee event would settle all scores.  It would honestly have a shot at being more highly anticipated than the actual All Star Game.

So my question for you.  Who would win?

Well lets look at a tail of the tape.

Lebron James is coming off arguably the most intense free agent fiasco of all time which culminated in the infamous “Decision.”  He is now 25 years old and has played 7 years in the League.  The guy has done everything one can imagine except win a championship.  He is coming off of 2 consecutive MVP Awards and is hungry to add another type of title to his trophy case.  You better believe this 6 foot 8, 250 pound mammoth of a man is just an absolute freak.  The guy can get to the rim better than any player in the League.  He D’s up with the best of them.  And he has a phenomenal sense for all areas on the court which he demonstrates through his outstanding passing ability.

Kobe Bryant on the other hand is injured and beat up.  He is coming off a year where his pinky and knee hampered him.  I mean he is 32 for crying out loud now and been in the League for 15 years.  But you better believe his desire is still there.  He is hungry for that 6th championship.  He has arguably the best perimeter shooting prowess of any player in the game and has a flare for making the big play at the end of games.  Kobe’s fade away jumper is unstoppable when he is on and is very Jordanesque.  He also can D up with the best of them.  This legend out of Philly is arguably the greatest Laker of all time and stands at 6 foot 6, 205 pounds.

I realize that the “King” is entering the prime of career while Kobe’s prime is all but over.  I realize that Lebron holds substantial size and power advantage.  I realize that Kobe is suffering from some major knee issues.  But I digress, my money is still on the Black Mamba.  Lebron has the size and physical prowess.  Kobe has the will and determination regardless if the prime of his career is over.  If Lebron does not go on a ridiculous fouling spree, my money is on the savvy veteran to handle business.  You better believe that Kobe would hit the big shot when he needed to against the young gun LBJ.

I got Kobe 22 to 20 (have to win by 2).

Who you got?

Stay tuned for the next edition of TheSportsKraze.

-TheSportsKraze

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