LeBron James and Kobe Bryant are by far two of the best NBA players in recent memory. While these superstars are arguably talented and great, they still differ in a lot of ways. But despite that, they do not necessarily outgrow each other.
But in a report from Yahoo! Sports, Lonzo Ball, is keen to choose LeBron James over Kobe Bryant. This only puts the debate further. Remember: Michael Jordan joined the fiasco recently, though he chose Bryant over James. Here is everything about it in a nutshell.
Ball on choosing James
Jordan chose Bryant over James simply because the LA Lakers superstar has more rings than the Cleveland Cavaliers player.
In an interview with Bleacher Report, the newly drafted Lakers player Ball was asked who is better between the Mamba and The King. Since he was in a Lakers jersey, many would think that young gun would go for Bryant. After all, he would want to keep the LA fans’ interest at bay. Surprisingly, he went with a different answer and chose James.
Ball, without any hesitation, answered: “LeBron James.” Actually, it can be reasonable. It could be that the former UCLA veteran was trying to please The King. Why exactly? Because perhaps, it could somehow convince James to go to LA and play alongside him. Remember that in previous reports, Ball pitched to James. He mentioned about why the two of them should team up in LA Lakers.
Apparently, though, James did not respond. He did watch one of Ball’s Summer League games, though.
What are the stats saying?
First and foremost, it is a crime to compare Bryant and LeBron James. The two are simply different from each other. They excel in different aspects of their talents. But if stats are to be used, one can acquire an answer.
According to ESPN, James should be a notch higher compared to Bryant. The Cavaliers superstar has been to the NBA finals for eight consecutive times (for the last 12 seasons). He even has a more rounded game than Bryant. He is more of a passer and rebounder, assets that Kobe barely has. Moreover, James is better at getting his teammates involved.
He has good stats in the assist department.
Bryant, on the other hand, is more of an assassin than LeBron James. He got more rings, too. He loves to take the clutch shots. He is also not afraid of bringing the team in his should when crucial times arrive. Simply put, he is more willing to take the call all by himself. Still, at the end of the day, these two players are among the best in their eras.
