-
NFL: Bills
NBA: Bucks
MLB: Cubs
NCAA: Syracuse
Soccer: USMNT/DC United
PSN: ButMyT-GunDont -
Re: Video:Kobe vs Lebron 1 on 1
I doubt he's the best because I doubt he could take a slightly above average team [like the Cavs] to the heights that James took his cast in the past few years.
Kobe stopped being the best during the 2008-2009 season, where James took that honor. Before that season Bryant was definitely the best even though his mentality didn't always match up with his actual skill set.
Basically Bryant's MVP year was the the one season he actually put it all together mentally and physically and leadership wise. Too bad he crapped the bed in the Finals and his teammates were all soft as wet toilet paper.
Oh yeah and just so you know, here's a little overview of what their head to head battles have looked like:
Comment
-
Re: Video:Kobe vs Lebron 1 on 1
Another Kobe vs Lebron thread.
Redskins, Lakers, Orioles, UNC Basketball , and ND Football
PSN: Jasong757
Xbox Live: Monado XComment
-
Re: Video:Kobe vs Lebron 1 on 1
My take on Lebron vs Kobe has always been that Lebron is stronger, faster, and has the potential to be just as technically skilled at some point. He is virtually unstoppable because he plays to his strengths. Lebron does what he knows he can do, and doesn't often deviate from that path.I doubt he's the best because I doubt he could take a slightly above average team [like the Cavs] to the heights that James took his cast in the past few years.
Kobe stopped being the best during the 2008-2009 season, where James took that honor. Before that season Bryant was definitely the best even though his mentality didn't always match up with his actual skill set.
Basically Bryant's MVP year was the the one season he actually put it all together mentally and physically and leadership wise. Too bad he crapped the bed in the Finals and his teammates were all soft as wet toilet paper.
Oh yeah and just so you know, here's a little overview of what their head to head battles have looked like:
Kobe, on the other hand has all the tools, but will often opt for the spectacular play. I believe he once knew the difference between a good shot and a bad shot, but allowed his ego to fuel his desire to do the amazing. At this point, those crazy heat check shots are a part of who he is. As such, he game is far from efficient.
One on One against Lebron, I really don't think you will see Kobe trying to win with flair as much as just win PERIOD. Any move Lebron takes away will most likely be countered with something else. Lebron would seriously struggle to keep up with him tactically.
Defensively, Kobe would have problems with Lebron. While Lebron does play a more linear game, the things he does well are done better than any one else in the league. If Kobe could limit those things, he would have a great chance of soundly beating Lebron. The problem is consistently being able to make things difficult.
Teamwise, Kobe has been recently playing well within the framework of the Triangle system. His teammates are actually getting more touches than ever before. He would be able to play with the Cavs while dominating the basketball less than Lebron. Win-loss wise, it is hard to say. The Cavs were built around Lebron James. Anthony Parker would have to move into the small forward position, and I really have a hard time seeing them be a better regular season team. Post season, perhaps.
Statistically Kobe will score much more than he does currently; probably leading the league.
Lebron on the Lakers is very interesting. I can see him running the show in the early offense, but getting less assists, as the ball would not be in his hands as much in the Triangle. I think they could be just as effective with Lebron as they are with Kobe, and possibly even more effective if Lebron would play more off the ball in the halfcourt. Statistically Lebron's offensive numbers would decrease.
Lower points, Less Assists, Less Rebounds, etc. Generally you would think Lebron's PPG would increase, but he is far less likely to break the triangle as often as Kobe has done in the past. Therefore more of his points would occur on the break or within the flow of the offense.
One on One Prediction: Kobe wins more often in a single game a day best of 7 series. He is far too crafty to let Lebron's limited skillset defeat him. Kobe win 4 - 2
One on One Best of 7 in one day with all games back to back: Toss up with Lebron doing better each game. He is younger and stronger. Kobe would begin to wear down, and would have to depend on sheer will to outlast him. If it came down to a final game, a final point, a final play: Kobe
One on One to 1000 by 2's and 3's: Kobe, but only because Lebron would mentally wear down before Kobe physically broke down. I believe Kobe would play until he physically could not continue. Lebron would play until the camera crew left.Comment
-
Re: Video:Kobe vs Lebron 1 on 1
OMG, best post I've ever read here on OS Lynsanity. Well done!Comment
-
Re: Video:Kobe vs Lebron 1 on 1
A few things, Lynsanity. I agree with 80% of your post.
1. I'm tired of the "they built Cleveland around James" talk when swapping Kobe onto their team. If Kobe is the best player in the world, he would make it work. Plain and simple. Kobe and LeBron have the same exact style of play. You really think Kobe would dominate the ball less than LeBron on Cleveland?
You sure? Last time Kobe had Cleveland level talent we saw him shoot 40 times a night
2. Kobe has been involving his teammates more since 2008 when he won MVP. However I've always said he could make things a lot easier for himself if he used them even more. There are so many instances of him still trying to be the man when the easier simpler play could have given them more success. Like you said he is who he is and he is not efficient. It's so frustrating because he KNOWS the right play and he could easily MAKE the right play but he just doesn't do it.
That's why LeBron on the Lakers would be so devastating. LA when healthy has no holes in their lineup. It would be a massacre.Comment
-
Re: Video:Kobe vs Lebron 1 on 1
For what it's worth, I have yet to hear about players swapping defensive notes about guarding Lebron like I have heard about Kobe. Grant said it best when he compared Lebron to a pitcher with a great fastball and curve vs. Kobe who has every pitch and changes speeds locations etc. Plus Kobe watches a ton if film where as Lebron is rumored to slack off so I would put the IQ benefit in Kobes camp. What does this mean? Absolutely nothing when it comes to a one on one contest, but I would wager the winner is whoever is hot that day.Comment
-
Re: Video:Kobe vs Lebron 1 on 1
As a player and a fan, no one out of high school should care about 1 on 1. It surprises me that any NBA player would even respond to such an adolescent query.Jordan Mychal Lemos
@crypticjordan
Do this today: Instead of $%*#!@& on a game you're not going to play or movie you're not going to watch, say something good about a piece of media you're excited about.
Do the same thing tomorrow. And the next. Now do it forever.Comment
-
Re: Video:Kobe vs Lebron 1 on 1
I wish both these guys were 25 then it would be comparable.Comment
-
Re: Video:Kobe vs Lebron 1 on 1
To be fair, LeBron is considered the best player in the world now as you said for at least the last two-three years and he couldn't make it work. Why does Kobe as the best in the world have to MAKE it work to still be the best in the world and LeBron as the best can't but he's still best?A few things, Lynsanity. I agree with 80% of your post.
1. I'm tired of the "they built Cleveland around James" talk when swapping Kobe onto their team. If Kobe is the best player in the world, he would make it work. Plain and simple. Kobe and LeBron have the same exact style of play. You really think Kobe would dominate the ball less than LeBron on Cleveland? You sure? Last time Kobe had Cleveland level talent we saw him shoot 40 times a night Comment
-
Re: Video:Kobe vs Lebron 1 on 1
Explain that again King, I couldn't understand the last part of your question.Comment
-
Re: Video:Kobe vs Lebron 1 on 1
Kobe is the best player in the NBA right now. Lebron lacks heart and killer instinct (see "The Decision" what a joke!). I would take Carmelo in a one on one against lebron.
Kobe is a natural killer, 1 on 1 is his thing. I grew up playing ball in NY, I have had a lot of 1 on 1 battles against players who were much bigger and better than me in 5 on 5 game play and beat them. One on One is a different animal than 5 on 5, that is all Kobe is saying. And I agree with him.Comment
-
Re: Video:Kobe vs Lebron 1 on 1
It looked like you were saying if Kobe truly was the best player in the world then he should be able to be put on the Cavs and make it work with the roster that LeBron had. However we consider LeBron the best player in the world right now and he couldn't make it work with that same roster. So my question is why does Kobe need to make it work with that roster to still be the best player in the world if LeBron has yet to make it work and given up on trying to make it work and he's still considered the best player in the world. I dunno, maybe I was reading your post wrong in what you were suggesting. This is just the way I took it though.
I also don't really think they have the 'same exact play style' though, certainly not to the point that you can just plop them down onto the other's teams and say do the same thing. For one thing Cleveland was put together in a manner simply for Bron to run their offense and with the personnel they had they were better off with Bron doing his work in the post and attacking the basket. Kobe's game lends more for him to play away from the rim near the perimeter. If you turn Kobe into a spot up shooter you're probably still going to lose every time, if you turn Bron into a spot up shooter you'll only lose if he's feeling it that night.Comment
Comment