Kobe or Lebron: Who’s Really King? Wait, Kevin Durant

Obviously this summer has been a media frenzy over LeBron and where he’d take his skills. We all know how that ended. But all the drama has made me dive into the question, who really is the King of the NBA. The argument for nearly the past 7 years has been between Kobe Bryant and the self proclaimed “King” LeBron James. So, who really is King?

First of all most would say the move to the Miami Heat has ended the discussion completely and given the crown to Kobe since we all know thats Dwayne Wade’s team and LeBron, at least for the moment is a sidekick.   Lets just assume LBJ hasn’t switched teams and forgotten, there’s no place like home.

Alright so let’s take a look at last years statistics. Stats don’t reveal everything about an athlete but more often than not they are a good place to start.

2009/2010 Regular Season Statistics:

-Kobe Bryant

PPG     APG     RPG     TO     FG%     3P%     FT%
27         5.0        5.4      3.2     45.6      32.9      81.1

-LeBron James

PPG     APG     RPG     TO     FG%     3P%     FT%
29.7      8.6        7.3     3.4      50.3      33.3      76.7

LeBron’s regular season statistics stand out.  He had the higher points, assists, rebounds and field goal averages but, LBJ’s field goal percentages are directly related to layups and ability to get to the rim since he lacks a jumper.   Regardless his numbers are impressive and he’s added four triple doubles to his resume this season to Kobe’s zero.

Many analysts seemed to enjoy indicating Kobe’s career was on the down slide but they’re just gonna have to wait. Keep in mind Kobe’s played 14 seasons and has a lot of miles on those legs.  Although he’s only 31, he’s played as many games as most in their mid to late 30′s.  Sure we could have taken a closer look into career averages but it wouldn’t have told us much different.

Point: LeBron

Regular Season MVP’s:

Kobe: 1  LeBron: 2

NBA Finals MVP’s:

Kobe: 2 LeBron: 0

Yea yea LeBron has more regular season MVP’s but Kobe’s got the ones that matter with two Finals MVP’s.   Not to mention Kobe should have at least one more to his name for his accolades during past seasons.

Point: Kobe

NBA Championships:

There’s no hiding the fact LeBron has never won a championship and seems to be the main reason for his departure from Cleveland to Miami.   He has reached the finals once vs. the Spurs where he was swept 4-0.

Kobe on the other hand has five notches on his belt and as mentioned above two finals MVP’s.  Maybe some of you are figuring the first three go to Shaq? Then go ahead and attribute only two to Kobe but either way he has the rings and played a major role even when Shaq was in town.

Point: Kobe

Leadership/Intangibles:

If there is anything that separates these two its the intangibles and what they bring to their teams.  Kobe is a lot like Michael Jordan who demands his teammates to play at a specific level.  He’s the floor general and essentially the on floor coach.  The other Laker players have a respect for Kobe that LeBron’s Cavaliers never quite gave him.  My guess it has something to do with him and not them.

In addition to the leadership, Kobe has a drive to win and always find a way.  There’s a passion and fire to succeed when it matters most and he may be the most competitive athlete in sports.  The competitive drive and need to win is something LeBron lacks.  I hate to agree with Dan Gilbert but LEBRON GAVE UP IN THE PLAYOFFS LAST YEAR! Alright enough with the caps.  But he did seem to give up and his team then followed suit.  Again he lacks the leadership and drive.

Point: Kobe

Michael Jordan, the greatest player of all time says Kobe Bryant is better.  Do you need any other reason?  Whatever Jordan says in my eyes is the truth! Alright I am a huge fan of MJ but check out the video below.

Point: Kobe

It’s not hard to figure out Kobe in my opinion is the “King” of the NBA despite what LBJ seems to think.   He’s the closest thing we have to Michael and he’s a winner.

But wait…let’s talk about Kevin Durant for a minute.  He’s only 21 and the current NBA scoring champion, averaging just over 30 points per game. He carried the team to a 50 win season this past year compared to only 23 wins the season before.  Durant has molded the Thunder into one of the leagues up and coming teams.  In a few years we won’t be talking about Kobe or LeBron but rather it’ll be Durant.  If anyone has the opportunity to reach Jordan’s legacy its him. But in saying that I’m not sure if anyone will reach that status again.