Who do you rank higher all time, Kobe or LeBron?

[Gus Hemmingway]

Discuss

[HoopsNY]

LeBron wins this one. It's not close, really.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

LeBron wins this one. It's not close, really.

+1

[Gus Hemmingway]

3ball, tpols, Coach?

[light]

Discuss

There is no need to discuss. Kobe is not in the conversation. This was settled almost a decade ago.

[No Sir]

The debates already dead in the coffin bro. No need to drag your balls over Kobe stans faces

[Axe]

The one with better longevity is ranked higher

[HoopsNY]

The one with better longevity is ranked higher

I don't think that's all. Kobe had great longevity too. But where LeBron gets Kobe is the fact that LeBron is such a superior playmaker, rebounder, and his playoffs and finals performances are far better than Kobe's.

We discussed this earlier this year where I showed how Kobe had quite a number of underwhelming performances in the postseason, including multiple finals performances that were less than desirable.

[Axe]

I don't think that's all. Kobe had great longevity too. But where LeBron gets Kobe is the fact that LeBron is such a superior playmaker, rebounder, and his playoffs and finals performances are far better than Kobe's.

We discussed this earlier this year where I showed how Kobe had quite a number of underwhelming performances in the postseason, including multiple finals performances that were less than desirable.
Lebron is clearly the superior player because he is also a more efficient scorer, is bigger and isn't a ballhogger. Dude is a proven carrying machine and has showed everyone how he led in every category during the finals. However, winning it all isn't exactly his forte but that doesn't mean he isn't skilled nor talented as an individual player. And in very clutch moments, he didn't disappoint as well.

[HoopsNY]

Lebron is clearly the superior player because he is also a more efficient scorer, is bigger and isn't a ballhogger. Dude is a proven carrying machine and has showed everyone how he led in every category during the finals. However, winning it all isn't exactly his forte but that doesn't mean he isn't skilled nor talented as an individual player. And in very clutch moments, he didn't disappoint as well.

Yea, the clutch factor is another notch for LeBron, as well as efficiency like you said. I tend to weigh Clutch factor, playoffs, finals, and defense the most. Scoring is another notch for him but I'd say they're about even there.

I don't think size matters, honestly. All in all, LeBron is just the better player. That's no shame on Kobe. I have him around 11th or 12th all-time.

[Axe]

Yea, the clutch factor is another notch for LeBron, as well as efficiency like you said. I tend to weigh Clutch factor, playoffs, finals, and defense the most. Scoring is another notch for him but I'd say they're about even there.

I don't think size matters, honestly. All in all, LeBron is just the better player. That's no shame on Kobe. I have him around 11th or 12th all-time.
He's never had game where he scored more than 61 points but nonetheless, that's already great. I forgot to mention that he also has the skill to play any of the five positions so that's where his size comes in.

Kobe, otoh, is a pure scoring machine i think. But obviously, that's only evident during the rs. His streak of scoring more than 40 was interesting back then although it didn't result in his team winning more than 45 games when he averaged more than 30 ppg for two straight seasons. Plus, he didn't get past the first round of the postseason without a bigger option like shaq or gasol so there's that.

[TheCorporation]

Since LeBron is top 1, aka, LeTop1, ranking any player over LeBron would mean they are better than Jordan as well. Since Kobe is not better than Jordan, LeTop1 reigns supreme at the top of GOAT mountain.

[Kiddlovesnets]

Lebron is between #2 to #4, Kobe is the consensus #12, which one is higher?

[Lakers Legend#32]

LeBron is a top 3 player of all-time. Kobe is between 10-15.

[LonelyOwl]

I have LeBron #1 and Kobe #8

[rawimpact]

Just like between Jordan and Kareem

Jordan greater peak and 1 on 1 player, Kareem overall for longevity and all around game
Kobe greater peak and 1 on 1 player, Lebron overall for all around game

[RRR3]

Just like between Jordan and Kareem

Jordan greater peak and 1 on 1 player, Kareem overall for longevity and all around game
Kobe greater peak and 1 on 1 player, Lebron overall for all around game
Kobe greater peak? Pass the meth bro.

[Dbrog]

Saw both of their entire careers. I think it's close now that Bron won this year and wouldn't argue with someone who said Bron is ranked higher. I think for me personally, I'd still pick Kobe. I think that's just because I value someone who can be a one man team and I can count on for the last shot. Before all you Bron-stans post his go ahead baskets in the last minute during playoffs, I've see Kobe be the one making the Kyrie, Lillard, Curry type shots. I want the dude that can always have a chance of hitting it regardless of the defense...meanwhile Bron got blocked by Kobe in that allstar game :oldlol:

Again though, I think it's either/or at this point. Obviously if Bron wins another chip he will be ahead

[Lebron23]

Saw both of their entire careers. I think it's close now that Bron won this year and wouldn't argue with someone who said Bron is ranked higher. I think for me personally, I'd still pick Kobe. I think that's just because I value someone who can be a one man team and I can count on for the last shot. Before all you Bron-stans post his go ahead baskets in the last minute during playoffs, I've see Kobe be the one making the Kyrie, Lillard, Curry type shots. I want the dude that can always have a chance of hitting it regardless of the defense...meanwhile Bron got blocked by Kobe in that allstar game :oldlol:

Again though, I think it's either/or at this point. Obviously if Bron wins another chip he will be ahead

Such a terrible posts. LeBron is 1b behind Jordan.

[Jasper]

LeBron wins this one. It's not close, really.

ditto

[SouBeachTalents]

Saw both of their entire careers. I think it's close now that Bron won this year and wouldn't argue with someone who said Bron is ranked higher. I think for me personally, I'd still pick Kobe. I think that's just because I value someone who can be a one man team and I can count on for the last shot. Before all you Bron-stans post his go ahead baskets in the last minute during playoffs, I've see Kobe be the one making the Kyrie, Lillard, Curry type shots. I want the dude that can always have a chance of hitting it regardless of the defense...meanwhile Bron got blocked by Kobe in that allstar game :oldlol:

Again though, I think it's either/or at this point. Obviously if Bron wins another chip he will be ahead
Literally one of the worst takes I've ever read on here

[Smoke117]

Saw both of their entire careers. I think it's close now that Bron won this year and wouldn't argue with someone who said Bron is ranked higher. I think for me personally, I'd still pick Kobe. I think that's just because I value someone who can be a one man team and I can count on for the last shot. Before all you Bron-stans post his go ahead baskets in the last minute during playoffs, I've see Kobe be the one making the Kyrie, Lillard, Curry type shots. I want the dude that can always have a chance of hitting it regardless of the defense...meanwhile Bron got blocked by Kobe in that allstar game :oldlol:

Again though, I think it's either/or at this point. Obviously if Bron wins another chip he will be ahead

Except...Kobe was never a one man team. We've seen what Kobe did as a one man team in 05 and 06. You know...when he was basically about to demand a trade for THE 2ND TIME. That's what I find funny about laker kobe dick suckers...Kobe was ready to leave your team at the whim in his prime if he could get a better team. Lakers just happened to luck out and get Pau. Kobe would have been gone if not for that trade.

[MadDog]

Saw both of their entire careers. I think it's close now that Bron won this year and wouldn't argue with someone who said Bron is ranked higher. I think for me personally, I'd still pick Kobe. I think that's just because I value someone who can be a one man team and I can count on for the last shot. Before all you Bron-stans post his go ahead baskets in the last minute during playoffs, I've see Kobe be the one making the Kyrie, Lillard, Curry type shots. I want the dude that can always have a chance of hitting it regardless of the defense...meanwhile Bron got blocked by Kobe in that allstar game :oldlol:

Again though, I think it's either/or at this point. Obviously if Bron wins another chip he will be ahead

Had Kobe quit on team after team or joined multiple stars/superstars, one after another, who knows? :confusedshrug: People underestimate what the does for your longevity (surrounded with better talent than 99% of the league and racking up easy numbers). I have LeBron>Kobe but will admit that its closer than most are willing to admit. Because of the teamhopping.

[Mr. Woke]

Obviously LeBron.

He is superior at basketball and more likable overall.

[kawhileonard2]

Obviously LeBron.

He is superior at basketball and more likable overall.

Is Lebron more likeable than Kobe?

[HoopsNY]

Had Kobe quit on team after team or joined multiple stars/superstars, one after another, who knows? :confusedshrug: People underestimate what the does for your longevity (surrounded with better talent than 99% of the league and racking up easy numbers). I have LeBron>Kobe but will admit that its closer than most are willing to admit. Because of the teamhopping.

It's not close. LeBron is clearly the better player.

[Dbrog]

Had Kobe quit on team after team or joined multiple stars/superstars, one after another, who knows? :confusedshrug: People underestimate what the does for your longevity (surrounded with better talent than 99% of the league and racking up easy numbers). I have LeBron>Kobe but will admit that its closer than most are willing to admit. Because of the teamhopping.

People on this message board will never admit to this. I'm not sure why they are so sensitive about everything Lebron. It's creepy tbh

[Run DLC]

Saw both of their entire careers. I think it's close now that Bron won this year and wouldn't argue with someone who said Bron is ranked higher. I think for me personally, I'd still pick Kobe. I think that's just because I value someone who can be a one man team and I can count on for the last shot. Before all you Bron-stans post his go ahead baskets in the last minute during playoffs, I've see Kobe be the one making the Kyrie, Lillard, Curry type shots. I want the dude that can always have a chance of hitting it regardless of the defense...meanwhile Bron got blocked by Kobe in that allstar game :oldlol:

Again though, I think it's either/or at this point. Obviously if Bron wins another chip he will be ahead

In other words, you prefer someone who can play hero/ISO-ball as opposed to someone who can give you the same amount of scoring on higher efficiency with greater all-around impact across the board.

[Kiddlovesnets]

Well Lebron is #2-4 all time and Kobe is consensus #12 all time, so Kobe has the higher ‘number’ mathematically for sure.

[Dbrog]

Except...Kobe was never a one man team. We've seen what Kobe did as a one man team in 05 and 06. You know...when he was basically about to demand a trade for THE 2ND TIME. That's what I find funny about laker kobe dick suckers...Kobe was ready to leave your team at the whim in his prime if he could get a better team. Lakers just happened to luck out and get Pau. Kobe would have been gone if not for that trade.

Kobe + Pau != Bron + Wade + Bosh or Bron + Davis or Bron + Kyrie + Love.

It's easy to win when you have elite talent and bypass the natural rebuilds that have to happen if you stay on one team...Kobe had one of the most legendary games vs Phoenix in 2006, granted he quit on his team after Smush Parker kept being a dumbass. I mean that Lakers team is the equivalent of an injured Wizards team today...and they made the 7th seed in the West. Anyway, I don't really need to justify my opinions to you. You have your opinions and I have mine. Just saying people are pretty blind on here if they think it's not even a close comparison

[Axe]

It's not close. LeBron is clearly the better player.
I concur. It's already explained in the older threads.

[3ball]

Kobe had goat jumpshooting skill - so this jumpshooting skill along with his more diverse on-ball, off-ball skills fit with more systems, teammates and got more from teammates

So he could win more with less.. aka he needed a Bosh-like player at 2nd option, while lebron needed him at 3rd

Among the top players, a pure scorer is always better than a pippen like lebron

[Axe]

Kobe had goat jumpshooting skill - so this jumpshooting skill along with his more diverse on-ball, off-ball skills fit with more systems, teammates and got more from teammates

So he could win more with less.. aka he needed a Bosh-like player at 2nd option, while lebron needed him at 3rd

Among the top players, a pure scorer is always better than a pippen like lebron
Pure scoring only? That's sad.

[SouBeachTalents]

Kobe had goat jumpshooting skill - so this jumpshooting skill along with his more diverse on-ball, off-ball skills fit with more systems, teammates and got more from teammates

So he could win more with less.. aka he needed a Bosh-like player at 2nd option, while lebron needed him at 3rd

Among the top players, a pure scorer is always better than a pippen like lebron
Funny how that pure scorer puts up less ppg on worse efficiency than that pippen

[tpols]

Kobe was better at basketball.

[HoopsNY]

Kobe was better at basketball.

Which aspects of basketball? Kobe is not the clutch player LeBron is, and has had far more underwhelming playoff/finals performances than LeBron.

While Kobe might edge him on scoring, he certainly isn't efficient while doing it. In addition, LeBron is the better passer and help defender. Kobe has him on lockdown defense, but that's about it.

I liked Kobe, but he is vastly overrated.

[Mr. Woke]

King James obviously.

Better player and a more likable human being.

[dankok8]

Honestly Kobe is getting underrated at this point by a lot of people. Lebron is better but the gap isn't big. It's also funny how longevity is such a huge factor in people's rankings but with Kobe his almost 15-year prime is totally ignored. You can easily justify putting Kobe over a guy like Bird who was better at his best but had a short prime. Or Hakeem who had lesser accomplishments. Or Duncan whose impact stats and basically all accomplishments are dead even.

I can also agree with posters who say that Kobe can fit a lot of teams very well. His skillset really didn't lack anything and there isn't enough to be said about that. He can beat people of the dribble, finish strong at the rim, work the post, hit the midrange, work the 3pts... and play off ball. Kobe didn't need to hold the ball to be effective. There aren't too many dudes to put up 30/5/5 in their primes and play great defense when it matters. UNDERRATED...

[HoopsNY]

Honestly Kobe is getting underrated at this point by a lot of people. Lebron is better but the gap isn't big. It's also funny how longevity is such a huge factor in people's rankings but with Kobe his almost 15-year prime is totally ignored. You can easily justify putting Kobe over a guy like Bird who was better at his best but had a short prime. Or Hakeem who had lesser accomplishments. Or Duncan whose impact stats and basically all accomplishments are dead even.

I can also agree with posters who say that Kobe can fit a lot of teams very well. His skillset really didn't lack anything and there isn't enough to be said about that. He can beat people of the dribble, finish strong at the rim, work the post, hit the midrange, work the 3pts... and play off ball. Kobe didn't need to hold the ball to be effective. There aren't too many dudes to put up 30/5/5 in their primes and play great defense when it matters. UNDERRATED...

I think most people recognize that. But when comparing him to other all-time greats, he doesn't stack up. Guys like MJ, Kareem, Bird, LeBron, Magic, and even Shaq are in a tier of their own. Kobe is in the next tier, which is of no shame.

However, when comparing him to LeBron alone, one cannot overlook certain things, such as high volume shooting with inefficient numbers, lower clutch stats, and underwhelming performances when it mattered the most.

[Stanley Kobrick]

it seems everyone has lebron ranked around top 1-2 and kobe roughly 11-15th. so i too agree, i have lebron above kobe

[dankok8]

I think most people recognize that. But when comparing him to other all-time greats, he doesn't stack up. Guys like MJ, Kareem, Bird, LeBron, Magic, and even Shaq are in a tier of their own. Kobe is in the next tier, which is of no shame.

However, when comparing him to LeBron alone, one cannot overlook certain things, such as high volume shooting with inefficient numbers, lower clutch stats, and underwhelming performances when it mattered the most.

I'm not sure guys like Bird, Shaq etc. have a higher career value than Kobe meaning I'm not sure if I draft those guys that they'll lead me to more titles than Kobe. Bird just wasn't durable and Shaq didn't care half the time. I have them ranked higher than Kobe because I'm lower on longevity than most but there is an argument to be made for Kobe above everyone except MJ, Kareem, Russell and Lebron IMO. I have him ranked #11 all time but I can justify a ranking as high as #5. I don't see how anyone who has Lebron #2 all time can have Kobe below Bird. It doesn't make sense.

I think Kobe's playoff performances are underrated. He struggled at times in the finals against East teams for some reason but dominated against West teams like the Spurs, Kings, Blazers who were better teams. Lower clutch stats than Lebron? Actually they are pretty dead even in that. Lebron is the better all-around player and that's why he gets the edge but it's not a big gap between Kobe and anyone.

[MadDog]

People on this message board will never admit to this. I'm not sure why they are so sensitive about everything Lebron. It's creepy tbh

Its nonsense dude. They think their guy is the only player who would've been successful with THE BEST talent. :oldlol: Give most of the Top 20 quality/better talent than everyone else and they'd be looked at differently too. Like, do people REALLY think Kobe, Durant or ringless players like Barkley and Malone wouldn't destroy the league with Prime Wade and Bosh? That they couldn't win with PEAK AD? :confusedshrug: These guys aren't basketball fans, and only operate in their safe space.

[Gus Hemmingway]

Its nonsense dude. They think their guy is the only player who would've been successful with THE BEST talent. :oldlol: Give most of the Top 20 quality/better talent than everyone else and they'd be looked at differently too. Like, do people REALLY think Kobe, Durant or ringless players like Barkley and Malone wouldn't destroy the league with Prime Wade and Bosh? That they couldn't win with PEAK AD? :confusedshrug: These guys aren't basketball fans, and only operate in their safe space.


Why couldn’t Cousins and Rondo win with Peak AD?

[Dbrog]

Why couldn’t Cousins and Rondo win with Peak AD?

You mean the Cousins that even lord and savior Bron couldn't get playing time on the Lakers? Why are you bringing up such an idiotic example?

[3ball]

Kobe/MJ would play the "curry" role in today's game .. Or the "dirk" role, or "duncan" role.... Kobe's skillset allowed the kinds of brands that they ran, and lebron has a lottery record against these brands/teams (mavs, spurs, warriors)

So Kobe is far superior to lebron

[Axe]

Kobe/MJ would play the "curry" role in today's game .. Or the "dirk" role, or "duncan" role.... Kobe's skillset allowed the kinds of brands that they ran, and lebron has a lottery record against these brands/teams (mavs, spurs, warriors)

So Kobe is far superior to lebron
Funny how both players haven't won anything outside of phil jackson's tutelage