Kobe has become Jordan and LeBron has become Kobe

In the midst of another scintillating performance by LeBron in the All Star game, claiming his second MVP in three years, Kobe played just three minutes. Now why do I talk about these two? Because these two are simply the best in the game at any facet. But what separates them from each other is their position in the basketball world right now. Before, Kobe would be the lone weapon the Lakers will turn to in order for them to get a hardfought W. He will hoist up 20-30 shots per game to compensate for the lack of offense his teammates are giving him. He simply is the most dangerous player on the court, but what kills his team is the inability of his teammates to contribute in different facets of the game. it was simply a one-man team. This is what LeBron has become right now. He the best slasher in the game with a lethal combination of speed, power, athleticism and gusto. He has definitely improved on his jumpshot and his range but has to make his freethrows too. But what about his team? In the weak East, no one among his teammates stand out. Zydrunas Ilgauskas? Yeah he stands 7'3" and rebounds a lot... Maybe because he is freaking 7'3"! Drew Gooden? I haven't even saw his last great game. Too inconsistent and disappears in games. Larry Hughes? One good game won't get you high praises in my book. Consistency is the name of the game. If you can continue that for 82 games, that is. Daniel Gibson? He is the one who has "star-potential" in LeBron's teammates. A flashy guard with dead-eye shooting... well, most of the time. But who else? That is why LeBron is averaging a league high in points because no else in his team....

except that jordan's championship runs didn't have to go up against kobe's lakers.

it's quite possible that lebron will get some help on his team (or leave cleveland), and a titanic battle between lebron and kobe's teams may result in one of the most hyped NBA finals ever. and the results of that finals will ultimately crown either kobe or lebron as the best player in the NBA.

that'd be the day.

That appears the way the NBA is headed. Whether by David Stern's design, or some other NBA conspiracy, the NBA is not gonna sit idly by while the best athletes in the world labor in the shadow of the NFL. Rivalries make leagues. And for too long, the best NBA rivalries -- Lakers-Celts, Kobe-LeBron, Chicago-NY -- have been destroyed, condemned to play in the shadows of the Ultimate Dull Team, Tim Dullcan's Spurs. I would not pay one dollar to see the King Of Boredom and his unwatchable Spurs. (And Eva ain't all that; imagine her without makeup? Uggh!)

Well, now we are on the right track. This will be one amazing post-season. Shaq vs Kobe, Kobe vs. LeBron, Lakers-Celtics final.

And the best part of all of this is that we will win!!!

Go Lakers!

Lebron James will never be Kobe Bryant! never!

Nice Post Pare! You nailed it right in the head.

Jordan belonged to a time where only a handful of teams were the clear favorites to make it deep. The rest were scrap. The East simply did not pose enough challenge to strain Jordan and the West was shaky as well. When it came down to it, Jordan's very good team dominated and had plenty of rest.

Kobe's time is different. Remember that Kobe peaked 2 years after playing for Phil and was the beta sidekick of Shaq. Little by little he inched closer to greatness as the teams concentrated on the big guy and Kobe did all the other things necessary to win. He had a little more luxury but he has more bumps now.

LeBron's time will come. I say he is the next best thing and his personality makes him better than Kobe in the media's eyes. Hate all you want but LeBron's star will shine brightest only when Kobe will step down. But I say, he is very good nevertheless.

When it comes down to the final possession, 5 seconds to play and down by one on the Finals game 7, who do you trust the ball with?...

I thought so too.

Luke Walton?

As for Randy's post, I agree. Maybe if the media knew this they would understand that Kobe is the better player with the better team. If kobe had to rack up 50 points because he couldn't do it, then we needed some changes and we got the changes. Unfortunately for Lebron, he is going through Kobe's foot steps, throwing up triple doubles to save their team from losses to Minnesota or Denver..

I really believe that Lebron will end up in New York. That is what the NBA wants.

I want to beat the Suns in the playoffs so Kobe can say, "I think Raja Bell needs a hug."

Then, beat the Spurs so we don't have to see Eva every "F"ing 10 seconds.

You don't want to see this?

Something is wrong with you, man....

lol

lol... How is Tony Parker so LUCKY! lol

Wow...I think that is the best pic of her I have ever seen. Nice job man!

lol.... someone had to knock some sense into the guy... and i delivered the "knockout"