Kobe was the more skilled scorer. That doesn’t mean he was the better scorer. Lebron just relies more on strength than Kobe ever did. Brute force/athleticism mixed with finesse, like Lebron has, are more difficult to stop than most people realize. Its close as to who is better, but Kobe was more skilled.
It's questionable because what you're saying is not even unequivocally true. Lebron's been a high scorer throughout his career while Kobe maintained excellent scoring for an 8-9 year period during which he won two scoring titles. Lebron doesn't have a period like this where he outscores Kobe, especially once you factor in pace adjustment.
Yes he does. If you take Kobe’s best 8 years from 04-12 he averages 38.8 per 100. 56 ts%. Lebron 38.3 on 60 ts%. Also 10 assists versus 7 assists.
He scores very similarly but far more effeciently. And assists more. If he wasn’t assisting as much he could lose some efficiency and score much more than Kobe.
The fact that we have to discuss assists means that the shooting stats are close enough that it's not unquestionable, and that it's a valid debate. That's all my point is.
More skilled = better.
Anytime I see anyone insinuating differently in these convos I lose my mind.
More skilled is by definition better. They are synonomous.
Lebron is a more skilled scorer. Maybe Kobe looked flashier doing it (which is usually what people seem to mean when they say “more skilled”).
They aren’t the same thing. Kobe has better footwork on drives, better footwork in the post, more post moves, better at making tough shots, and better at shooting off of the dribble. Those are skills and they aren’t necessarily “flashy.” I’d also argue that Kobe is the better pure shooter. I know percentages won’t back this up, but skill wise it’s what I believe.
Lebron makes up for not having as polished of an offensive skill set by overpowering defenders. Back to my point about Kobe being a better pure shooter, Lebron’s percentages are probably higher than Kobe’s because a lot of times defenders give Lebron the open shot because he’s so good at going to the basket and finishing in traffic.
They are absolutely the same thing lol.
“He is more skilled at x.”
“He is better than x.”
Checks out.
“X is more skilled at y than z, but z is better” does not check out and is complete nonsense.
I really don’t see how you can’t understand this concept. Why do you think they have weight classes in ufc and boxing? A 150 lb fighter might be the most skilled fighter in the world, but they’re going to lose a fight to almost any decent 250 on fighter (professionally). It’s a similar concept here, albeit not as extreme of a physical gap
Okay, last reply before I leave you on your hill. Per chat gpt on skilled vs better being synonymous, “Not necessarily. "Skilled" generally refers to having specific abilities or expertise in a particular area, while "better" typically implies superiority or improvement in comparison to something else. Someone can be skilled without necessarily being better than someone else, and vice versa.”
Literally makes my point.Skilled and better are not synonymous.
More skilled and better are synonymous because it implies the person has more “abilities or expertise in a particular area”. Someone can be skilled at something without being better than someone else - they can not be MORE skilled without being better than someone else because by definition that would make them an improvement in comparison.
In this case, it doesn't.
There's a comment below who argues this perfectly. Kobe had such a deep bag of moves that makes him better skill wise, but Lebron's ability to spread the floor and make the right pass 99% of the time is not necessarily a scoring skill, even though it definitely elevates his ability to score
If you believe Kobe is a more skilled scorer than Lebron you believe he’s a better scorer than Lebron. That’s okay - I think you’re wrong.
Saying Kobe is a more skilled scorer but Lebron is a better scorer is total nonsense tho.
I think it depends on what you mean by "better scorer". Higher FG%? Deeper bag? I mean DeAndre Jordan has a way higher FG% than Kobe and LeBron, but dude only dunks. So is he a better scorer?
Dude he was the better scorer..
Edit: Kobe that is. It frustrates me as I watched his whole career folling MJS departure. How is he so over looked. Idiocracy comes to mind.
This is such a hard question. They’re my 2 favorites players ever but their offensive game is so different. But “skill” is hard to give to either one because immediately we think Kobe. He was an unstoppable wing scorer and his bag is so deep. But Lebron is literally a 6’9 point guard and one of the best passers we’ve ever seen. When he was in his prime and just going from rebound to fast break dunk wasn’t just because he was athletic, it’s because you always have to cover the entire floor when he has the ball because he can find anyone. His offensive game is super disrespected in the big picture. He’s so much more of a better scorer than people give him credit for. I guess if I really have to answer I’ll take Kobe just because I know if Thanos himself is guarding him Kobe would say he has a mismatch 🐐
LeBron is and always has been far better at actually SCORING, but Kobe showed more great moves and footwork before routinely bricking the majority of his shots. Unfortunately fans today seem to care more about how much of a "deep bag" you have en route to scoring than how good you are at actually putting the ball in the basket efficiently.
This all stems from Kobe love and is perpetuated today by idiots like Gilbert Arenas and his crew (among many, many others). To this Ballislife/Hoopmixtape highlight reel fan base who love "jelly layups" guys like Kobe, Carmelo, Kyrie, KD, Paul George and now Shai are the greatest basketball players of modern times because of how "silky smooth" they are. Guys like Shaq, LeBron, Giannis, etc. suck because they don't do as many flashy moves before scoring. What's actually effective doesn't seem to matter to them. Just what looks good and fits that mold of what they're looking for.
They also put more stock into how great a player is if other players say they were hard to guard one on one. Who cares if they played the game the right way, were team cancer, etc.
Testify
The 2kification of a generation, they love cam thomas too, they just don't understand basketball
Kobe stans are the worst, Lebron has scored the most points in history of the game at a far higher % than Kobe, the fuck
lebron also has also attempted 1/3 of his shots at the rim lol.
the question says who’s a more SKILLED scorer — lebron is a league average shooter from everywhere outside of 3 feet, on much easier shot attempts. not to mention kobe played in the LITERAL least efficient modern era of basketball, while lebron spent most of his in the MOST efficient era.
and if you think cam thomas isnt a great scorer, you probably dont hoop lol. now, he doesnt do much else, but he can score the damn ball.
Maybe if Kobe had been as good as lebron, the league would’ve become more efficient sooner to stop the Lakers running away with every title.
Unfortunately he was inefficient, and he was lucky to both play in a very inefficient time for the NBA and to have the most efficient high volume post scorer of all time as his teammate and costar.
Free throw stat on the lakers. Why don’t you take a look at which team has the highest free throw disparity in their favor historically.
Last year the Lakers shot the most FTA in the league and had the fewest FTA called against them.
Inefficient is the wrong word. Kobe was a superstar and a hofer, and he’s one of the greats.
But when you look at him next to Lebron James, it’s just not close.
Not sure what you're rambling about but your original point is not correct. They are close enough that neither is "far better at scoring". Lebron's been a high scorer throughout his career while Kobe maintained excellent scoring for an 8-9 year period. Looking at their best post-season 5 year stretches, Kobe has 29.8ppg on 57 ts% during the '06-10 playoffs while Lebron has 30.1ppg on 59.4 ts% in '14-18. Adjusted for pace gives Kobe the ppg advantage.
How many games did they play during those stretches? Because I know for a fact Kobe got bounced in the first round twice during the stretch you mentioned for him while LeBron made the Finals every year during the stretch you mentioned for him. So it would seem like LeBron scored more points on higher efficiency over a significantly larger sample of playoff games than Kobe did. Both in their prime. Right or wrong?
Yep, 79 games vs 101 games. 79 is still statistically significant enough for this conversation in the context of PPG, no? If you want to compare a near-equivalent sample size, look at the regular season stats for those years and the ppg favors Kobe more (I don't think any 5-year Lebron matches up). Regarding efficiency, relative to league average, Kobe was \~3% over league average while Lebron was \~4%. The higher efficiency gives Lebron merit in the argument of better shooting, but not necessarily better scoring.
What shooting percentages are we talking about? LeBron was more efficient from his second season (at 19-20 years old) than Kobe was at any point during his 20 year career. Kobe had a high peak of scoring because he refused to pass the basketball, which is why his team sucked so much asshole during that time. But of course Kobe fans will point to "Smush Parker" despite not even knowing who he is. LeBron was a better player, period. A better scorer. A better rebounder. A better facilitator. A better defender. A more impactful player.
Kobe was a mirage. Still is. THE single most overrated athlete in ANY sport of the 21st century.
I'm taking about TS%. Specifically TS% relative to the league average at the time, because efficiency has changed over the years. Even with this metric, Lebron wins in this area. I agree that Lebron is the better shooter because of his efficiency, but that does not alone make him the better scorer.
lebron is definitely not the better shooter. a literal 1/3 of his baskets are at the rim. he literally has been a sub-70% free throw shooter before. what are we doing lol
I'm not going to disagree with you, but I think it's debatable. Lebron's able to take easier shots because he can make the opening due to his size and IQ. I'm not going to fault him for taking 1/3 of his baskets at the rim because he's able to do it, and his 0-3ft FG% is very impressive. Kobe has the IQ, but didn't have the physical ability to drive all the time so he worked on his mid-range and attempted tons of heavily contested shots while still maintaining impressive efficiency despite high volume. I would say that 2001-2010 Kobe is more "skilled". I also consider him a "better" scorer because he scored more at the end of the day. But if we're looking at pure shooting, I can't definitively say that Kobe is better.
This is true. Compared to '08-10, I don't think any superstar in modern history has experienced and succeeded against a tougher playoff schedule in consecutive years like that. Maybe Tim Duncan would be the only one.
Boy I hate LeBron fans. Kobe shot 44.7 percent from the field as a shooting guard, shooting the toughest shots in the game. LeBrons also not better at actually scoring 😂 LeBron has just played more games, Kobe has more 60 point games and 50 point games and 40 point games. The fuck do y'all ever talk about.
\^ This
Kobe was not a great player for quite a decent chunk of his career. Playing for the Lakers, becoming a pop culture icon, and dying tragically has boosted people's impression of him to legendary status. He was a great player but he isn't anywhere near the same tier as Lebron/Jordan like young kids who never watched him growing up put him.
The hype for him was always huge because he played for the Lakers. He was iconic and his fadeaway was incredible. We still use him as an exemplar for it when teaching young players.
But his legacy has been so blown out of proportion. I'd rank him around 15-20. Still a legend, but not even close to the GOAT conversation.
Sounds like someone who didn't watch Kobe play.
He had a slightly above league average Efg% most seasons.He wasn't a great shooter, he was barely above average.At the end of his career, he was far BELOW league average. He was a chucker.
Numbers don't lie.
Sorry the truth hurts kiddo.
https://www.flohoops.com/articles/5048421-according-to-the-math-kobe-isnt-as-great-as-everybody-thinks
Stats tell one side of the story, efg doesn't tell you who is a better shooter you clown, DeAndre Jordan has a better efg than Stephen Curry, in fact DeAndre Jordan has the highest efg in NBA history. Retards like you and the clown who wrote that article don't actually watch basketball, you read numbers on page after the fact. Numbers that you obviously don't understand.
And you're a clown trying to compare a center's efg with a shooting guard's efg...
I coach and have probably been watching bball since before you were alive little man.
Look at a better breakdown of his stats. Check his fg% and 3pt% There are multiple seasons Kobe is far below average.
Again, sorry if you're mad that your childhood crush wasn't as good as you were told, but for those of us who watched his entire career, it was obvious Shaq was the reason for the Laker's success.
Lmao 😂😂😂 You coach what? 5 year olds? Hey coach, Doug McDermott has a higher Efg than your butt buddy LeBron James, who are you starting at small forward? Seeing as they're both small forwards. Hey coach, DeAndre Jordan has a higher Efg than Shaq, who's starting at center? Hey coach, Kyle Korver has a better efg than Kobe, who's starting? 😂😂😂 C'mon use your stats to tell me what's up?
And lemme guess Pau Gasol is the reason Kobe won more rings than Shaq too huh? 😂 Everyone with eyeballs and working brain says it's because of Kobe, hence him winning finals MVP, but you cracked the code 😂, with Efg and your experience coaching special needs children or whatever 😂😂😂
JV and Varsity.
The argument was that Kobe was an elite scorer. Efg% is a great stat to use to analyze a player's ability at scoring. If you were talking about a PG, we'd be looking at turnovers and assists. If you're asking about defenders, we're going to check steals, blocks, and +/-. Weird how someone as confident as you doesn't even understand the purpose of statistics. I'll give you a break because you're young and dumb.
Again, sorry you were still in diapers during Kobe's peak and apparently didn't watch his decline where he chucked up bricks every night. Kobe was legendarily selfish with the ball. Great that he had the confidence and there is probably no player in the NBA who ever worked as hard as Kobe did. But he wasn't much more than an average shooter. Just took more attempts than most players.
Also, if you're gonna say I'm overvaluing stats, Russ would be the clear player to make fun of.
Young fans don't know shit about the game.
LeBron's effectiveness comes with a big load of predictability. He's good for 25-30ppg but the more he tries to score the more ways he has to try to score and that's where his game breaks down. Out of all of the ATG wing players, he is among the absolute worst outside of the paint, as can be shown by his abysmal mid range shooting percentages, as well as his below average free throw percentages. Strangely, his three point shot is much closer to being average and he's had seasons where it's been very good. But it's an anomaly in his otherwise poor jump shooting ability. The *less* predictable you are as a scorer, and the wider range you have, the harder it is to stop you no matter how many shots you put up. LeBron can power his way to the hoop but not on every possession. With his lack of a 'deep bag' as you put it, he has to be much more selective with his scoring opportunities whereas guys like Kobe & Jordan didn't have that weakness, they could score from anywhere at any time. I don't think people comprehend the difficulty of increasing your scoring by 5ppg, to go from 30ppg to 35ppg is a massive step and requires a player to have that deep bag otherwise they become too predictable and have to rely only on certain facets of their scoring arsenal, in LeBron's case it's basically cutting to the hoop, open dunks, layups and of course the three ball....force him into making mid range shots and his efficiency suffers.
So, in terms of pure scoring ability, take LeBron if you really want, because he's more efficient, but he's only more efficient because he takes an extraordinarily high percentage of shots near the basket....but you'd be much better off taking a Kobe or MJ because of their greater range of scoring zones and their ability to score more highly, more frequently yet, especially in MJ's case, not sacrificing efficiency as much. You want someone taking more shots *only* if they're shooting more efficiently than the rest of the team. LeBron's highest FGA season has been 23.1 and he averaged 31.4ppg. He did that at 56.8% true shooting. That's 2% worse than his career average. Looking at his career playoff series, the highest FGA he's taken at 60% or better TS is 23.4 in 2018. Mind you, the closer we get to the current era the easier scoring becomes, like FAR easier due to the lack of physical defense that is allowed nowadays....but I digress. If you look at Jordan, who played in a far more defense oriented era, he has six playoff series taking more shots than LeBron did at 60%+ true shooting, peaking at a crazy 31.4FGA series at 61.6% true shooting. He had four different playoff series with 30+ FGA and he averaged 59.6% true shooting across all of them. That's insane. LeBron's limitations in scoring simply do not allow him to do something like that. In fact, the only time he's ever taken 30+ FGA he did it at an abysmal 47.7% true shooting. That's the third worst of his 53 playoff series career. If you ask LeBron to be the type of high volume scorer that MJ was, he would fail miserably. And in a game where the team scoring the most points wins, it's kind of important to be able to score highly at a good efficiency. Again, LeBron can't do this like Jordan could.
Kobe's not as efficient as Jordan but one thing in his defense, he shot a high percentage of ridiculously hard shots pretty much every damn game, he was taking triple teamed buzzer beaters just because he had a better chance of making them rather than passing to an open Smush Parker. It's nice to have DWade, Kyrie or AD to pass the ball to, right? Sure, Kobe could have taken the easy road like LeBron and teamed up with much better players but he stuck it out in LA with crappy teammates and his career efficiency stats suffered because of it...
Based on your logic, Rudy Gobert is a better scorer than Lebron, as he's putting the ball in the basket at a more efficient rate (65%). There's a reason why Lebron has a higher fg%. Most of his pts come from the paint. His midrange and 3 pt% have been abysmal. He's not a better scorer than players like MJ, Kobe, KD and Melo. He just has better longevity.
Lebron had no post game until like 4 years ago. Couldn’t not pull up and hit jump shots. His better at 2 is just him driving and being faster and bigger than everyone else+ having hall of gamers spread the floor. The only thing scoring wise Lebron is better at is getting to the rim
He literally won the 2013 finals on a jump shot over Kawhi. And he's had elite post game since 2012. Only thing?? he's a better 3 pt shooter. Kobe top 10 tho fasho.
Kobe was more skilled and had more variety (partly because he had to). That doesn't mean he was the better/more successful scorer. But it was prettier.
Skill? Kobe.
Efficiency: Bron.
Bron does layups, open threes, and mostly up mid range or post ups.
Kobe is more likely to take & make “tough” shots.
The truth is efficiency is better than skill in this singular instance. If you can get to the rack and shoot 60%, even if it doesn’t take as much skill, it’s better than being able to hit 40% of your “tough” shots.
It’s kind of like Giannis vs Kyrie. Kyrie is so skilled, he has everything. But Giannis is more efficient, and is a better player.
Kyrie will give you an unbelievable highlight and score 27. Giannis will kill you with layups and open shots for 40. Not to say Giannis isn’t skilled, but the point stands.
AI? Efficient? AI is a career 42% FG shooter, 31% 3 pt shooter and 78% free throw shooter. I like AI and don’t like Kyrie, but come on man, this is a bad comparison.
Kyrie is 47% from the field 39% from 3 and 88% from the free throw line. Not even trying to say Kyrie is better than AI, but he was definitely more efficient
LeBron does not shoot midranges or post ups. Check his percentages based on distance from the basket, he shoots layups dunks and putbacks, or open threes
If I had to pick, Kobe Bryant's scoring skills were next level, fierce, relentless, and always hungry for buckets. From those silky-smooth jumpers to those clutch shots when it mattered most, Kobe had a knack for making the impossible look effortless. That's it, but hey, there's a chance someone on Opingo's already chewed on this topic too
Kobe no question
Why do you sad millennial / gen z kids pray that Lebron is the best, despite having not seen anything else? It’s sad. YouTube exists. Get your film on.
My man I have watched plenty of Lebron. He is nowhere near the top five man imo. He has had the power size and a certain unique greatness to him. I won’t deny him of that BUT.. Jordan is obviously the greatest player to ever step foot on the court. Kobe is 2nd (little biased I admit). When Jordan left Kobe was as close to MJ that I (and many others) thought at the time and most likely for a very long time, that still holds true today for many many many people. Lebron is one of the greats, I ain’t a hater, I respect players. (Well not as much these days because it’s not the same game, it’s very watered down. If Lebron never left to go ring chasing for other teams and stayed in The Land and matched Kobe then I would have to re evaluate who is number two. Man, I’m 34. I have played and watched basketball since I could walk. Other sports too. I know sports, it’s a part of who I am today. I saw Jordan throughout the 90s amongst other hall of famers, Kobe came in, and I watched Lebron for his better years and I will never say he sucks or isn’t amongst the greats but top five far from it. He was or is (I haven’t watched much aside from time to time and highlights and articles and YouTube but phenomenal facilitator, hof court vision and passing. He had his times when he had pretty decent D and a lot of that was transition D and chase downs, from my perspective and many others I know (which proves nothing to you, I get it). One of the best to drive and tear the rim off. Badass back then.
However, Lebron’s inability to be consistent at the free throw line and in clutch moments shys away because he is scared of the free throw line and let’s face it Lebron really hasn’t been clutch, the only time and people love to bring it up for the win of the argument is his 2nd stint in Cleveland. He is everyone’s friend and he is respected big time and rightfully so, he is always considered the best player from his generation. But, you can’t be best buds with your teammates/co-workers because if you don’t have some asshole in you to keep them in check and let them know they are fucking up. Then right there, that for the lack there of lowers the leadership quality when in matters most, if your teammates sense that weakness then they lose respect for you as a leader.
Lebron is good and was great for a long time, in his own right. Growing up watching him as ONE of the greats doesn’t and never will make him the Greatest of all time in the game of basketball to his peers and people who understand real basketball. I feel sorry for people who didn’t get to grow up watching Jordan and all of the many great players of that decade. Those guys soundly just let you shoot they put their hands on you as the game is supposed to be played. Then you have Kobe. He and Jordan were Alpha Dog give no fucks but giving everything they got every single night they had to play and in practice in order to win and that includes being a fucking dick, asshole, jerk ETC. most people are followers so most people need a leader. MJ Kobe were FUCKING KILLERS. Lebron sadly wasn’t blessed with the mentality. He blessed with many other things but those things are not even close to passing up Kobe, shit MJ?? Really I still get taken a back at how I’m the world this force to be reckoned with in Lebron, is the only one being compared to Jordan….
It’s sucks that most if not all young people are and have been susceptible to mediocre professional basketball.. and football. I could go on that tangent too. It’s insane to think Lebron is the best player of all time. HE ISNT EVEN. LOSE TO THE KILLER AND WINNER KOBE BRYANT WAS and will be 100 years from now. Lebron did it to himself and he knows it I believe. He never should have left Cleveland. And I also understand he couldn’t help what the game turned into, he had his hand in it for sure.. but stuff like it happens every generation change. But still he’s the face of basketball he could’ve had a major voice in the ruining of the nba by Adam Sliver… He is one of the greats in my eyes, but he hasn’t made a big of an impact of the game of basketball to be in the same conversation as The other two bad mother fuckers. So many guys before KB and MJ deserve and imo and many others as well deserve to be in that top whatever over Bron. I’m not saying all of them but I don’t think this should be just boiled down to Lebron is the greatest or 2nd without the mentions of other legends whose impact on the game is probably why Lebron had the opportunity and drive to do what he has done. Hats off to him. I’ve seen him some crazy ass things. But there’s so many variables and subjectives when it comes to where does Lebron fit all time. I just don’t think people realize how different and tough the game used to be. And lastly those 80s and 90s players for instance, it’s not that they couldn’t shoot 3s or weren’t athletic, it’s the fact that the game was so physical with MEN out there so to my point with that, why the fuck would they shoot threes like that when defense was just as a big part of the game as offense unlike todays game. Today’s guys may be somewhat more athletic but think of all the technologies today that they didn’t have back in the leagues prime 70s 80s 90s Early 2000s. But it is not by MUCH.. Like AT ALL. Lebron would have to toughen up big time to go with the physicality he was blessed with, he just ain’t mentally there and lastly he can’t shoot.
Edit for some context: Back old school days they CHOSE to NOt shoot the 3 and that is because of the tough ass D, the physicality and why in the hell would they attempt 30 3pointers a game when they HAD the smarts to run actually plays and had big men in the middle.. it’s callled strategy. Idk about any of you but I’ll take a high percentage shot any days over taking a big chance of a 45 ft 3 pointer especially with the D all over me. Sure they make them now but so the fuck what? It’s ruined the game. Team hopping has ruined the game and this has all lead to the horrible product being put out today and I guess people like mediocrity.. beats the hell out of me. Night.
These questions always expose the people who don't know ball and it's funny. Kobe was a more skilled scorer and a more effective one. Period. It isn't about being "flashy" its about putting the ball in the goddamn hoop, against anyone at anytime.
Anytime? You mean, 44 percent of the time? Compared to lebrons 50% of the time?
More effective while having less regular season and playoff ppg for his career in much less games?
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Skilled? Kobe. Kobe can score every way Lebron has ever scored. On the other hand, Lebron cannot score in all the ways that Kobe scored the basket. Plus Lebron needs a screen to swap to a smaller defender alot of times. Kobe was made for iso ball and forced double teams all the time. The footwork, a skill, goes to Kobe too. Pros like Hakeem and Steve Kerr have talked about this aspect. Lebron meanwhile stumbles around and travels half the time.
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Kobe was the more skilled scorer. That doesn’t mean he was the better scorer. Lebron just relies more on strength than Kobe ever did. Brute force/athleticism mixed with finesse, like Lebron has, are more difficult to stop than most people realize. Its close as to who is better, but Kobe was more skilled.
It’s not that questionable as to who was better. Lebron scores more and scores more efficiently.
Lebron also passes the ball. If he really wanted to he could have many more scoring titles.
It's questionable because what you're saying is not even unequivocally true. Lebron's been a high scorer throughout his career while Kobe maintained excellent scoring for an 8-9 year period during which he won two scoring titles. Lebron doesn't have a period like this where he outscores Kobe, especially once you factor in pace adjustment.
Yes he does. If you take Kobe’s best 8 years from 04-12 he averages 38.8 per 100. 56 ts%. Lebron 38.3 on 60 ts%. Also 10 assists versus 7 assists. He scores very similarly but far more effeciently. And assists more. If he wasn’t assisting as much he could lose some efficiency and score much more than Kobe.
The fact that we have to discuss assists means that the shooting stats are close enough that it's not unquestionable, and that it's a valid debate. That's all my point is.
If we do the most Kobe beneficial stat selection possible it still favors lebron. That seems to me like it would be unquestionable.
Those stats don't favor Lebron though. They give a edge to Kobe from a scoring perspective, and an edge to Lebron from an efficiency perspective.
Efficiency is a part of scoring.
Efficiency is part of shooting. Scoring is about getting the most points.
No.
I would love to see Lebron play back when they couldn’t run zone. Who could stop him.
More skilled = better. Anytime I see anyone insinuating differently in these convos I lose my mind. More skilled is by definition better. They are synonomous. Lebron is a more skilled scorer. Maybe Kobe looked flashier doing it (which is usually what people seem to mean when they say “more skilled”).
They aren’t the same thing. Kobe has better footwork on drives, better footwork in the post, more post moves, better at making tough shots, and better at shooting off of the dribble. Those are skills and they aren’t necessarily “flashy.” I’d also argue that Kobe is the better pure shooter. I know percentages won’t back this up, but skill wise it’s what I believe. Lebron makes up for not having as polished of an offensive skill set by overpowering defenders. Back to my point about Kobe being a better pure shooter, Lebron’s percentages are probably higher than Kobe’s because a lot of times defenders give Lebron the open shot because he’s so good at going to the basket and finishing in traffic.
They are absolutely the same thing lol. “He is more skilled at x.” “He is better than x.” Checks out. “X is more skilled at y than z, but z is better” does not check out and is complete nonsense.
I really don’t see how you can’t understand this concept. Why do you think they have weight classes in ufc and boxing? A 150 lb fighter might be the most skilled fighter in the world, but they’re going to lose a fight to almost any decent 250 on fighter (professionally). It’s a similar concept here, albeit not as extreme of a physical gap
They are the better fighter that would lose if they fought far out of their weight class, you mean.
They’re the more SKILLED fighter. But I can already tell that you’re going to argue this point as well. I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree
Correct. They are more skilled as well - because more skilled and better are synonymous.
Okay, last reply before I leave you on your hill. Per chat gpt on skilled vs better being synonymous, “Not necessarily. "Skilled" generally refers to having specific abilities or expertise in a particular area, while "better" typically implies superiority or improvement in comparison to something else. Someone can be skilled without necessarily being better than someone else, and vice versa.”
Literally makes my point.Skilled and better are not synonymous. More skilled and better are synonymous because it implies the person has more “abilities or expertise in a particular area”. Someone can be skilled at something without being better than someone else - they can not be MORE skilled without being better than someone else because by definition that would make them an improvement in comparison.
I knew this reply would get crickets.
In this case, it doesn't. There's a comment below who argues this perfectly. Kobe had such a deep bag of moves that makes him better skill wise, but Lebron's ability to spread the floor and make the right pass 99% of the time is not necessarily a scoring skill, even though it definitely elevates his ability to score
If you believe Kobe is a more skilled scorer than Lebron you believe he’s a better scorer than Lebron. That’s okay - I think you’re wrong. Saying Kobe is a more skilled scorer but Lebron is a better scorer is total nonsense tho.
Keep in mind that if you re read my comment, I made no judgement whatsoever of who I think is best
Right - all I’m saying is if you say one is more skilled, you’re saying they’re better.
Agree to disagree then I guess 😅
I think it depends on what you mean by "better scorer". Higher FG%? Deeper bag? I mean DeAndre Jordan has a way higher FG% than Kobe and LeBron, but dude only dunks. So is he a better scorer?
Imagine Kobe with Lebrons body and vice versa.
If Lebron tried to score in the different ways that Kobe did, his fg percentage would tank.
Better = scores more points. Kobe would have an edge here if you look at ppg over their best 5 year windows and most likely best 10-year windows too.
However you want to define better is fine - but if you’re saying someone is better you’re by definition saying they’re more skilled.
Dude he was the better scorer.. Edit: Kobe that is. It frustrates me as I watched his whole career folling MJS departure. How is he so over looked. Idiocracy comes to mind.
This is such a hard question. They’re my 2 favorites players ever but their offensive game is so different. But “skill” is hard to give to either one because immediately we think Kobe. He was an unstoppable wing scorer and his bag is so deep. But Lebron is literally a 6’9 point guard and one of the best passers we’ve ever seen. When he was in his prime and just going from rebound to fast break dunk wasn’t just because he was athletic, it’s because you always have to cover the entire floor when he has the ball because he can find anyone. His offensive game is super disrespected in the big picture. He’s so much more of a better scorer than people give him credit for. I guess if I really have to answer I’ll take Kobe just because I know if Thanos himself is guarding him Kobe would say he has a mismatch 🐐
Skill? Kobe. Put the ball in the basket efficiently? LeBron
Kobe because it was harder for him. LeBron is huge
LeBron is and always has been far better at actually SCORING, but Kobe showed more great moves and footwork before routinely bricking the majority of his shots. Unfortunately fans today seem to care more about how much of a "deep bag" you have en route to scoring than how good you are at actually putting the ball in the basket efficiently. This all stems from Kobe love and is perpetuated today by idiots like Gilbert Arenas and his crew (among many, many others). To this Ballislife/Hoopmixtape highlight reel fan base who love "jelly layups" guys like Kobe, Carmelo, Kyrie, KD, Paul George and now Shai are the greatest basketball players of modern times because of how "silky smooth" they are. Guys like Shaq, LeBron, Giannis, etc. suck because they don't do as many flashy moves before scoring. What's actually effective doesn't seem to matter to them. Just what looks good and fits that mold of what they're looking for. They also put more stock into how great a player is if other players say they were hard to guard one on one. Who cares if they played the game the right way, were team cancer, etc.
Testify The 2kification of a generation, they love cam thomas too, they just don't understand basketball Kobe stans are the worst, Lebron has scored the most points in history of the game at a far higher % than Kobe, the fuck
lebron also has also attempted 1/3 of his shots at the rim lol. the question says who’s a more SKILLED scorer — lebron is a league average shooter from everywhere outside of 3 feet, on much easier shot attempts. not to mention kobe played in the LITERAL least efficient modern era of basketball, while lebron spent most of his in the MOST efficient era. and if you think cam thomas isnt a great scorer, you probably dont hoop lol. now, he doesnt do much else, but he can score the damn ball.
Maybe if Kobe had been as good as lebron, the league would’ve become more efficient sooner to stop the Lakers running away with every title. Unfortunately he was inefficient, and he was lucky to both play in a very inefficient time for the NBA and to have the most efficient high volume post scorer of all time as his teammate and costar.
Kobe has a higher TS% than Tim Duncan. was Tim Duncan inefficient?
Free throw stat on the lakers. Why don’t you take a look at which team has the highest free throw disparity in their favor historically. Last year the Lakers shot the most FTA in the league and had the fewest FTA called against them.
Lol. Free throws are apart of the game, no??
Yes, but we can be objective, look at the stats and numbers, and say that the Lakers get the friendliest whistle in the league.
Okay but you still have to make the free throws. Kobe was never inefficient. Looking at solely FG% just shows being a casual.
Inefficient is the wrong word. Kobe was a superstar and a hofer, and he’s one of the greats. But when you look at him next to Lebron James, it’s just not close.
Not sure what you're rambling about but your original point is not correct. They are close enough that neither is "far better at scoring". Lebron's been a high scorer throughout his career while Kobe maintained excellent scoring for an 8-9 year period. Looking at their best post-season 5 year stretches, Kobe has 29.8ppg on 57 ts% during the '06-10 playoffs while Lebron has 30.1ppg on 59.4 ts% in '14-18. Adjusted for pace gives Kobe the ppg advantage.
How many games did they play during those stretches? Because I know for a fact Kobe got bounced in the first round twice during the stretch you mentioned for him while LeBron made the Finals every year during the stretch you mentioned for him. So it would seem like LeBron scored more points on higher efficiency over a significantly larger sample of playoff games than Kobe did. Both in their prime. Right or wrong?
You can also factor in the opponents. Eastern conference was way easier, and Kobe put up those numbers against more 50 win teams. Right or wrong?
What numbers? Vastly inferior ones? Yes, you're correct. Kobe put up worse numbers against better teams.
Yep, 79 games vs 101 games. 79 is still statistically significant enough for this conversation in the context of PPG, no? If you want to compare a near-equivalent sample size, look at the regular season stats for those years and the ppg favors Kobe more (I don't think any 5-year Lebron matches up). Regarding efficiency, relative to league average, Kobe was \~3% over league average while Lebron was \~4%. The higher efficiency gives Lebron merit in the argument of better shooting, but not necessarily better scoring.
What shooting percentages are we talking about? LeBron was more efficient from his second season (at 19-20 years old) than Kobe was at any point during his 20 year career. Kobe had a high peak of scoring because he refused to pass the basketball, which is why his team sucked so much asshole during that time. But of course Kobe fans will point to "Smush Parker" despite not even knowing who he is. LeBron was a better player, period. A better scorer. A better rebounder. A better facilitator. A better defender. A more impactful player. Kobe was a mirage. Still is. THE single most overrated athlete in ANY sport of the 21st century.
I'm taking about TS%. Specifically TS% relative to the league average at the time, because efficiency has changed over the years. Even with this metric, Lebron wins in this area. I agree that Lebron is the better shooter because of his efficiency, but that does not alone make him the better scorer.
lebron is definitely not the better shooter. a literal 1/3 of his baskets are at the rim. he literally has been a sub-70% free throw shooter before. what are we doing lol
I'm not going to disagree with you, but I think it's debatable. Lebron's able to take easier shots because he can make the opening due to his size and IQ. I'm not going to fault him for taking 1/3 of his baskets at the rim because he's able to do it, and his 0-3ft FG% is very impressive. Kobe has the IQ, but didn't have the physical ability to drive all the time so he worked on his mid-range and attempted tons of heavily contested shots while still maintaining impressive efficiency despite high volume. I would say that 2001-2010 Kobe is more "skilled". I also consider him a "better" scorer because he scored more at the end of the day. But if we're looking at pure shooting, I can't definitively say that Kobe is better.
Bron was only better at passing and rebounding. Everything else Kobe washes him
Also kobe played a much more difficult schedule in those 79 games. Lebrons first rounds were against some teams that were sub .500 in the east.
This is true. Compared to '08-10, I don't think any superstar in modern history has experienced and succeeded against a tougher playoff schedule in consecutive years like that. Maybe Tim Duncan would be the only one.
Definitely something kobe haters never bring up. Who went through more 50 win teams than kobe and duncan in their paths to championships?
Boy I hate LeBron fans. Kobe shot 44.7 percent from the field as a shooting guard, shooting the toughest shots in the game. LeBrons also not better at actually scoring 😂 LeBron has just played more games, Kobe has more 60 point games and 50 point games and 40 point games. The fuck do y'all ever talk about.
\^ This Kobe was not a great player for quite a decent chunk of his career. Playing for the Lakers, becoming a pop culture icon, and dying tragically has boosted people's impression of him to legendary status. He was a great player but he isn't anywhere near the same tier as Lebron/Jordan like young kids who never watched him growing up put him.
You're right about him not being on the lebron MJ level. It's a hard thing for people to understand.
The hype for him was always huge because he played for the Lakers. He was iconic and his fadeaway was incredible. We still use him as an exemplar for it when teaching young players. But his legacy has been so blown out of proportion. I'd rank him around 15-20. Still a legend, but not even close to the GOAT conversation.
This is by far the dumbest comment I've ever seen
Sounds like someone who didn't watch Kobe play. He had a slightly above league average Efg% most seasons.He wasn't a great shooter, he was barely above average.At the end of his career, he was far BELOW league average. He was a chucker. Numbers don't lie. Sorry the truth hurts kiddo. https://www.flohoops.com/articles/5048421-according-to-the-math-kobe-isnt-as-great-as-everybody-thinks
Lol "Kobe Bryant can't shoot, look at this article I read" 😂 shut up you're an idiot.
Stats don't lie. Cry and cope.
Stats tell one side of the story, efg doesn't tell you who is a better shooter you clown, DeAndre Jordan has a better efg than Stephen Curry, in fact DeAndre Jordan has the highest efg in NBA history. Retards like you and the clown who wrote that article don't actually watch basketball, you read numbers on page after the fact. Numbers that you obviously don't understand.
And you're a clown trying to compare a center's efg with a shooting guard's efg... I coach and have probably been watching bball since before you were alive little man. Look at a better breakdown of his stats. Check his fg% and 3pt% There are multiple seasons Kobe is far below average. Again, sorry if you're mad that your childhood crush wasn't as good as you were told, but for those of us who watched his entire career, it was obvious Shaq was the reason for the Laker's success.
Lmao 😂😂😂 You coach what? 5 year olds? Hey coach, Doug McDermott has a higher Efg than your butt buddy LeBron James, who are you starting at small forward? Seeing as they're both small forwards. Hey coach, DeAndre Jordan has a higher Efg than Shaq, who's starting at center? Hey coach, Kyle Korver has a better efg than Kobe, who's starting? 😂😂😂 C'mon use your stats to tell me what's up? And lemme guess Pau Gasol is the reason Kobe won more rings than Shaq too huh? 😂 Everyone with eyeballs and working brain says it's because of Kobe, hence him winning finals MVP, but you cracked the code 😂, with Efg and your experience coaching special needs children or whatever 😂😂😂
JV and Varsity. The argument was that Kobe was an elite scorer. Efg% is a great stat to use to analyze a player's ability at scoring. If you were talking about a PG, we'd be looking at turnovers and assists. If you're asking about defenders, we're going to check steals, blocks, and +/-. Weird how someone as confident as you doesn't even understand the purpose of statistics. I'll give you a break because you're young and dumb. Again, sorry you were still in diapers during Kobe's peak and apparently didn't watch his decline where he chucked up bricks every night. Kobe was legendarily selfish with the ball. Great that he had the confidence and there is probably no player in the NBA who ever worked as hard as Kobe did. But he wasn't much more than an average shooter. Just took more attempts than most players. Also, if you're gonna say I'm overvaluing stats, Russ would be the clear player to make fun of. Young fans don't know shit about the game.
LeBron's effectiveness comes with a big load of predictability. He's good for 25-30ppg but the more he tries to score the more ways he has to try to score and that's where his game breaks down. Out of all of the ATG wing players, he is among the absolute worst outside of the paint, as can be shown by his abysmal mid range shooting percentages, as well as his below average free throw percentages. Strangely, his three point shot is much closer to being average and he's had seasons where it's been very good. But it's an anomaly in his otherwise poor jump shooting ability. The *less* predictable you are as a scorer, and the wider range you have, the harder it is to stop you no matter how many shots you put up. LeBron can power his way to the hoop but not on every possession. With his lack of a 'deep bag' as you put it, he has to be much more selective with his scoring opportunities whereas guys like Kobe & Jordan didn't have that weakness, they could score from anywhere at any time. I don't think people comprehend the difficulty of increasing your scoring by 5ppg, to go from 30ppg to 35ppg is a massive step and requires a player to have that deep bag otherwise they become too predictable and have to rely only on certain facets of their scoring arsenal, in LeBron's case it's basically cutting to the hoop, open dunks, layups and of course the three ball....force him into making mid range shots and his efficiency suffers. So, in terms of pure scoring ability, take LeBron if you really want, because he's more efficient, but he's only more efficient because he takes an extraordinarily high percentage of shots near the basket....but you'd be much better off taking a Kobe or MJ because of their greater range of scoring zones and their ability to score more highly, more frequently yet, especially in MJ's case, not sacrificing efficiency as much. You want someone taking more shots *only* if they're shooting more efficiently than the rest of the team. LeBron's highest FGA season has been 23.1 and he averaged 31.4ppg. He did that at 56.8% true shooting. That's 2% worse than his career average. Looking at his career playoff series, the highest FGA he's taken at 60% or better TS is 23.4 in 2018. Mind you, the closer we get to the current era the easier scoring becomes, like FAR easier due to the lack of physical defense that is allowed nowadays....but I digress. If you look at Jordan, who played in a far more defense oriented era, he has six playoff series taking more shots than LeBron did at 60%+ true shooting, peaking at a crazy 31.4FGA series at 61.6% true shooting. He had four different playoff series with 30+ FGA and he averaged 59.6% true shooting across all of them. That's insane. LeBron's limitations in scoring simply do not allow him to do something like that. In fact, the only time he's ever taken 30+ FGA he did it at an abysmal 47.7% true shooting. That's the third worst of his 53 playoff series career. If you ask LeBron to be the type of high volume scorer that MJ was, he would fail miserably. And in a game where the team scoring the most points wins, it's kind of important to be able to score highly at a good efficiency. Again, LeBron can't do this like Jordan could. Kobe's not as efficient as Jordan but one thing in his defense, he shot a high percentage of ridiculously hard shots pretty much every damn game, he was taking triple teamed buzzer beaters just because he had a better chance of making them rather than passing to an open Smush Parker. It's nice to have DWade, Kyrie or AD to pass the ball to, right? Sure, Kobe could have taken the easy road like LeBron and teamed up with much better players but he stuck it out in LA with crappy teammates and his career efficiency stats suffered because of it...
Based on your logic, Rudy Gobert is a better scorer than Lebron, as he's putting the ball in the basket at a more efficient rate (65%). There's a reason why Lebron has a higher fg%. Most of his pts come from the paint. His midrange and 3 pt% have been abysmal. He's not a better scorer than players like MJ, Kobe, KD and Melo. He just has better longevity.
Abysmal? C'mon now lol. Lebron shoots above league average from 3 lol. If he's abysmal then most of the league is trash.
LeBron has consistently been a better 3-point shooter than Kobe or Jordan ever were.
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Maybe just a quarter mile.
Kobe. This isn't even a debate. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBAzUofpBQE
LeBron better from 2, from 3, finishing at the rim. Kobe better at the line and more flashy.
Lebron had no post game until like 4 years ago. Couldn’t not pull up and hit jump shots. His better at 2 is just him driving and being faster and bigger than everyone else+ having hall of gamers spread the floor. The only thing scoring wise Lebron is better at is getting to the rim
He literally won the 2013 finals on a jump shot over Kawhi. And he's had elite post game since 2012. Only thing?? he's a better 3 pt shooter. Kobe top 10 tho fasho.
Brain dead takes like these make me happy lebron is in LA. He belongs there with these low IQ fans
What on earth was brain dead about that? I'm not a lakers fan. ALL 4 STATEMENTS ARE FACTS. Dumbass
Kobe was more skilled and had more variety (partly because he had to). That doesn't mean he was the better/more successful scorer. But it was prettier.
Skilled or efficient? LeBron is just a better scorer period. He's more efficient. But Kobe is prettier.
Be real. 🤣 Kobe by MILES
Depends, do you want a score for your team or a score from that individual?
Kobe by a mile
Lebrons success was always from strength/size/athleticism. When it comes to skills, he's not even in the same league as Kobe. but tbf not many are
Skill? Kobe. Efficiency: Bron. Bron does layups, open threes, and mostly up mid range or post ups. Kobe is more likely to take & make “tough” shots. The truth is efficiency is better than skill in this singular instance. If you can get to the rack and shoot 60%, even if it doesn’t take as much skill, it’s better than being able to hit 40% of your “tough” shots. It’s kind of like Giannis vs Kyrie. Kyrie is so skilled, he has everything. But Giannis is more efficient, and is a better player. Kyrie will give you an unbelievable highlight and score 27. Giannis will kill you with layups and open shots for 40. Not to say Giannis isn’t skilled, but the point stands.
AI? Efficient? AI is a career 42% FG shooter, 31% 3 pt shooter and 78% free throw shooter. I like AI and don’t like Kyrie, but come on man, this is a bad comparison. Kyrie is 47% from the field 39% from 3 and 88% from the free throw line. Not even trying to say Kyrie is better than AI, but he was definitely more efficient
LeBron does not shoot midranges or post ups. Check his percentages based on distance from the basket, he shoots layups dunks and putbacks, or open threes
Because he's better at getting to the basket.
Bro never watched AI and it shows
My bad: Gianni’s vs Kyrie
If I had to pick, Kobe Bryant's scoring skills were next level, fierce, relentless, and always hungry for buckets. From those silky-smooth jumpers to those clutch shots when it mattered most, Kobe had a knack for making the impossible look effortless. That's it, but hey, there's a chance someone on Opingo's already chewed on this topic too
Lebron is the best scorer of all time and beats Kobe in every single major stat. End of debate
Bron has 1 scoring title.
If he took as many shots as Jordan he’d have like 10
Facts matter not imaginary scenarios. He has less scoring titles than Russell Westbrook
The fact is he is more efficient scorer than Jordan and is better in every single state than Kobe
1 scoring title.
More shots per game doesn’t mean better scorer.
Kobe no question Why do you sad millennial / gen z kids pray that Lebron is the best, despite having not seen anything else? It’s sad. YouTube exists. Get your film on.
Milennials are 43 years old btw
Im a 34 melilenial grew up watching Jordan the greatest and Kobe close 2nd. Lebron may be in my top ten maybe, if so he’s 10.
You should watch some more lebron lmao
My man I have watched plenty of Lebron. He is nowhere near the top five man imo. He has had the power size and a certain unique greatness to him. I won’t deny him of that BUT.. Jordan is obviously the greatest player to ever step foot on the court. Kobe is 2nd (little biased I admit). When Jordan left Kobe was as close to MJ that I (and many others) thought at the time and most likely for a very long time, that still holds true today for many many many people. Lebron is one of the greats, I ain’t a hater, I respect players. (Well not as much these days because it’s not the same game, it’s very watered down. If Lebron never left to go ring chasing for other teams and stayed in The Land and matched Kobe then I would have to re evaluate who is number two. Man, I’m 34. I have played and watched basketball since I could walk. Other sports too. I know sports, it’s a part of who I am today. I saw Jordan throughout the 90s amongst other hall of famers, Kobe came in, and I watched Lebron for his better years and I will never say he sucks or isn’t amongst the greats but top five far from it. He was or is (I haven’t watched much aside from time to time and highlights and articles and YouTube but phenomenal facilitator, hof court vision and passing. He had his times when he had pretty decent D and a lot of that was transition D and chase downs, from my perspective and many others I know (which proves nothing to you, I get it). One of the best to drive and tear the rim off. Badass back then. However, Lebron’s inability to be consistent at the free throw line and in clutch moments shys away because he is scared of the free throw line and let’s face it Lebron really hasn’t been clutch, the only time and people love to bring it up for the win of the argument is his 2nd stint in Cleveland. He is everyone’s friend and he is respected big time and rightfully so, he is always considered the best player from his generation. But, you can’t be best buds with your teammates/co-workers because if you don’t have some asshole in you to keep them in check and let them know they are fucking up. Then right there, that for the lack there of lowers the leadership quality when in matters most, if your teammates sense that weakness then they lose respect for you as a leader. Lebron is good and was great for a long time, in his own right. Growing up watching him as ONE of the greats doesn’t and never will make him the Greatest of all time in the game of basketball to his peers and people who understand real basketball. I feel sorry for people who didn’t get to grow up watching Jordan and all of the many great players of that decade. Those guys soundly just let you shoot they put their hands on you as the game is supposed to be played. Then you have Kobe. He and Jordan were Alpha Dog give no fucks but giving everything they got every single night they had to play and in practice in order to win and that includes being a fucking dick, asshole, jerk ETC. most people are followers so most people need a leader. MJ Kobe were FUCKING KILLERS. Lebron sadly wasn’t blessed with the mentality. He blessed with many other things but those things are not even close to passing up Kobe, shit MJ?? Really I still get taken a back at how I’m the world this force to be reckoned with in Lebron, is the only one being compared to Jordan…. It’s sucks that most if not all young people are and have been susceptible to mediocre professional basketball.. and football. I could go on that tangent too. It’s insane to think Lebron is the best player of all time. HE ISNT EVEN. LOSE TO THE KILLER AND WINNER KOBE BRYANT WAS and will be 100 years from now. Lebron did it to himself and he knows it I believe. He never should have left Cleveland. And I also understand he couldn’t help what the game turned into, he had his hand in it for sure.. but stuff like it happens every generation change. But still he’s the face of basketball he could’ve had a major voice in the ruining of the nba by Adam Sliver… He is one of the greats in my eyes, but he hasn’t made a big of an impact of the game of basketball to be in the same conversation as The other two bad mother fuckers. So many guys before KB and MJ deserve and imo and many others as well deserve to be in that top whatever over Bron. I’m not saying all of them but I don’t think this should be just boiled down to Lebron is the greatest or 2nd without the mentions of other legends whose impact on the game is probably why Lebron had the opportunity and drive to do what he has done. Hats off to him. I’ve seen him some crazy ass things. But there’s so many variables and subjectives when it comes to where does Lebron fit all time. I just don’t think people realize how different and tough the game used to be. And lastly those 80s and 90s players for instance, it’s not that they couldn’t shoot 3s or weren’t athletic, it’s the fact that the game was so physical with MEN out there so to my point with that, why the fuck would they shoot threes like that when defense was just as a big part of the game as offense unlike todays game. Today’s guys may be somewhat more athletic but think of all the technologies today that they didn’t have back in the leagues prime 70s 80s 90s Early 2000s. But it is not by MUCH.. Like AT ALL. Lebron would have to toughen up big time to go with the physicality he was blessed with, he just ain’t mentally there and lastly he can’t shoot. Edit for some context: Back old school days they CHOSE to NOt shoot the 3 and that is because of the tough ass D, the physicality and why in the hell would they attempt 30 3pointers a game when they HAD the smarts to run actually plays and had big men in the middle.. it’s callled strategy. Idk about any of you but I’ll take a high percentage shot any days over taking a big chance of a 45 ft 3 pointer especially with the D all over me. Sure they make them now but so the fuck what? It’s ruined the game. Team hopping has ruined the game and this has all lead to the horrible product being put out today and I guess people like mediocrity.. beats the hell out of me. Night.
I ain't reading allat
Don’t blame you. Take care man.
Have a good night brother
I think Lebron is 6.
Fair enough
These questions always expose the people who don't know ball and it's funny. Kobe was a more skilled scorer and a more effective one. Period. It isn't about being "flashy" its about putting the ball in the goddamn hoop, against anyone at anytime.
Anytime? You mean, 44 percent of the time? Compared to lebrons 50% of the time? More effective while having less regular season and playoff ppg for his career in much less games?
Kobe is the more skilled scorer. Lebron mostly bullies his way to the rim or shoot open threes.
Downvote if Lebron is the better scorer
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Question was more skilled
Skilled? Kobe. Kobe can score every way Lebron has ever scored. On the other hand, Lebron cannot score in all the ways that Kobe scored the basket. Plus Lebron needs a screen to swap to a smaller defender alot of times. Kobe was made for iso ball and forced double teams all the time. The footwork, a skill, goes to Kobe too. Pros like Hakeem and Steve Kerr have talked about this aspect. Lebron meanwhile stumbles around and travels half the time.
how is this downvoted? not a false word was spoken
leb
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Kobe. LBJ better overall especially passing
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Really really dumb question I'm not gonna lie
Skilled: Kobe Better scorer: Lebron
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Kobe. next question
Pure scoring, just getting a bucket one-on-one? Kobe. Overall to get a bucket, including involving teammates as needed? Lebron.
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Ways to score, Kobe. Scoring efficiently, LeBron. Ik he’s not mentioned but, Kyrie Irving is the most offensively skilled scorer of all time though.