Monday, February 27, 2012

The difference between Kobe and Lebron

This is NOT another slanderous article against Lebron but yet an article to once again showcase why Kobe Bean Bryant is a lethal closer and why Lebron is not.
Kobe took shot after shot, making sure he not only broke MJ's seemingly useless record of most points ever scored in All-Star history but he wanted to put some distance between himself and MJ. He scored early and often and told West All-Star coach Scott Brooks that he wanted to be on the court in the fourth quarter during the last two minutes of the game. Kobe wanted to be a part of the outcome of the game, wanted to be either the hero or goat and was willing to accept the outcome. Lebron, meanwhile after showcasing all of his jaw-dropping ability to lead the East All-Stars back from a 20 point deficit, took a backseat to D Wade when it came time to take the big shot to win the game.
After breaking the huddle Kobe saw Lebron, whom he was guarding the last few minutes, set up out of bounds and take his place as the inbounder.
Kobe was furious, talking to Lebron with serious intent, if you could read lips you saw Kobe say "come on man, are you serious"
Lebron shrugged it off and took his place out of bounds. Kobe and the entire country assumed a play would be designed for Lebron. He had hit six three pointers up to that point tying a all-star game record. Kobe wanted to guard Lebron with the ball as the final seconds tick off the clock but no, Lebron was going to pass the ball to someone else to take the shot, you saw it in his eyes, he wasn't taking the shot.
Thus in lies the difference, Kobe wants the pressure moment, thrives, if not lives for the spotlight. Kobe couldn't imagine a player of Lebron's caliber being a inbounder on the final possession in front of a national audience. Kobe was dumbfounded by the situation while Lebron accepted his secondary role in the moment as a foot soldier not a king.
Lebrons constant difference to others in the clutch will always limit his status as a player in my eyes. He doesn't have to be like Mike but like Magic. Even Magic could wave off the great Kareem to take the game-winning shot (with a sky hook no less) in the Boston Garden in Game 4 of the 1987 Finals. It didn't diminish Magics all around playmaking ability but it showed a yearning for the big moment, a killer instinct, Lebron has yet to show that instinct.
If he ever does will be the real question when it's all said and done not who's better Kobe or Lebron.

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