Kobe & LeBron Showdown in Cleveland
The Lakers loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers last night finished off a season sweep of the Cavs over the Lakers. In the big part 2 of this seasons much anticipated showdown between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, it was LeBron who individually got the better of Kobe this time around scoring a game high 37 points and adding in 9 assists. Kobe’s numbers were no chump numbers by any means, adding in 31 points. But it was clear that when the 4th Quarter came around LeBron was “out for blood” and took over the entire last 8 minutes of the game.
Quick Thought: Phil Jackson sat Kobe Bryant out during the 4th Quarter and all the way until 5 minutes left in the game. Not sure what his thinking was with this. Between the 8 and 5 minute marks is when LeBron James got going offensively. In my opinion PJ made a big mistake not putting Kobe back in the game at the exact same time Cleveland put LeBron back in.
Some Thoughts on the Kobe/Lebron Thing
It’s been obvious the past two seasons that Kobe’s athleticism has slowed down tremendously. Add that with the incredible never before seen athleticism of LeBron James and you can see how LeBron can dominate Kobe in a game physically. The best example came from TNT’s Kenny Smith at the end of the game where he described LeBron as someone who “goes through you” to score the ball while Kobe “goes around and over you”.
It’s obvious to me that Kobe Bryant is still transitioning to the softer, older mans game and is not fully comfortable dominating a game with it just yet. There will be a time, just like with MJ where Kobe will feel more comfortable dominating the game with turn around jumpers. But we witnessed tonight how Kobe wants to match LeBron with athleticism but just unable to do it. The ability is just not there for the athletic style game. LeBron wins that battle any day of the week.
Warning Kobe Fans…There Will Be Haters
I’m putting out a warning to all Kobe Bryant fans (myself including) that there will be Kobe Haters approaching you today boasting how LeBron is the better player after his performance last night against the Kobe and the Lakers. But remember that it’s just 1 game. And like Chris Webber and Kenny Smith were quick to remind people at the end of the game on TNT’s Inside the NBA, until Kobe can be dethroned as a champion he’s still the best player on the planet!
Man wat happen 2 kobe nigga can u stand up after wat happen 2 u wen LEBRON shook da BRAKES off u do u need som help standin up and u kind da scade 2 get in da DUNK CONTEST i no LEBRON jump out but if u got in it LEBRON probably would have stayed Man dat waz gon b da best dunk competiton in the history of my life
shid dis da 2 best players in da game shid KOBE got LEBRON bi a long shot man LEBRON aint dat good 2 me but he be servin but he aint better dan LEBRON LEBRON was scared 2 get in da slam dunk competition cuz he no he cnt dunk KOBE got in da dunk contest wen he was a rookie and he won so LEBRON aint got nun 2 say he scared and KOBE is da best player on da plant you see da website KB24 all day everyday
monga to lebron kobe is the best who has 4 rings who scored 81 who is unstopable so freak lebron he is not all that its only his hight so KOBE IS THE BEST ALL DAI EVERY DAY