Back in 2007, a panel of ESPN analysts voiced their opinions on the biggest rivalry in the NBA: Kobe Bryant vs. LeBron James . These analysts, one of them Cleveland native Chris Broussard, were asked several questions, and among them was to pick between James' next ten seasons and Bryant's previous ten seasons.
For some context, LeBron was 22 years old and coming off an NBA Finals appearance. Now in his fifth season, #23 was already considered neck-and-neck with Kobe for the best in the world, although he was technically still a few years from reaching his NBA prime. #24, meanwhile, was at the top of his game and in the midst of another MVP-caliber season. So, was KB better in the ten years leading up to 2007? Or were LBJ's next 10 years going to make him the best?
"LeBron's next 10 [seasons]. Statistically, LeBron's putting up numbers that only Oscar has matched. And the scary thing is that as great as he is, he's still got much room for growth. He can still develop a dominant post game and improve his jump shot, foul shooting, and defense. Plus, he's absolutely terrific at making his teammates better," Broussard explained via ESPN.
Last season, he took a would-be lottery team [without him] to the Finals. And even though Kobe's got more offensive weapons in his arsenal, LeBron can score as well as him and anyone else in the league. Case in point, he's averaging a league-best 30 without even trying to be a huge scorer," Chris added.
Was Broussard right?
Now would be the best time to assess if Chris was indeed accurate in his take. Bryant from 1996-97 to 2006-2007, or James from 2007-2008 to 2017-2018? Who was the better player? Let's break it down.
In 784 regular season games, Kobe averaged 24.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. He was a nine-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA team member (5x First Team), seven-time All-Defensive member (5x First Team), finished in the top 5 in Defensive Player of The Year voting twice, and won two scoring titles and three NBA championships.
In 827 regular season games, LeBron averaged 27.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.5 assists. He was a ten-time All-Star, ten-time All-NBA team member (10x First Team), six-time All-Defensive member (5x First Team), finished in the top 5 in DPOY voting five times, and won four NBA MVPs, three NBA championships, and three NBA Finals MVPs.
Related: When Bird predicted MJ would become the future of the NBA during his rookie year: "Pretty soon, this place will be packed every night, not just when the Celtics come to town"
The verdict
No matter how you slice it, James had the better ten-year stretch. Fittingly enough, this ten-year increment was the peak of these two players' careers. Bron had four MVPs to Bryant's zero, averaged more points, rebounds, and assists, and received more All-Star and All-NBA nods — and won as many championships with three NBA Finals MVPs (zero for Kobe).
Don't get it twisted: both players had arguably the greatest peak in NBA history. They were unstoppable in their prime and reigned over the NBA unlike most players to ever play the sport. Since LBJ did so much damage in his late teens and early 20s, it gives him another boost over KB.
Related: "Who's better? To me, it's a no brainer" - When Jerry West had to pick between LeBron James and Kobe Bryant
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