Charles Barkley has stated many times that LeBron James is the best player in the NBA right now. A lot of the basketball world is divided and the heat between Kobe and LeBron fans seems to be similar to the rivalry between Jay Z and Nas fans back in the late nineties and early 2000s.

I probably suppose that if you have been reading my blog posts you should know my answer to this debate quite clearly, but if your new I just want to say Kobe Bryant is by far the better basketball player. It’s not even close. I know that LeBron is bigger and is a better rebounder and has put up big numbers in winning his two back-to-back regular season MVP awards in 2009 and 2010, but Kobe is way out in front.

I’ll give the LeBron fans that James is bigger, stronger and probably faster, but it’s the rings that count.  Kobe is much better defensive player and his intensity and clutch gene are no match. I really feel that Kobe is the better shooter and can actually be counted on to make the last second shot and also any other big time shots, although LeBron has had his fair share of good plays to win games I must say.

Kobe’s will to win and ability to lead his team out of trouble was definitely evident throughout that fabulous 2009 season for the Lakers with crowds chanting MVP all the time. The 2010 season was as great too but his having a bad game in the game 7 of the NBA Finals was a bad mark on his record, but he did have a double-double with 23 points and 15 rebounds even if he shot just 6 of 24 from the field.

I know the Lakers aren’t doing as good as they should this season, but I feel Kobe is more in the conversation of the best player ever especially if he wins another ring. Meanwhile, LeBron has a long way to go and is just getting started. I know Jordan was 30 when he won his first title, but LeBron being 27 now could see his window of opportunity closing if the Miami Heat don’t win some championships soon.