Lebron James may win MVP, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers will win Rings

Tyler on 04 15, 2009


With the regular season coming to a close, the discussion about the favorite to win the NBA Championship is on the tip of everyone’s tongue. With a league leading record of 66-15 and the almost unanimous MVP in Lebron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers must be the favorite to win, right? WRONG!! The opinion held by this writer as well as many NBA experts point to the team from tinseltown, the Los Angeles Lakers.

Not taking anything away from the incredible year King James is having, but almost as often as Lebron is crowned MVP this year a fact is noted that Kobe Bryant is still the best player in the league. No one can match Kobe’s closing ability due to the fact that he has the complete offensive arsenal. To his detriment, the Lakers are just too well-rounded and complete of a team to contribute their success to one player like the Cavaliers have done this year. The simple fact is that Kobe Bryant has the reputation around the league to be capable of doing whatever he wants whenever he wants. If you doubt this ask Greg Popovich, one of the most highly respected basketball minds of this era, who is a constant advocate for the futility of trying to stop a determined Kobe Bryant. Despite the fact that he is so skilled on the court, Kobe’s edge is undoubtedly due to his intensity and mental fortitude, the characteristics that escalate him to a level shared only by Tiger Woods.

Despite the timeless match up of these individuals, a larger disparity exists between the rest of these two teams rosters. Delonte West, although more a true point guard and with a couple inches, gives up strength and most importantly experience to the veteran Derek Fisher. The frontcourt matchup also favors the Lakers with Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol easily trumping the Ilgauskas Varejao tandem (don’t forget about Lamar Odom coming off the bench). With Kobe and Lebron starting at different positions, it creates matchup problems both ways but more importantly shows the lack of size the Cav’s possess. With the Lakers sporting arguably the best bench in the league and the Cavs best bench players being Danny Gibson and Joe Smith, the edge goes to the Lake Show once again.

Despite the match up situation Cleveland does boast an impressive 39-1 home record as well as home court advantage throughout the playoffs. This is a great argument for the prospective Championship going to Cleveland but then we remember that the loss was the only trip that LA made to Cleveland, beating them handily without recently injured Andrew Bynum. This coupled with the win at home against the Cavs, gives evidence that Lakers are not worried about playing at the Quicken Loans Arena. Yet another benefit the Lakers possess is a seemingly much easier road to the Finals with the Cavs most likely having to faceoff against the tough Orlando Magic or Boston Celtics. Good news Cavs fans, you will leave the finals with one trophy, and it will be in the hands to who we are all a “witness” of, Lebron James, but Kobe and the Lakers will be poppin the bubbly and kissin the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

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  • This article is very excellent. I was reading it with pleasure. greets
  • Eric
    It's comparing apples and oranges..they are two completely different players and Shaq would have never won those 3 rings without Kobe either
  • Bob
    Amen Mac... And for the best closer in the league argument, check this out http://www.82games.com/0809/CSORT4.HTM I know some idiot is going to look at those and be like 'Oh Kobe's got more points!!' Look at almost every category and LBJ dominates. Agreed it is not all about rings. Not even a legit argument to make, Kobe had the Diesel in his prime...Who was Finals MVP all 3 championships? That's right, Shaqtus. He hasn't proven anything without him. However, LBJ will win his first of many rings this season. He is too dominant in every facet of the game.
  • Mac
    I disagree w/ Kobe being the best closer in the league for one. He may be the best scorer in the L with great on ball and off ball defense but he is certainly not "the best player in the league". Lebron James by far is the better player just by his overall approach to how he'll dominate the game. He gives you the same level of defense on ball as Kobe and he's just as good if not better off ball. He's much improved his outside game which wasn't that bad to begin with, just ask the Pistons lol. Lebron....hmmm..... better rebounder, passer, closer, defender and player right now. I dont have to even make the point about Kobe winning w/ or w/out Shaq because the King has taken a less overall talented team just as far as Kobe has taken the L.A. Lakers. Kobe dont get me wrong I would say is great now and one of the greatest ever especially with him being so clutch but honestly...... if I had to choose between drafting Lebron or Kobe out of highschool it's a no-brainer to me and this is coming from a die hard A. I. fan. Numbers dont lie, just compare both of their first six years in the league. You cant just always go by rings because if thats the case, I guess Horry should hang his jersey nest to Jordan's huh?
  • A Man I Swa The Other Comments And I Know Kobe Is Faster Than Lebron But I Think Lebron Is The Shit Right Now... Not Just Cuz Im A Clevland Fan But Its True... I Know He Is Getting MVP N Is Going To Win The NBA Ring... He Diserves EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Eric
    a little bias bob?
  • Bob
    @ Anthony

    I believe I did respond objectively. There is a little bias, but I think it's fair to say LBJ is the best player in the league, almost unquestionably. Given the Cavs homecourt dominance, I also think it's fair to say that they are the favorites. Instead of cracking jokes why don't you tell me why I'm wrong because I'd love to hear.
  • Anthony
    Bob - you might want to take your lips off of LBJ's sack for a second and try to respond objectively rather than with your "I hate Kobe" glasses on.
  • Bob
    "Despite the timeless match up of these individuals, a larger disparity exists between the rest of these two teams rosters. Delonte West, although more a true point guard and with a couple inches, gives up strength and most importantly experience to the veteran Derek Fisher. The frontcourt matchup also favors the Lakers with Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol easily trumping the Ilgauskas Varejao tandem (don’t forget about Lamar Odom coming off the bench). With Kobe and Lebron starting at different positions, it creates matchup problems both ways but more importantly shows the lack of size the Cav’s possess. With the Lakers sporting arguably the best bench in the league and the Cavs best bench players being Danny Gibson and Joe Smith, the edge goes to the Lake Show once again. "

    First off, the fact that Mo Williams' name was not mentioned in this paragraph is completely and utterly absurd. LBJ and Mo are the best duo in the league. Mo is an all-star, and when discussing matchups, I would think Mo is a player that should be included.....

    Secondly, I'm not certain Fisher is stronger than Delonte, but that's not really that important. Anyways, Delonte is more athletic, statistically a better FG and 3 pt shooter(look the stats up), has the ability to create shots for himself and the team, and is turning into a lock-down defender. Fisher's knocked down some big shots in his career, but overall I think Delonte West is better individually and means more for the Cavs than Fisher does for the Lakers. Cavs struggled a bit when Delonte was injured, and his injury showed just how important he is. I would be comfortable with Delonte taking the big shot.

    I'll tell you right now, Varejao will give Gasol problems on defense. He's scrappy and gets after it. Same goes for Joe Smith and Ben Wallace. And contrary to Bynum, Z is a great mid range shooter. I think it will be an interesting matchup. But of course, this is all speculation at this point. It's not a given LA and Cleveland will meet in the Finals.

    One more thing. Kobe hasn't won a title since playing with Shaq in his prime. What makes you think it's going to change this season? I heard the same shit last season, and look what happened.

    LeBron took the Cavs to the Finals with pretty much NO ONE. Unfortunately, one all-star can't singlehandedly carry his team all the way. With all-star Mo Williams, a Cavs team with outstanding chemistry, homecourt advantage, and a focused and determined LeBron James. Unless you've got some mafia ties who are going to break LeBron's legs that I dont know about, I really think it's foolish to say Cleveland isn't the favorite.

    As for the title of this article, unless they hand out runner-up rings, LA is going to have naked fingers. Also, MVP should be plural, because LBJ is winning MVP of the league as well as Finals MVP. We will all be witnesses very soon.
  • I used to be a Kobe over Lebron kind of guy. I'd still rather watch Kobe play and I'm still a bigger fan of Kobe, but Lebron has proven (in my mind) that he is a better player.

    I think Kobe is a better/more natural scorer, but Lebron's all around game is off the charts. But the fact of the matter is Dwayne Wade isn't talked about enough in this debate. Take a look at the Olympic numbers: http://www.nbcolympics.com/basketball/statistic...
  • jared
    Ill put my money on the cavs. kobe has yet to win a ring with out shaq, maybe it will be his year.
  • Bob
    No one can match Kobe's closing ability? Take a look at these 'clutch' stats http://www.82games.com/0809/CSORT11.HTM. LeBron leads almost every statistical category. You're foolish if you don't think LeBron can close games. No one can match LBJ's closing ability, is that what you meant. Due to his size and strength, James literally can dribble through an entire team and take it to the tin or get fouled to go to the stripe. Oh yeah, did I mention he can shoot the ball too? Take a look at the stats on that website buddy.

    Also, I'd shy away from stating these 'facts.' Really? It's a FACT that Kobe is the best player in the league? Apparently a lot of fans and analysts didn't get the memo.

    Convenient how you point out Bynum was injured when LA won in Cleveland, but fail to say anything about the Cavs injuries.

    I'm done debating this topic, we'll just have to wait and see. LBJ is extremely determined and the Cavs are playing great ball...taking that into account as well as home-court, I just don't see LA winning. We will all be witnesses, you'll see.
  • I agree 100%. LeBron will take the MVP but Lakers will take the championship. The Cavs have a great home record, but that means nothing once they hit the playoffs.

    Preach on Tyler, preach on.
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