Kobe Bryant Essay

Throughout history, there have been certain controversial topics that have left humans divided. An example of a controversial topic in the world that affects all of us, can be found in the Canadian election ,when Canadians left divided on whom they believe is fit to be the leader of their country. Basketball’s biggest league, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has it’s own election like topic that divides the fans of the NBA with the question: Who is the most impactful NBA player of this era? LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers are the front runners for the answer to the question and while there is a solid body of evidence for both sides, the evidence leans towards LeBron. Therefore, on

Kobe Bryant has had quite a substantial effect on the NBA throughout his illustrious career .He came into the league as a renowned high school player and thanks to him being drafted by a big franchise in a big city (Los Angeles Lakers) and having a superstar often compared to superman to mentor him (Shaquille O’Neal) Kobe would eventually evolve into a superstar forever remembered in NBA history due to his prolific scoring, competitive spirit and ability to perform under pressure. There is no denying Kobe’s status as a legend however, simply put, LeBron has achieved as much Kobe did when he was Lebron’s current age (Lebron is six years younger) and he excelled where Kobe failed to succeed. LeBron didn’t have a mentor to back him up, he didn’t have a big market to support him financially, but that didn’t stop him from bringing his mediocre teams and himself to greatness. Kobe may be a fierce competitor however, he achieved this feat at the expense of his teammates respect for him while LeBron on the other hand, is competitive while still being a great teammate. To conclude, due to the fact LeBron paralleled Kobe’s strength and exceeded where Kobe was weak , he is a more impactful player of this era than Kobe Bryant

Kobe spent years trying to mimic everything about Michael Jordan including his footwork, shooting form etc. and it definitely payed off . Kobe has the 3rd most points scored of all time and he is the all time Lakers points leader. However, Kobe’s success is his but his influence is not, it belongs to Michael Jordan as it was Kobe who mimicked Jordan. The points scored by Kobe have an often unseen angle, Kobe also has the missed the most shots ever (Nba.com)). LeBron, on the other hand, is currently the youngest player to reach 20,000 points even though Kobe has played 6 more seasons than LeBron has out-rebounded, out-assisted, out-stole and out-blocked Kobe Bryant (nba.com). While doing so LeBron changed what constitutes all 5 positions, for example before LeBron, the point guard was the smallest player on the court who can dribble, but after LeBron’s arrival where he has dominated every position with his 6’8 280 pound frame and his incredible basketball IQ, the point guard has become the composer of the symphony that is an offensive possession in a game of basketball"LeBron James." Stats, Video, Bio,