Many talking heads in the media direct negative opinions toward Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James. He had, in fact, been on the receiving end of criticism even before he entered the league in 2003. However, as he excelled toward greatness in the NBA, nobody could deny his tremendous skill. And, less than a decade into his career, the legendary Jerry West declared that James had surpassed Kobe Bryant as a player.
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The year was 2009. By then LeBron was already in the conversations regarding the best player in the league. In 2007, he had made his first trip to the Finals where Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs swept his Cleveland Cavaliers. James then won his first MVP award in the 2008-09 season.
West, who has always had a spectacular eye for talent, was the one who traded for Bryant in 1996. And, he knew he had to keep it real when revealing his opinion comparing Kobe with James. He said:
““Well, to me, it’s a no-brainer, LeBron James…Even though it’s hard for me to be objective because I brought Kobe to Los Angeles, I do think LeBron has surpassed Kobe as a player.”
(2009) Jerry West on who was better between LeBron & Kobe.
“Well to me it’s a no brainer, LeBron James. Even though it’s hard for me to be objective because I brought Kobe to Los Angeles, I do think LeBron has surpassed Kobe as a player” 👑 pic.twitter.com/s9TpmP2Gy3
— LeBron Factory (@LeBronFactory) December 14, 2024
LeBron and Kobe played with two completely different styles, which made them hard to compare. Bryant mastered the art of putting the ball in the basket even if multiple defenders stood in his way. On the other hand, James’ unselfishness, coupled with his physical dominance, caused a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.
However, the 6-foot-9 forward’s versatility stood out as the deciding factor for West. He praised LeBron’s ability to play four positions on the basketball court.
In fact, in the 2021-22 season, 13 years after West’s statement, James even logged in minutes at the center position. His overwhelming strength allowed him to hold his own against the physicality of power forwards in the paint.
In addition, West lauded LeBron’s athleticism stating, “I don’t know if there’s a better athlete that I’ve seen play professional basketball.”
LeBron, 39, is proving West right as he continues to play at an elite level in the NBA.
LeBron’s case over Bryant as the GOAT
Back in 2009, the debate between James and Bryant was quite close. But that doesn’t seem to be the case now. Bryant, with five wins, is ahead of James (4) in terms of championships. However, LeBron’s individual accolades see him clear Mamba by a long margin.
Despite being labeled a ‘pass-first player’, LeBron clinched the league’s all-time scoring record and continues to add to it every game. James is a four-time MVP recipient while Bryant only won the award once in his career. LeBron also boasts 4 Finals MVPs to Kobe’s 2. It is not just the fans who address LeBron as the GOAT. Many players bow to ‘The King’ as well.
In The Athletic’s most recent annual player poll, 42.1% of players chose LeBron as the GOAT, in comparison to only 9.8% for Kobe. The difference in the votes perhaps shows how big of a gap professional basketball players believe exists between the two. This isn’t to undermine Bryant’s skill and achievement, but rather to showcase how great James truly is.
