LeBron James’ Former Teammate Picks Kobe Bryant Over ‘The King’ to “Get a Bucket”

Kobe Bryant and LeBron James check just about every box when it comes to greatness. Championships, MVPs, Finals MVPs, All-NBA selections — you name it, they have it. Both have hit the summit, but their journey to the top has been very different.

The Mamba always leaned into that killer instinct of his, while The King played more like a do-it-all force who could control every part of the game. Even when they linked up on the 2008 United States men’s Olympic basketball team, you could see the contrast.

Kobe was setting the tone with edge, while LeBron powered through everything in his path. Still, it felt like things were more about Bryant on the “Redeem Team” because everyone, Bron included, tried to emulate his work ethic. The best person to speak on this is someone who has balled alongside both legends. Retired NBA baller Deron Williams checked that box.

The three-time All-Star weighed in on the differences between James and Bryant on the To The Baha podcast. And while he lauded both, he also pointed out the mentality differences between the greats.

“Both of them, [their] work ethic was crazy. They both work hard. They’re just different,” said Williams.

“Kobe just had that mentality where he’s on his own, locked in, doing his thing. LeBron is more silly, keeping things light, which I think we needed both things. We needed both of those versions of them on that team. But LeBron could lock in, too,” he added.

It’s always hard to articulate the differences between two great players. But Williams did a good job pointing to Kobe’s greatest strength, his mind.

That’s not to say that LBJ doesn’t have incredible focus or determination. His locked in Miami Heat meme is still one of the most iconic visuals in NBA history. But James does have a level of silliness that Kobe doesn’t.

Deron Williams says he’d take Kobe over LeBron to go get a bucket

“I’ve played with both of them.
If I’ve got to give the ball to someone to go get a bucket, I’m going Kobe.”

(via @ToTheBaha, Tidal League) pic.twitter.com/Gu0g7Tskno

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 25, 2026

Of course, it was just an observation on Williams and not an attempt to judge who is better. He did, however, specify that if the game were on the line, he knows exactly who he would pass the ball to for the winning basket.

“I’ve been around both of them. Obviously, I played with both of them. If I got to get a ball to somebody to get a bucket, I’m going Kobe,” said Williams.

It feels like this would be the majority answer. LeBron has had so many clutch moments and game-winning shots, but Kobe had just a bit more.

This is one of those instances where Williams’ statement won’t further any GOAT arguments or debates. But it does provide some great insight into two of the greatest athletes who have ever graced professional sports.

Whether you’re team Mamba or team Bron, it’s so nice that the one time they were teammates in the Olympics, they went undefeated and brought America back some gold.

About the author

Joseph Galizia

Joseph is a Las Vegas based actor and circus performer. For the last seven years he's had the pleasure of covering sports for multiple outlets, including the Lifestyles section of Sports Illustrated. In that time, he's conducted over 50 interviews with athletes, filmmakers, and company founders to further cement his footprint in the journalism world. He's excited to bring that skillset to the SportsRush, where he'll be covering the NBA news cycle.

Read More