Fair enough. I try not to compare age because both players came into the league with a different situation. Kobe was a mid-round draft pick by the Charlotte Hornets, only to be traded away to the Lakers. LeBron James was on ESPN while in High School and was easily the first overall pick. So one could say, greatness from LeBron is to be expected. He has yet to dissapoint, but he hasn't quite shown what he is capable of yet. His one finals appearance was a shock to most of the NBA community and the Spurs did away with the Cavs like they were a JV team. Kobe spent the early part of his career as a sixth man until he grew into his role. Therefore, if you're telling me that LeBron at 24 is better than Kobe was at 24, I'll agree.

Unfortunately, that isn't the debate we're having. We're discussing who the better player is right now, regardless of age. That player is Kobe Bryant. I have a feeling that you might be changing your mind after this year when the Lakers actually do win the finals and Kobe wins without Shaq. If I were a betting man, I wouldn't even put the Cavs into the finals. Personally, I'd like to see what LeBron would do in the Western Conference, where the competition is far greater. Who does LeBron have to compete with in the East? The Celtics, the Magic, and....the Knicks? Bobcats? Wizards? Bulls? I could go on all day. Of course his numbers are going to look great, but they might be somewhat inflated. Out West Kobe goes against Phoenix, San Antonio, Houston, Denver, Portland, and New Orleans. I think based on that, Kobe's performance is that much more impressive. But speaking of the Knicks, who just set the record for most points scored in Madison Square Garden?

Scott:

I am SO glad you brought up the MSG game from the other night, because it illustrates my reasoning so perfectly. The Lakers lose Andrew Bynum for maybe 3 months and how does Kobe Bryant react? Shoot the ball a hundred times and don't bother with anybody else. 61 points is impressive... 3 assists, 0 rebounds? Not so much. LeBron turns around and drops 52... but oh wait, he also had a triple double with 10 boards and 11 assists. I can tell you which stat line I'd take each and every time. As for Kobe winning a championship this year, I don't see why you'd have any reason to believe that his team is going to be any better this year than last. Your Western Conference is stronger argument just doesn't make an ounce of sense anymore either. The 3 of the 4 best teams in the entire NBA are all in the East. You bring up the Knicks and the Bobcats as if somehow the Clippers, Kings, Grizzlies, or Thunder are any better? The Cavaliers continue to improve, and while they're going to have a difficult time dealing with Boston or Orlando, they can't be counted out of the Championship picture in the least. The Lakers on the other hand will now have to rely on their favorite ball hog more than ever and they won't have the luxury of picking up a bonus All Star from a failing team again this year like they did last. And as far as the "these guys came into the league under different circumstances" argument? Even further proving my point. LeBron has had more pressure placed on him since High School than any other pro athlete in history, forget about just the NBA. You said it yourself, he hasn't disappointed either. Suffice it to say we're having this argument right now and he's still got 6 years worth of time to make up on Kobe yet, that in and of itself shows how great King James really is.