Here’s a fun scenario to play with. Pretend the NBA disbanded and you were granted the position of GM for an NBA franchise. All the players were put into one big pool and you have to pick either LeBron James or Kobe Bryant for your team (and the future). Who do you choose, and why?

This is one of the toughest questions to answer. Each player is extremely accomplished and a case could be made for either one of them as the best player in the NBA right now. Kobe Bryant is guard for the Lakers and is a three-time NBA Champion. LeBron is a small forward, but can handle the ball like a guard and took his team to the finals a few years ago.

For his career; Kobe Bryant averages:
.455 FG% – .341 3P% – .840 FT% – 5.3 RPG – 4.6 APG – 2.92 TO – 25.1 PPG

For his career; LeBron James averages:
.469 FG% – .321 3P% – .734 FT% – 7.0 RPG – 6.6 APG – 3.29 TO – 27.5 PPG

The numbers are so close, it doesn’t really help sway a decision either way. You have to base it off of watching the players in action. Kobe is definitely a better outside shooter then LeBron. I’d wager to say that James’ FG% is only higher because he can drive to the hoop harder the Kobe. Kobe can take it to the hole, but he’s not going to force it, he’ll pull up a shot if he has to. The Cleveland Cavaliers also expect more out of James then the LA Lakers do of Kobe. The Lakers have a more balanced team and don’t have to rely on only Kobe to win the game.

As much as I think Kobe Bryant is the best player in the NBA right now, the question above asks who would you take for your team and the future. I would pick LeBron James. Kobe is already 30 years old, while LeBron is only 24. If I had to pick a player for one game only, it would definitely be Kobe.