After witnessing this past summers FIBA Championship in Vegas, one thing became very clear: LeBron James was about to snatch the throne from Kobe Bryant, as the best player in the world. Game by game, LeBron was establishing himself as the best player on the team and anybody that understands the game of basketball could see Kobe’s explosion deteriorating.
Kobe responded by proclaiming himself as the defensive stopper on Team USA. His ego is enormous and he didn’t want the world to think that he was being outshined. By doing so, he was able to let guys like LeBron and Carmelo patrol things on the offensive end, while Kobe would garner the accolades for his defensive prowess. It worked and all 3 superstars were able to share the limelight. However, it was still very easy to see what was happening.
Following the summer as my expectation level started to grow, I still needed further evidence that the torch once held for so many years by MJ, was ready to move hands and away from his successor.
That official day came this past Sunday and the entire world was able to witness this first hand. From his ability to attack the rim, to his open court play, there wasn’t a moment in the game that I ever believed Kobe was still in the same league as LeBron.
Clearly Kobe’s knee troubles have attributed to him losing much of the explosion that we’ve seen in the past and thus his ability to elevate on his jumper or around the rim, have been negatively affected. At the same time LeBron’s becoming more of a freak athletically and a better all around ball player, with each passing day. Not to mention his desire to win and his intensity have gone to another level since last season’s playoff run.
On the final play, as LeBron elevated and knocked down the final dagger to lift Cleveland to victory, it was Team USA’s defensive stopper that had no answer for the World’s best player.
Kobe responded by proclaiming himself as the defensive stopper on Team USA. His ego is enormous and he didn’t want the world to think that he was being outshined. By doing so, he was able to let guys like LeBron and Carmelo patrol things on the offensive end, while Kobe would garner the accolades for his defensive prowess. It worked and all 3 superstars were able to share the limelight. However, it was still very easy to see what was happening.
Following the summer as my expectation level started to grow, I still needed further evidence that the torch once held for so many years by MJ, was ready to move hands and away from his successor.
That official day came this past Sunday and the entire world was able to witness this first hand. From his ability to attack the rim, to his open court play, there wasn’t a moment in the game that I ever believed Kobe was still in the same league as LeBron.
Clearly Kobe’s knee troubles have attributed to him losing much of the explosion that we’ve seen in the past and thus his ability to elevate on his jumper or around the rim, have been negatively affected. At the same time LeBron’s becoming more of a freak athletically and a better all around ball player, with each passing day. Not to mention his desire to win and his intensity have gone to another level since last season’s playoff run.
On the final play, as LeBron elevated and knocked down the final dagger to lift Cleveland to victory, it was Team USA’s defensive stopper that had no answer for the World’s best player.
2 comments:
just one man's opinion. what if kobe made the stop or lebron missed? is kobe still best? the best player has been the best for sometime now, if the new so called best is the best then in a few months and best case years we shall see.
Its definitely something that I've watched closely since you pointed this out and to be frank - you're right.
Kobe doesnt have the lift that he once had. His scoring numbers are way down, while LeBron continues to take off.
Did you see LeBrons quote when asked about Jason Kidd joining him in Cle:
"As long as I'm healthy, it doesnt matter who I play with, we have a chance to win."
Post a Comment