Do You Hear Me Now Black Male Vulnerability Don Cornelius Soul Train

Sugar’s Take

For me, looking at them strictly for basketball skills it is kinda hard because Kobe has 3 rings ,with all kinda scoring records, and Lebron has no rings. But, there are other statistics that may present more evidence for Lebron’s case (I’m not a sports junkie…that’s Ed’s department). Plus, it ain’t like Lebron is a bum, the brother can play any position on the court; and play it well.

Now when it comes to character, that’s where I believe they are miles apart. Any dude that does some dumb stuff, gets caught, and starts telling other people’s business,as a validation for his wrong doing, is a punk azz motherfather. The way that negro was talking, snitching should be changed to Kobe-ing, or “doing a Kobe”. He broke all the codes of the locker room, the hood, the playground, auntie’s backyard hoop, just everywhere. Kobe reminds me of the dude on the team who’s dad is the coach’s best friend. Nobody really likes him; they just stay cool enough with him so he don’t tell coach.

Lebron seems to be more of an all around cool dude. He has a real sense of humor and puts his heart into everything he does. He is a joy to watch because he has been able to mix hard work, finessed fundamentals and talent–whether he’s putting up a three or high diving in a suit. So far, his personal business ain’t all over the place and his woman isn’t impatiently waiting for him in the player’s tunnel. I also hear he has his own advertising agency or something. I’m telling you, Ed knows this kinda stuff way better than me.

OK, so Kobe has 3 championship rings, a sneaker deal (I think), some MVP love and his family. Lebron has really funny commercials, people waiting to scream when he throws chalk in the air, some mean endorsements and he hangs out with Jay-Z. The only cool thing Kobe did is that song with Brian McKnight where he met his wife, that should tell you everything.

Lebron wins in my book.

Ed’s Take

Great Question!!!! My barbers Chaka, Mario, and I debate this topic quite frequently.  Any old basketball elder or serious hoops head will tell you the game is all about fundamentals….under appreciated skills like team chemistry, leadership, free throws, appropriate bounce passes, mid range jumpers, offensive rebounds, and lock down defense.  That being said, Kobe and Lebron are ahead of the curve on essential fundamentals and both have very high basketball IQ.   Basketball is 90% mental and 10% percent talent.

While his skills on the court make him a shoe in for the Hall of Fame, I have a huge disdain for Kobe (way down deep in my bones) on a personal level that has nothing to do with his game. Ever since the Lakers shipped Vlade Divac to the Charlotte Hornets for Kobe’s drafts rights in 96′, he has displayed an extreme egotism that has alienated would be supporters and hosts of teammates over the years.  Kobe’s early years were blemished by a selfish need to be “The Man.”  Remember the playoff game in the 90′s where he hoisted air ball after air ball much to the chagrin of teammates like Nic Van Exel who felt Kobe’s showboating was killing the locker room.  The best exemplar of his “big head” and unyielding selfishness was the breakup, orchestrated by Kobe, of the unstoppable Laker dynasty as he forced executives to trade Shaquille O’Neal to the Miami Heat in July 04′.  Karma is a mutha’ as Kobe has not won a ring since.

Further, Kobe is not a leader. He JUST learned- the past two seasons– how to empower his teammates, alter his game to enhance team chemistry, trust in his coach Phil Jackson, and serve as a mentor to younger players to ensure they live up to their fullest potential.  Hard headed Kobe never heeded an important lesson from the stellar careers of Magic, Bird, and Jordan….the game is bigger than one individual. Kobe may have the 3 championship rings; but nobody likes him.

Lebron James is a beast point blank.  He can play multiple positions from 1-5 (point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center) and has the ability to will a mediocre team to greatness.  Lebron took his team to the Championship with less talent than Kobe has ever had.  Plus, he is on of few players who could possible break legend Oscar Robertson’s record of averaging a triple double (double figures in three statistical categories exp.  25 points 11 rebounds 12 assists) for an entire season.

James is a better team psychologist (kinda like Magic Johnson) than Kobe was or will be.  A true leader is like a second coach on the floor who players respect.  James teammates will fight to the end for him because they know, no matter what, Lebron will lay it on the line and sacrifice his stats and game for the benefit of the team.  Kobe will never let another player steal any of his shine…a sickness that will forever haunt him.  Lebron is the kinda guy who drop 50 points on ya in game, and afterwards, he will treat you and wifey to a meal on his dime.

Lebron wins because not only is he more of a complete player/coach and team manager, but he is also a better person lauded for his good will and positive attitude!!!!!