NBA fans around the world often talk about Kobe Bryant and Lebron James as the two legends of the game. No discussion of the Greatest of all times is complete without including these two greats.
Former NBA player and champion Richard Jefferson was recently asked about the toughest opponent to guard on an episode of NBA Today. Jefferson, thinking back on the age-old dispute between LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, gave an answer which surprised many fans.
Although he has played against Kobe only a few times, Jefferson is a close friend of Lebron James, having won a championship with him. In his opinion, LeBron was the tougher opponent, and he explained why he thinks so as well.
Why LeBron James is tougher to guard than Kobe Bryant? NBA champ explained
Richard Jefferson, a former NBA player, and LeBron’s ex-teammate, recently shared a very interesting opinion on the matter, explaining LeBron’s uniqueness as an opponent.
Jefferson replied: “Kobe was gonna do what Kobe does. He was gonna shoot the ball and you had to make it tough. If he made them all, he was gonna get you 81. If he missed a couple, he was gonna get you 25. That to me, wasn’t the hardest person to guard, it was still LeBron James mainly because of this: he was bigger, more physical, and we played against him when he was young — in his first Finals.”
Who's the toughest player to guard of all time?!?
Richard Jefferson believes it is Lebron James:"Kobe was gonna do what Kobe does. … That to me, wasn't the hardest person to guard, it was still LeBron James."
pic.twitter.com/VLCU5MEBnW— OutOfSightSports🚀™️ (@OOSSports) July 20, 2023
Kobe’s legacy is still remembered with his unmatchable tough-shot-making ability, but guarding LeBron was a tougher task according to Richard due to his relentless, unstoppable style of play. Also, nicknamed the freight train, he charges toward the rim, leaving defenders confused and unable to slow him down when he is at full strength.
Over the years, LeBron has evolved his skills to remain a star-level player, defying age and expectations. Despite the continuing doubts about his abilities, the fans always want the King to perform well.
LeBron James passed Kobe Bryant on all-time scoring list
LeBron James has crossed Kobe Bryant on the NBA’s all-time scoring chart. On January 25, 2020, against the Philadelphia 76ers, James scored a layup that helped him climb to third place, eclipsing Kobe Bryant’s legendary 36,381 career points.
The moment was all the more meaningful since LeBron did it while wearing the Lakers jersey that Bryant had worn for twenty years. The contest took held in Bryant’s hometown of Philadelphia, where he attended Lower Marion High School and learned how to play basketball. Bryant called James to offer his congratulations on the win, despite the fact that the two were rivals on the court.
Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother 💪🏾 #33644
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 26, 2020
And LeBron hasn’t stopped there; he recently even passed Kareem Abdul Jabbar to become first on the all-time scoring list.
Tragically, Bryant, his daughter, and seven others all perished in a helicopter accident just 12 hours later after this. LeBron deeply regarded Kobe as a friend as well as a mentor to him and they shared a special bond.
Who do you think is the better player – Kobe, or LeBron? Let us know your opinions in the comments section.
