Featured Image Credit: USA Today
Topics: Kobe Bryant, NBA, LA Lakers
Josh Lawless
Kobe Bryant gave a cold response when asked who would win in a 1v1 between him and LeBron James.
Alongside Michael Jordan, Bryant and James are in the conversation for the best NBA player of all time having dominated their respective eras.
In a stunning career which lasted 20 years, 'Mamba' won five NBA titles with Los Angeles Lakers and created a legacy so impressive that his team retired both of his shirt numbers.
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A two-time NBA finals MVP, Bryant is fourth on the all-time NBA scoring charts with 33643 points. But it is James who is well clear at the top with 42170 points from 1,561 games in action for Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and the Lakers.
Bryant and James won Olympic gold together representing the USA and they also faced off on the court on 22 occasions, with the latter winning 16 times.
However, during an appearance at the London school of Basketball many years ago, the late Bryant was asked who would win in a straight 1v1 battle and had no doubts about who would come out on top.
As per Reddit, Bryant replied: "I win. That's just what I do. That's easy. 1 on 1, that's what I grew up on. That's my thing. LeBron is like a Magic Johnson, a great passer who plays an all-round game. But at the core of me, I'm a 1 on 1 player. I do that in my sleep."
Back in May 2018, Bryant weighed in with his assessment on the GOAT debate after James secured a record eighth NBA finals appearance and gave a refreshing take on the
'Mamba' took to X, when it was known as Twitter, to praise both James and Jordan, telling fans that they should just enjoy all of their exploits on the court without hating on the others.
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He also said he "loved" what James was doing in the sport.
He commented: "We can enjoy one without tearing down one. I love what he’s doing. Don’t debate what can’t be definitively won by anyone. #enjoymy5 #enjoymj6 #enjoylbjquest."
After writer Michael Grange claimed Bryant was angry he is "trapped at the kiddy table at the base of Mt. Rushmore", Bryant decided to fire back by bringing up that his film 'Dear Basketball' won an Oscar and Emmy.
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Bryant also said Grange couldn't understand that he chooses to support other athletes.
Bryant wrote: "#Annie #Oscar #Emmy safe to say I’m focused on another mountain but I’m guessing it’s hard to fathom athletes supporting other athletes to be great. #simpleminds."