Do Not Bet Against Kobe Bryant In Best NBA Player Debate

While Kobe Bryant may never attain his goal of surpassing Michael Jordan as the best NBA player of all-time, he made one thing clear on Tuesday night. Bryant is not yet ready to concede the imaginary throne of best player of today to LeBron James.

On a night when the rest of the Lakers regressed back to the form they took in last year's finals, Bryant was at his best, as he always is, when the Lakers needed him most. He scored eighteen points in the fourth quarter at a time when his teammates seemed content with allowing Denver to steal game one.

If there is one similarity that Bryant has to Jordan, it is that both men are driven by the moment. They are undoubtedly numbers one and two in players that anyone would like to take the last shot of a close game.

That means that both have an inner confidence that makes great players seem immortal. That trait was on display once again on Tuesday night for Byrant. It helped, that he was called out indirectly by the person that drafted him.

Jerry West, considered one of the greatest Lakers ever for his achievement in the GM box as much as his on court efforts, had something to say. After pondering the West comment, and Bryant's subsequent performance last night, one has to wonder if West made the comment on purpose to fuel Bryant.

West was asked who was the best player in the NBA today and instead of going with his guy, he said LeBron James. Whether West truly believes that or not is irrelevant. He said it, and Kobe heard it.

That may be bad news for both the Nuggets and James. Bryant showed last night that he is not going to let the Lakers sleepwalk through this series. He also now has renewed his life-long dedication to being the best.

Should the Lakers and Cavaliers meet in the finals and the Lakers win, James may have to endure the echoes of West's words. He may still be the best player in the NBA, but it may cost him a title at the hands of the player he has has supposedly taken that distinction from.

May 20, 2009
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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