There are certain debates that permeate throughout our culture. They arouse charged emotion and vigor. These arguments almost never end with any sort of conclusive answer.

<img src=”https://www.chsglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Kobe-v.-Lebron-Color-223×300.jpg” alt=”The Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James, left, scoops up a loose ball in front of Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant during the second quarter at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010. (Phil Masturzo/Akron Beacon Journal/MCT)” title=”SPORTS BKN-LAKERS-CAVALIERS 2 AK” width=”223″ height=”300″ />

One can hear these debates in living rooms in front of the television, at the dinner table, barbershop, the local community center, and the school commons. There have been different debates of this nature for generations.
There is Biggie or Tupac? The Beatles or the Rolling Stones? Jack Nicklaus or Arnold Palmer? Larry Bird or Magic Johnson?
Today, across gyms, commons, restaurants, couches, and courts, one debate rages on: Lebron James or Kobe Bryant?
Writers, pundits, newscasters, and, to be honest, most of us, love to spend time and energy debating the title of best basketball player in the world. And the debate comes down to these two titans of sports.
Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar shooting guard, is 31 and has been in the National Basketball Association 13 years. After winning four NBA championships, one of which this past season, he is still going strong, averaging 27 points per game this season. They call him the “Black Mamba.”
James, the Cleveland Cavaliers 250-pound forward and native son, is six years Bryant’s junior but has already reached the individual pinnacle of his sport. He has no championships and one finals appearance to his name, and is tearing up the stat sheet with points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Lebron is also known as “King James” or “The Chosen One.”
Fans hold strong opinions and stand by their favorite.
“Kobe is better. No doubt. He’s way more clutch than Lebron,” said senior Devonte Bell, star Greyhound basketball player and esteemed basketball expert.
Others don’t share the same opinion as Bell.
“Lebron is better for sure,” said senior Jeff Bader. “He’s got the all around game and helps his teammates more. Kobe is straight overrated.”
Team achievements are often used as a measuring stick for individual greatness. Many fans cite team championships as evidence for who’s the better player.
“Kobe is the best. He’s got them rings,” said senior Alozie Onwumere. “Four of ‘em.”
The different points of basketball ability can be endlessly debated. Kobe has the championships. Lebron has the assists and rebounds over Kobe. Some say Kobe is a better closer and a better shooter. Others may say Lebron is more valuable to his team than Kobe to his.
That’s why some fans use reasoning that’s not entirely basketball related.
“Kobe has always been my favorite player,” said senior Greyhound basketball player Maggie Lanter. “When it comes down to it, Kobe always hits the game winning shot. And he’s really really cute!”
Whatever reasons different fans may have for their pick, the competition for the title of best current NBA player almost always comes down to Kobe or Lebron.
However, some more daring fans step outside the box and choose another NBA player.
“The best player in the league is clearly Stephen Curry. He’s only a rookie and he’s tiny but he still does all work,” senior Augustus Heil said.
Senior Charles Goodma thinks both Kobe and Lebron are strong players, but not the strongest.
“However, J. R. Smith is the best player in the league and is the only player who could win the slam dunk and three-point shooting contests,” Goodman said.
Despite these aberrations, most everyone agrees that Lebron James and Kobe Bryant are the two players at the top of the list, but there is much disagreement on who is number one. And when both of their careers are over, even then there will likely be no definitive answer.
The debate will rage on and on, perhaps for generations to come. And that’s the way it ought to be.