Kobe Bryant Vs. Michael Jordan - Who's Better?

There are the Kobe-lovers and Jordan-lovers, and it's fun to talk about which player is really better with a beer in hand and the game on the tube. But an objective look at the facts leaves only one conclusion: There is no doubt. Michael Jordan was the better player, with the better stats, and the greater achievements.

Despite what the Kobe-lovers may think about such a seemingly one-sided statement, we need only look at offensive output and defensive outut by career and individual season to see that MJ gets the nod.

Just because in 2008 we are able to witness Kobe's amazing athletic feats live on HD flat screens everywhere, it doesn't mean that Kobe compares favorably to MJ simply because many younger fans never saw Jordan play live.

Here are the facts...

Whether we're looking at scoring, assists, or offensive rebounds - by career or overall best season - MJ has the advantage:

Again, whether looking at steals, blocked shots or rebounds - by career or overall best season - Jordan is the man.

What many who never saw MJ play fail to realize is that he was one of the most feared defenders in the league. He had a way of disarming his opponents with smiles, jokes and back-slaps, just before the whistle blew and he once again stole the ball from an opponent who was suddenly not laughing.

Jordan was the rare offensive master who was also so effective on defensive, in 1988.

It isn't always just about the stats, though increasingly fans are coming to realize just how important stats are to assessing an athlete's overall ability and effectiveness.

Michael Jordan played on an NBA Championship team six times, Kobe, three. The 2008 Championship series didn't help make the case for Kobe either. Certainly, being able to lead a team to the Big Prize must be one of the most important characteristics in a truly great player.

Jordan was also voted NBA League MVP six times. That's five more than Kobe, and speaks to Jordan's all around abilities and ability to lead and inspire his team.

Jordan was named as NBA All-Star 14 times to Kobe's 10. But Kobe still appears to be going strong, and it was Kobe who set a recored for youngest player ever to achieve All Star status.

As already noted, Jordan was not just a great offensive threat but a great defender as well. Rarely does a truly great offensive player receive Defensive Player of the Year honors as MJ did in '88.

Then there were Jordan's two Olympic Gold Medals. Kobe's not there yet either.

MJ vs. Kobe at Age 22
Comparison of the two great athletes when they were each 22 years old.

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One writer's point of view, from the LA Sentinel.

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Another take on Kobe's overall, and recent, performance.