The debate is officially on. Every decade or so there are comparisons made about who is the greatest NBA player. Over the years we have debated Russell versus Chamberlain, Bird versus Magic, and even Jordan versus…well…everybody. The debate on everyone’s lips this decade, however, has been Kobe Bryant versus Lebron James. Perhaps no comparison in the past has ever been more hotly debated, in fact, than King James vs. Kobe. Ironically, they appear headed on a collision course in this year’s NBA Finals.

When comparing Kobe and Lebron, one must remember they are not at the same point in their careers. Kobe is the veteran while Lebron is just entering that phase where he is maturing. Given this, it is hard to look at statistics alone. You have to look at all the things that make a great NBA basketball player. Kobe has an unfair advantage in many categories simply due to age and longevity.

While Kobe is much older, and has a firm handle on his career, Lebron is still finding his way. This season we have seen a Lebron James that is exploding with leadership skills. To do what Lebron has done with the cast he has in Cleveland is amazing, and an NBA Championship would push him to the legendary status. Oddly, the two stars have a lot in common as far as career.

One thing that is very similar is how they entered the NBA. They both were high school legends, and they both were stars straight into the NBA. Neither player had to do the rookie thing in the NBA, as they both were starters out of the gate. Both Kobe and Lebron have lived up to the hype in ways that few players ever do, especially out of high school.

So who is actually better? Lebron is a supreme NBA player that excels in any area he chooses to focus on. He is a natural leader as is evidenced by the fact that he has a number of older veterans following him without question. Kobe is a good leader as well, but he often chastises his teammates. Given the fact that a large part of his career was played with Shaq, Kobe has not had to lead until the last few years. Though it is close, Lebron wins the leadership category.

Accolades and awards are almost unfair to judge but winning NBA titles is something you can not possibly ignore. With or without Shaq’s help, Kobe has won three NBA titles. Lebron has none in his brief career, though he is right on the edge it would appear. Until he wins a title, this category has to go to Kobe Bryant.

Scoring ability is another huge factor, especially where Kobe and Lebron is concerned. Both can score seemingly at will, and both have shown they can hit the big shot. Kobe does it with lightening quick moves and a solid range. Lebron does it with devastating ability to drive to the hoop, and pure athleticism. His long range ability is improving, but this is the one area that Kobe excels over him on a consistent basis. Edge goes to Kobe.

Passing the ball and getting your teammates involved is another key component to NBA basketball success. Though Kobe has improved in this area by leaps and bounds, he is still primarily a scorer that will pass. Kobe still has not reached that point where he is able to consistently hit the open man when he is in trouble at the end of the game. During the game, he is much better. A large part of this, to be fair, is due to the people that he is passing off to in Los Angeles. Regardless, Lebron is the best passer of the two. Not only does he pass better, he is more inclined to be okay doing it regardless of when the game is on the line. His teammates appreciate the vote of confidence and play better because of it. This category goes to Lebron all the way.

In the current, Kobe pretty much is the pick of the day. If you look at where Lebron might be in the same period of time in their careers, then I might give the edge to Lebron.

That said, you have to give the edge to Kobe right now. Three rings tips the scales in his favor, and until Lebron wins some championships, this will always be the case.