In Honor of LeBron’s First MVP, We Present an MVP Showdown

In honor of LeBron’s first MVP Award (of many), we thought we’d compare him to two other former MVPs. We have The King, Black Mamba, and the one both garner comparisons to: His Airness.

Offense

At this point, LeBron’s shooting is still a little shaky. Kobe’s offense is awesome, but when his shots aren’t falling, he’s pretty average. MJ? He proved he could do it all. Shoot, drive, dunk, and this.

Advantage: Michael Jordan

Douchiness

All three have been great with the media in their careers, especially LeBron, who dealt with such a large amount of media at such a young age. The thing separating them? Kobe has proven a little dirty on the court, from time to time.

Advantage: Kobe Bryant

Defense

Kobe plays good man-to-man defense, but he’s certainly not out there for his defense. Michael Jordan was a Defensive Player of the Year and a 9-time member of the All-Defensive First Team. Unfortunately, none of that means much as most of it is chosen based solely on reputation. LeBron is still very young, but he can make more defensive plays than the two combined. He can block a shot from anywhere on the court.

Advantage: LeBron James

Off-Court Appearances

Kobe’s most notable off-court appearance: a courtroom in Eagle, Colorado. LeBron: ESPY Awards host. MJ: Space Jam.

Advantage: Michael Jordan

Dunking Ability

They’re all great dunkers. LeBron will join the All-Star Dunk Contest next year, if he keeps his promise. Kobe already won the Dunk Contest, in Cleveland, no less. MJ is one of the best dunkers ever, though. And he did this to Patrick Ewing.

Advantage: Michael Jordan

Significant Others

MJ

Kobe

LeBron

Advantage: Kobe Bryant

Work Ethic

I’m sure Michael Jordan was a hard worker. I’m sure LeBron is a hard worker. But, Kobe Bryant’s work ethic is generally considered the best in the whole league. Getting out of rape allegations only confirmed this.

Advantage: Kobe Bryant

Nickname

King James just isn’t that creative, really. Black Mamba? What is that even? Getting a nickname for how you stay up in the air? Awesome.

Advantage: His Airness

If it isn’t obvious from this post that Michael Jordan is the greatest player of all time, I advise you to re-read the post, and then change your opinion accordingly.

Massacre

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