re: Kobe Bryant is the most overhyped athlete in the history of

To say Kobe's one of the top 5 players of all time is definitely going overboard, but he's one of my top 5 shooting guards of all-time and probably in the top 20 players of all-time.

I really disagree with saying he's overhyped as well, he's still one of the best scorers in the league and could help out most teams dramatically.

While the Michael Jordan comparisons are pretty annoying and unnecessary on the issue of skill-level, Kobe's game probably comes the closest to emulating Michael's play-style.

Nobody will be talking about Kobe pretty soon anyway, LeBron James is already taking his place. It's scary to look at how young LBJ is.

Edit: Oh yeah, look for the Cavs to take out the Celtics in the playoffs this year.

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It's really unfair for LeBron to be so dominant without being a good FT shooter, 3 point shooter, jump shooter in general, or defender. Just amazing what he can do with his size, speed, strength, and court vision offensively.

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He has steadily improved his shooting and defense from previous seasons, although he still has much room for improvement. If he can keep up shooting almost 80% from FT this year that will help him and the Cavs a lot, with how LeBron can get to the basket and draw fouls at will basically.

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That being said, I don't think he ever eclipses Kobe's career. He may be better than Kobe for a while, but I don't think his career will end up like Kobe's.

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Well I don't really know what you mean by this - do you mean stats-wise? I'm pretty sure if he can keep improving his shooting and stays healthy, he will be one of the greatest players of his time statistically.

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I mean everything. Kobe will win more titles, I can guarantee you of that. Kobe's stats are incredible, Kobe's accolades are incredible. It really depends on how long both play and who Bron plays for. People don't realize that teams like the Lakers run set offense basically every trip down, whereas LeBron IS the offense for the Cavs. He just does what he wants, when he wants. That's why it's ridiculous to compare their stats, especially assists, when NO ONE ever accumulates a ton of assists in the triangle offense.

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I guess time will tell? 3 titles is a lot, and as good as LeBron and Kobe are, they can't do it themselves. Kobe recognizes this, which he has stated he is extremely happy to have Gasol and Bynum on the team and playing well. I would assume as well most basketball fans realize the difference between the Cavs' offense and Phil Jackson's triangle offense - or well at least the part you pointed out. When I look at a shooting guard's stats I mainly look at points, FG%, 3P%, assists and rebounds are pretty important, but really a bonus. The PG should be getting most of the assists anyway.

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I don't think LeBron will ever catch Kobe has far as defensive accolades go, nor do I think LeBron will ever equal or surpass Kobe's skill set as an offensive player. No matter how much LeBron works at it, I just don't see him being the type of multi-threat shooter that Kobe is.

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I think Kobe and LeBron both don't get enough credit for their defensive abilities, both being such great offensive players. While I agree LeBron may never be the dynamic scorer Kobe is, he is still an unstoppable force in this league and will accumulate similar stats as Kobe when it's all over, maybe better.

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If LeBron goes to a team with another superstar, his stats will dip. If LeBron stays as the main man, his stats will increase, but he may never win a title.

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His stats dipping a bit is a given, but if that player is Dwight Howard for instance, then I think that makes an unstoppable combo, much like Kobe and Shaq.

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He has time on his side, but people really don't appreciate the all around basketball player that Kobe Bryant is. He isn't Jordan, but there hasn't been a player since Jordan, nor does there look to be one currently that is as close as Kobe. His skill set offensively and defensively for a career is just unique.

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Kobe is a great and unique player, and there is no denying that. I think just a lot of people don't like him for whatever reason as a person, and that leads them to find any reason possible to hate him as a basketball player.