Why Batman Beats Superman in the NBA

When Kobe Bryant entered this league, he also possessed great athleticism. He was a phenomenal leaper (Kobe’s hops once introduced Steve Nash to Kobe’s, err…nether-regions, in what is my favorite Kobe Bryant dunk ever). Check it out:

httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mgksq3ShJyU

Ask yourself this though: When was the last time you saw Kobe dunk with such ferocity? I can’t remember any memorable dunks like that in the last three years off the top of my head. In fact, before the above dunk on Nash the last time I remember Bryant serving up a Superman-style Spalding facial was two years earlier with his dunk on an Orlando Magic rookie named Dwight Howard.

httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvDtBZI0sNs

This is because Kobe Bryant’s game, unlike Shaq and LeBron’s, was never completely based on his athleticism. Sure, he came into the league as a great leaper and somebody who could attack the basket at will, but Bryant (like Jordan) always knew that his athleticism would one day fade. He knew that to achieve longevity in this league (and with it, true greatness) he was going to have to improve on his shooting and his mid-range game. (Which, to put it kindly, wasn’t his forte when he came into the league, as seen here).

httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWgfx-bXsg4

And now, he is reaping the reward of his hard-work. Unlike LeBron, who is entering his physical prime, Kobe Bryant is on the downside of his career (physically). He’s 31, has over 1,000 NBA games on his odometer, is constantly battling nagging injuries (currently a broken index finger on his shooting hand), and here is what he’s been up to the last three years: Finals appearance, Olympic Gold Medal, Finals appearance (this time with a long-awaited victory), and he is now poised for another deep play-off run. These are the facts surrounding a man that just signed a 3 year, 80 million dollar contract extension with the Lakers.

Next: Why Bryant and James are clear choices for Batman and Superman…
[phpbay]Zoom Kobe V, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Lance Stephenson ‘Learned A Lot’ From Being LeBron James’ Teammate

When the Los Angeles Lakers signed sign Lance Stephenson shortly after LeBron James in free agency, the jokes immediately…

Lakers News: Staples Center To Be Renamed Crypto.com Arena

Back in 1999, the Los Angeles Lakers officially moved from The Forum to a brand new arena called Staples Center…

NBA Trade Rumors: Timberwolves Willing To Deal No. 5 Pick For Jimmy Butler

With the NBA Draft a little over a week away, trade talks have begun to swirl as the Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly willing to deal their No. 5 overall pick in this year’s draft in exchange for Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler…

Derek Fisher & Shannon Brown Have a ‘Minute to Win It’

Los Angeles Lakers’ guards Derek Fisher and Shannon Brown will be competing…