James 33 - 21 Bryant --

Since LeBron James outscored Kobe Bryant 33-21 in their latest head-to-head matchup, I have to argue that James is the better player. There is no doubt here that James could win championships with Shaquille O'Neal. And could you imagine Michael Jordan allowing Bryant's situation happen to him? Never, ever.

I've saw a game once when Charles Barkley topped 40 while leading the 76ers past Jordan's Bulls. Jordan did not score 40, but there weren't comparisons between Jordan and Barkley. Anfernee Hardaway drew favorable comparisons to Jordan, but a game-shape Jordan never allowed Hardaway to upstage him the way James just upstaged Bryant. I say game-shape because Hardaway did manage that playoff series victory over Jordan en route to the Finals ... with Shaquille O'Neil ... interesting. Jordan had not made it back to full form for that series, hence the loss.

Bryant is a great player, but I think James stacks up well against him and gets my vote as the better player. He took his team to the Finals without Shaquille O'Neil. Who lately has pulled that off? No one.