1-on-1 Showdown: Who Wins? Jordan vs. Kobe vs. Lebron Posted by Lucas G. on 10/02/13 | Filed under Debates, Sports, 1 on 1 Showdown

The debate over who is the greatest rapper of all-time is a lot like the debate about the best basketball player. There is really no way to choose a winner because there are way too many variables to consider, but that never stops us from talking about it. Just because we can’t come to a solid, agreed upon conclusion doesn’t mean we can’t have fun debating all the hypothetical. Here at RefiendHype we love sports almost as much as hip-hop, which is why when Jordan brought up playing 1 on 1 with Lebron and Kobe, we knew what we had to do.

In a video promoting the NBA 2K14 video game that is being released today, Jordan said there's a long list of players he would've liked to have played one-on-one — Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Julius Erving, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Bryant and James, who dons the cover of this year's game.  "I don't think I would lose," Jordan said in the video, before smiling and adding, "Other than to Kobe Bryant because he steals all of my moves."

Obviously, this debate is purely hypothetical, and pretty pointless, but will that stop us from spending way too much time debating and discussing it like it actually mattered? Of course not.

Now before we get into the debate, I want to make it clear this is not a “best player ever” debate. That historical, hypothetical question is unanswerable as they played in different eras with different teams and different styles (MJ still has Lebron beat for the record). But when you put it in the framework of a one on one game, that’s where things get interesting. As much as I hate to say it, and believe me I HATE it, I think Lebron would win a one on one tournament with Kobe and Michael.

Before you call me a D rider and an idiot, hear me out. Obviously if I am making a team, I am taking an in-his-prime Jordan ten times outta ten; with a full squad he is the best ever thanks to his hard work and will to win, not to mention his absurd talent in every aspect of the game. In one-on-one however, I think Lebron would win the round robin tournament between him, MJ, and Kobe.

One-on-one isn’t always about being the most technically sound player, but about how well the players match up, and I don’t think Kobe and MJ and match-up well with Lebron. Obviously they both have the edge when it comes to shooting (although James has improved greatly in that regard), but Lebron is just a freak of nature physically; seriously, he could have been a NFL tight end. Not only is he just as fast as Kobe and MJ, but he is much bigger and stronger. Kobe and Jordan are an impressive 6’6” and both are in the 210 range, but Lebron at 6’8” and 250. Not only has two inches on them, but 50 pounds (of sheer muscle); and he is just as fast. He is so versatile, it would be impossible to stop; if you shut down one aspect of his game he will beat you with another. I just don’t see how either could stop Lebron when he backing them down and playing more physical. Is he the better player? Not necessarily, but is he the more physically gifted specimen? Absolutely; that's what gives him the edge in one on one. Love him or hate him, you have to marvel at Lebron’s genetic makeup and athleticism; there are very few on this earth who are built like him.

The only x-factor here is Jordan’s will to win. Lebron would lose and probably not lose any hair over it (hairline excluded of course), but if Jordan or Kobe lost, they would go fucking crazy. Jordan’s will to win might give him a shot, but wanting to win won’t stop James from dunking all over the place. I hate it as much as you do, but facts are facts, Lebron has the edge in one-on-one tournament.
 

P.S. Yes, Nathan and I did spend a large chunk of the afternoon debating this…

Nathan Slavik: all time 1 on 1 tournament really is the holy grail, but it's an epic job
Nathan Slavik: Then you're dealing with questions like, who would win, Kobe or Chamberlain
Lucas Garrison: bill russell
Lucas Garrison: magic
Nathan Slavik: If Chamberlain starts with the ball, and it's scorer gets the ball back, Chamberlain might just post him up and run him off the court 11-0
Nathan Slavik: Exactly
Nathan Slavik: Gets insanely complicated
Lucas Garrison: Shit even ray allen could just make 4 3s in a row
Nathan Slavik: Exactly, who wins, Shaq vs. Ray Allen?
Nathan Slavik: Probably...Shaq, not even Allen can shoot consistently enough from the outside to win, he'd have to shoot 100%
Nathan Slavik: Once Shaq posted him up, it'd be over
Lucas Garrison: but shaq has no handles
Nathan Slavik: Does it matter?
Lucas Garrison: I think ray could sneak in there and grab a steal
Nathan Slavik: I think you're underestimating how fucking gigantic Shaq is
Nathan Slavik: Most powerful player in NBA history
Nathan Slavik: Even if Allen could sneak in for a steal, he'd probably get his jaw broken
Nathan Slavik: Could he steal it everytime?
Nathan Slavik: Shaq would wear him down
Lucas Garrison: He would only need to steal it once
Lucas Garrison: shaq couldn't play d on the perimeter
Nathan Slavik: That's assuming he shoots 100%
Nathan Slavik: Allen misses once, it's over for him
Nathan Slavik: He could do it, but it'd be hard
Nathan Slavik: Ultimately, I think post beats perimeter shooting
Nathan Slavik: The percentage on Shaq posting up Allen and dunking is 100%
Nathan Slavik: Even if Shaq didn't defend Allen past 10 feet and just let him shoot, it'd be tough for him to go 11 for 11
Nathan Slavik: Although not impossible
Lucas Garrison: Ray allen could totally sink 11 wide open 12 foot jumpers
Nathan Slavik: So maybe it just all comes down to who gets the ball first
Lucas Garrison: And how do you get the ball first? make it miss it
Lucas Garrison: Ray ray makes it
Nathan Slavik: Great point, if it's sink a free throw for ball, Shaq is fucked
Nathan Slavik: Related, what I wouldn't give to watch Shaq murderify Dwight Howards one on one
Nathan Slavik: (obviously we're assuming all players are at their prime, not now)
Lucas Garrison: Even now
Lucas Garrison: Dwight would want to change courts
Lucas Garrison: Then say he didnt
Lucas Garrison: Then change courts
Lucas Garrison: Then call charges on every play
Lucas Garrison: And leave in a huff when he doesn't get his way
Nathan Slavik: Exactly, Shaq might literally make him cry
Nathan Slavik: Howard would do that ackward "uhhh...come on...i got fouled" whine/arm flap move everytime
Lucas Garrison: I could talk about this all day
Nathan Slavik: Same here, that means everyone else in RH Nation can too...

See Also:  The Last Time I Prove Michael Jordan Was Better Than Kobe Bryant
See Also:  This “Secret History of Kobe Bryant’s Rap Career” Article is Fantastic