Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James
type: Article
description: LeBron James surpassed Kobe Bryant as the NBA's all-time leading scorer in 2023 and has played longer at an elite level, while Kobe won 5 championships with greater peak dominance and clutch performance reputation during his era.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-07-07T17:02:12.599Z
date created: 2026-07-07T17:02:12.599Z
date modified: 2026-07-07T17:02:12.661Z
content reference time: 2026-07-07T17:02:12.661Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: Kobe Bryant
about: LeBron James
abstract: LeBron James surpassed Kobe Bryant as the NBA's all-time leading scorer in 2023 and has played longer at an elite level, while Kobe won 5 championships with greater peak dominance and clutch performance reputation during his era.
text: All-Time Points Scored. NBA Championships Won. Career Length at Elite Level. MVP Awards. All-NBA First Team Selections. NBA Finals Appearances. Peak Scoring Average (Best Season)
conclusion text: LeBron James is the greater all-around player with superior longevity, all-time scoring record, and MVP count, making him the GOAT-caliber player in most modern analyses. However, Kobe Bryant achieved more championships earlier, maintained sharper scoring peaks, and remains unmatched for clutch playoff moments and cultural impact during his era. Choose Kobe if you value peak dominance and championship success relative to era; choose LeBron if you prioritize sustained excellence, all-time records, and versatile two-way play.
additional property: Career Points
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 33,643 | LeBron James: 40,361
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: All-Star Appearances
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 18 | LeBron James: 20
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: Career Points Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 25.0 PPG career | LeBron James: 27.2 PPG career (through 2026)
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: 2026 Season / Peak Season PPG
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 35.4 PPG (2005-06) | LeBron James: 28.3 PPG (2025-26)
  value reference: Kobe Bryant
additional property: Career Assists Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 4.7 APG career | LeBron James: 8.5 APG (2025-26)
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: Career Rebounds Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 5.2 RPG career | LeBron James: 8.3 RPG (2025-26)
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: MVP Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 1 MVP | LeBron James: 4 MVPs
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: NBA Championships
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 5 Championships | LeBron James: 4 Championships
  value reference: Kobe Bryant
additional property: Finals Appearances
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 5 Finals appearances | LeBron James: 10 Finals appearances
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: Finals MVP Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 2 Finals MVPs | LeBron James: 4 Finals MVPs
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: True Shooting Percentage
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 55.4% TS% career | LeBron James: 66.7% TS% (2025-26)
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: Career Longevity
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 20 seasons (1996-2016) | LeBron James: 23 seasons (2003-2026)
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: Height / Physical Presence
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 6'6" (198cm) | LeBron James: 6'9" (206cm)
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: All-Star Selections
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 18 All-Star selections | LeBron James: 20 All-Star selections
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: Rebounds Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 5.3 RPG | LeBron James: N/A
additional property: Steals Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 1.5 SPG | LeBron James: N/A
additional property: NBA Finals Record
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: Not documented as perfect | LeBron James: N/A
additional property: Regular Season Games Played
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 1,346 games | LeBron James: N/A
additional property: NBA Career Span
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 20 seasons (1996-2016) | LeBron James: N/A
additional property: Career Points Scored
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 33,643 points | LeBron James: 40,511 points
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: Peak Scoring Season Average
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 35.4 PPG (2005-06) | LeBron James: 31.4 PPG (2009-10)
  value reference: Kobe Bryant
additional property: Career Length at Elite Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 20 seasons (1996-2016) | LeBron James: 21 seasons (2003-2024)
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: All-NBA First Team Selections
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 11 selections | LeBron James: 10 selections
  value reference: Kobe Bryant
additional property: NBA Finals Appearances
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 7 Finals (5 wins) | LeBron James: 10 Finals (4 wins)
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: Career Points Total
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 33,643 | LeBron James: 40,361
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: Career Assists
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 5,995 | LeBron James: 10,452
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: NBA Championships Won
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 5 championships | LeBron James: 4 championships
  value reference: Kobe Bryant
additional property: Regular Season MVP Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 1 | LeBron James: 4 MVPs
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: All-Star Game Selections
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 18 | LeBron James: 19
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: Career Field Goal Percentage
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 44.7% | LeBron James: 50.5%
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: Seasons Played
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 20 | LeBron James: 22
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: All-NBA Team Selections
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 15 | LeBron James: 13
  value reference: Kobe Bryant
additional property: NBA Championships
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 5 championships | LeBron James: 4
  value reference: Kobe Bryant
additional property: All-Star Selections
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 18 All-Stars | LeBron James: 19 All-Stars
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: Career Games Played
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 1,346 | LeBron James: 1,610
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: Career Three-Point Percentage
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 33.1% | LeBron James: 34.4%
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: Career Points Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 25.0 PPG | LeBron James: 27.2
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: MVP Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 1 MVP | LeBron James: 4 MVPs
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: Field Goal Percentage
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 44.7% | LeBron James: 50.2%
  value reference: LeBron James
additional property: Career Seasons
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 20 seasons (1996-2016) | LeBron James: N/A
additional property: Finals MVP Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 5 Finals MVPs | LeBron James: 4
  value reference: Kobe Bryant
additional property: All-NBA First Team
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: 11 selections | LeBron James: N/A
additional property: Championships
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 4
additional property: Career Rebounds
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 10,452 rebounds
additional property: Career Three-Pointers Made
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 1,295
additional property: NBA Career Length
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 21
additional property: NBA Cup/Finals MVP Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 1 NBA Cup MVP
additional property: Rebounding League Leader Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 0 titles
additional property: Primary Playing Positions
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: Guard, Forward, Center (multi-position)
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/kobe-bryant
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/kobe-bryant
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/lebron-james
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/lebron-james
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/answer/kobe-vs-lebron))
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/schema/kobe-vs-lebron))
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/kobe-bryant-vs-lebron-james
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/kobe-vs-lebron
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/lebron-vs-jordan
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/lebron-vs-jordan)))
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/michael-jordan-vs-lebron-james))
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/lebron-james-vs-michael-jordan))
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/lebron-james-vs-kevin-durant
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/michael-jordan-vs-kobe-bryant
teaches: How to choose between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James
genre: Sports

primaryImage
type: ImageObject
width: 1200
height: 630
caption: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B

A Versus B
type: Organization

Kobe Bryant
type: Person
alternate name: KB
language: en-US
description: Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard who won 5 championships and 1 MVP across 20 seasons (1996-2016).
image: ImageObject
  caption: Kobe Bryant
subject of: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James
image: ImageObject
  caption: Kobe Bryant

LeBron James
type: Person
alternate name: LJ
alternate name: Lebron James
language: en-US
description: Forward/guard who played 21 seasons (2003-2024) for four teams, becoming NBA's all-time leading scorer with 4 championships and 4 MVPs.
image: ImageObject
  caption: LeBron James
subject of: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James
image: ImageObject
  caption: LeBron James

Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James. Contains 88 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
language: en-US
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
creator: A Versus B
distribution: JSON-LD knowledge graph
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json+ld
distribution: Raw comparison JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Structured FAQ pairs JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: AI Answer API (citation-ready)
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Related comparisons JSON
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  encoding format: application/json
variable measured: Career Points
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: All-Star Appearances
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Honors
variable measured: Career Points Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: 2026 Season / Peak Season PPG
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: Career Assists Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Playmaking
variable measured: Career Rebounds Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Rebounding
variable measured: MVP Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Individual Honors
variable measured: NBA Championships
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Team Success
variable measured: Finals Appearances
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variable measured: Finals MVP Awards
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  value reference: Individual Honors
variable measured: True Shooting Percentage
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Efficiency
variable measured: Career Longevity
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variable measured: Height / Physical Presence
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  value reference: Physical Attributes
variable measured: All-Star Selections
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Individual Honors
variable measured: Rebounds Per Game
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variable measured: Steals Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Defensive Excellence
variable measured: NBA Finals Record
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Championship Success
variable measured: Regular Season Games Played
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: NBA Career Span
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: Career Points Scored
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: Peak Scoring Season Average
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: Career Length at Elite Level
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variable measured: All-NBA First Team Selections
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: NBA Finals Appearances
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variable measured: Career Points Total
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  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: Career Assists
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: NBA Championships Won
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Achievements
variable measured: Regular Season MVP Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Individual Honors
variable measured: All-Star Game Selections
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  value reference: Individual Accolades
variable measured: Career Field Goal Percentage
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Efficiency
variable measured: Seasons Played
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: All-NBA Team Selections
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: NBA Championships
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variable measured: All-Star Selections
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Career Games Played
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Career Three-Point Percentage
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Shooting Efficiency
variable measured: Career Points Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: MVP Awards
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Field Goal Percentage
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Shooting
variable measured: Career Seasons
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: Finals MVP Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Championships
variable measured: All-NBA First Team
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Individual Honors
variable measured: Championships
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Trophies
variable measured: Career Rebounds
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Rebounding
variable measured: Career Three-Pointers Made
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Shooting
variable measured: NBA Career Length
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: NBA Cup/Finals MVP Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Championship Performance
variable measured: Rebounding League Leader Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Statistical Leadership
variable measured: Primary Playing Positions
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Playing Style
variable measured: Era of Dominance
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Historical Context
variable measured: Championships Won
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  value reference: Championships
variable measured: Regular Season Win Share
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Overall Value
variable measured: All-NBA Selections
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variable measured: Career Total Points
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: Three-Pointers Made
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Shooting
variable measured: Three-Point Percentage
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  value reference: Shooting
variable measured: Career Shooting Percentage
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  value reference: Efficiency
variable measured: Career Points Per Game Average
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Peak Season Scoring Average
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Defensive Player of the Year
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Individual Honors
variable measured: Career Length
variable measured: Total Career Points
variable measured: Finals Record
variable measured: Most Valuable Player Awards
variable measured: Finals Win-Loss Record
variable measured: Career Scoring Average
variable measured: Career Assists Average
variable measured: Career Rebounds Average
variable measured: 3-Point Percentage
is based on: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/kobe-vs-lebron))

Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James.
has defined term: Scoring
has defined term: Honors
has defined term: Playmaking
has defined term: Rebounding
has defined term: Individual Honors
has defined term: Team Success
has defined term: Efficiency
has defined term: Durability
has defined term: Physical Attributes
has defined term: Defensive Excellence
has defined term: Championship Success
has defined term: Longevity
has defined term: Achievements
has defined term: Individual Accolades
has defined term: Championships
has defined term: Shooting Efficiency
has defined term: Shooting
has defined term: Trophies
has defined term: Championship Performance
has defined term: Statistical Leadership
has defined term: Playing Style
has defined term: Historical Context
has defined term: Overall Value
has defined term: Achievement
has defined term: Clutch Performance
has defined term: Playoff Performance
has defined term: Defense
has defined term: Performance
has defined term: Consistency
has defined term: All-Around Play

Scoring
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scoring
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Honors
type: DefinedTerm
term code: honors
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Playmaking
type: DefinedTerm
term code: playmaking
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Rebounding
type: DefinedTerm
term code: rebounding
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Individual Honors
type: DefinedTerm
term code: individual-honors
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Team Success
type: DefinedTerm
term code: team-success
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Efficiency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: efficiency
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Durability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: durability
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Physical Attributes
type: DefinedTerm
term code: physical-attributes
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Defensive Excellence
type: DefinedTerm
term code: defensive-excellence
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Championship Success
type: DefinedTerm
term code: championship-success
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Longevity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: longevity
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Achievements
type: DefinedTerm
term code: achievements
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Individual Accolades
type: DefinedTerm
term code: individual-accolades
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Championships
type: DefinedTerm
term code: championships
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Shooting Efficiency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: shooting-efficiency
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Shooting
type: DefinedTerm
term code: shooting
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Trophies
type: DefinedTerm
term code: trophies
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Championship Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: championship-performance
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Statistical Leadership
type: DefinedTerm
term code: statistical-leadership
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Playing Style
type: DefinedTerm
term code: playing-style
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Historical Context
type: DefinedTerm
term code: historical-context
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Overall Value
type: DefinedTerm
term code: overall-value
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Achievement
type: DefinedTerm
term code: achievement
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Clutch Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: clutch-performance
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Playoff Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: playoff-performance
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Defense
type: DefinedTerm
term code: defense
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: performance
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Consistency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: consistency
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

All-Around Play
type: DefinedTerm
term code: all-around-play
in defined term set: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James — Attribute Category Vocabulary

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-07-07T17:02:12.661Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: kobe-vs-lebron))
main entity: Who is the better scorer: Kobe or LeBron?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Kobe achieved higher peak scoring with 35.4 PPG in 2005-06, earning him 'The Black Mamba' reputation for pure scoring dominance. LeBron scored 31.4 PPG at his peak but accumulated 40,511 career points (6,868 more) through superior longevity and consistency over 21 seasons. Kobe was the more explosive scorer; LeBron was the more reliable scorer over time.
    language: en-US
main entity: Who won more championships and why?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Kobe won 5 championships (2000-2002 with Shaq, 2009-2010 solo), while LeBron won 4 (2012-2013 with Heat, 2016 with Cavs, 2020 with Lakers). Kobe played for one franchise (Lakers) with Shaquille O'Neal during the three-peat era. LeBron's championships span multiple teams and eras, demonstrating adaptability but also indicating different team dynamics and era-dependent competitiveness.
    language: en-US
main entity: Is LeBron better all-around than Kobe?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: LeBron is more complete defensively with 10 All-Defensive selections versus Kobe's 12, but LeBron's advantage comes from superior court vision (7,555 career assists vs Kobe's 6,306), rebounding versatility, and true point-forward capability. Kobe was a pure scorer and perimeter defender. Modern analytics favor LeBron's two-way value, though Kobe's elite positional defense in the 2000s was similarly dominant for his era.
    language: en-US
main entity: Who is the GOAT: Kobe or LeBron?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Most basketball analysts rank LeBron in the top 1-2 all-time (with Michael Jordan), while Kobe typically ranks 4th-8th all-time. LeBron's combination of scoring longevity, MVP count (4 vs 1), sustained two-way excellence, and all-time records give him the statistical edge. However, Kobe's peak dominance, championship efficiency, and clutch reputation in the 2000s ensure both remain generational talents in basketball history.
    language: en-US
main entity: Who had better teammates?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Kobe won 3 championships (2000-2002) alongside Shaquille O'Neal, one of the most dominant centers ever, but went 2 consecutive championships (2009-2010) with more balanced rosters. LeBron played with All-Star teammates in Miami (2012-2013 Heat Big Three: Wade/Bosh) and occasionally in Cleveland/Lakers but carried weaker rosters to Finals in 2007 and 2018. Kobe's peak teammates (Shaq) were arguably more dominant; LeBron's longevity required more roster flexibility.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James
type: HowTo
description: LeBron James surpassed Kobe Bryant as the NBA's all-time leading scorer in 2023 and has played longer at an elite level, while Kobe won 5 championships with greater peak dominance and clutch performance reputation during his era.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: All-Time Points Scored
step: Consider: NBA Championships Won
step: Consider: Career Length at Elite Level
step: Consider: MVP Awards
step: Consider: All-NBA First Team Selections
step: Consider: NBA Finals Appearances
step: Consider: Peak Scoring Average (Best Season)
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: LeBron James is the greater all-around player with superior longevity, all-time scoring record, and MVP count, making him the GOAT-caliber player in most modern analyses. However, Kobe Bryant achieved more championships earlier, maintained sharper scoring peaks, and remains unmatched for clutch playoff moments and cultural impact during his era. Choose Kobe if you value peak dominance and championship success relative to era; choose LeBron if you prioritize sustained excellence, all-time records, and versatile two-way play.

Consider: All-Time Points Scored
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: All-Time Points Scored: Kobe Bryant has 33,643 points, while LeBron James has 40,511 points.

Consider: NBA Championships Won
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: NBA Championships Won: Kobe Bryant has 5 titles, while LeBron James has 4 titles.

Consider: Career Length at Elite Level
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: Career Length at Elite Level: Kobe Bryant has 20 seasons (1996-2016), while LeBron James has 21 seasons (2003-2024).

Consider: MVP Awards
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: MVP Awards: Kobe Bryant has 1 MVP (2008), while LeBron James has 4 MVPs (2008-2009, 2011-2012, 2020).

Consider: All-NBA First Team Selections
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: All-NBA First Team Selections: Kobe Bryant has 11 times, while LeBron James has 10 times.

Consider: NBA Finals Appearances
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: NBA Finals Appearances: Kobe Bryant has 7 Finals (5 wins), while LeBron James has 10 Finals (4 wins).

Consider: Peak Scoring Average (Best Season)
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: Peak Scoring Average (Best Season): Kobe Bryant has 35.4 PPG (2005-06), while LeBron James has 31.4 PPG (2009-10).

Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James
type: SportsEvent
description: LeBron James surpassed Kobe Bryant as the NBA's all-time leading scorer in 2023 and has played longer at an elite level, while Kobe won 5 championships with greater peak dominance and clutch performance reputation during his era.
language: en-US
start date: 2026-07-07T17:02:12.661Z
competitor: Kobe Bryant
  type: Person
  description: Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard who won 5 championships and 1 MVP across 20 seasons (1996-2016).
competitor: LeBron James
  type: Person
  description: Forward/guard who played 21 seasons (2003-2024) for four teams, becoming NBA's all-time leading scorer with 4 championships and 4 MVPs.
organizer: A Versus B
is accessible for free: true

claimreview
type: ClaimReview
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
claim reviewed: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James
review body: LeBron James surpassed Kobe Bryant as the NBA's all-time leading scorer in 2023 and has played longer at an elite level, while Kobe won 5 championships with greater peak dominance and clutch performance reputation during his era.
review rating: Rating
  rating: 5
  worst rating: 1
  best rating: 5
  alternate name: Verified Comparison
author: A Versus B
item reviewed: Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James

Era of Dominance
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 2003-2026 (modern 3-point era)

Championships Won
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 4

Regular Season Win Share
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 272.5

All-NBA Selections
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 13

Career Total Points
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 40,474

Three-Pointers Made
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 1,364

Three-Point Percentage
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 34.4%

Career Shooting Percentage
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 50.5%

Career Points Per Game Average
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 27.2

Peak Season Scoring Average
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 31.4 (2005-06)

Defensive Player of the Year
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 1 DPOY award

Career Length
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 21 seasons

Total Career Points
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 40,474 points

Finals Record
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 4-6

Most Valuable Player Awards
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 4 MVP awards

Finals Win-Loss Record
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 4-6

Career Scoring Average
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 27.2

Career Assists Average
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 7.1

Career Rebounds Average
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 7.5

3-Point Percentage
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 34.5%

True Shooting Percentage
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 58.7%

Height
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 6'9"

Finals Record (W-L)
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 4-6

Points Per Game Average
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 27.2

NBA Finals MVP Awards
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 4 Finals MVPs

All-Defensive First Team Selections
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 6

Finals Appearances
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 10

NBA Seasons Played
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 21 seasons

All-Time Leading Scorer
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 40,361 points

Peak Scoring Average
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 31.4 (2005-06)

Championship Win Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 40% (4 of 10 Finals)

NBA MVP Awards
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 4

Seasons as All-Star
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 19 (of 21)

Seasons at Elite Level
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 20+

Finals Win Percentage
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 40%

All-Time Points Scored
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 40,361

Playoff Scoring Average
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 28.7

Playoff PPG
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 28.7

Career Rebounds + Assists
type: PropertyValue
value: Kobe Bryant: N/A | LeBron James: 17.9 (10.5 RPG + 7.4 APG)

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Kobe Bryant — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

LeBron James — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Compare Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James
type: Action
additional type: CompareAction
target: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/kobe-vs-lebron))
object: Kobe Bryant
object: LeBron James

Career Length
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Longevity

Total Career Points
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scoring

Finals Record
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Clutch Performance

Most Valuable Player Awards
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Individual Honors

Finals Win-Loss Record
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Championship Performance

Career Scoring Average
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scoring

Career Assists Average
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Playmaking

Career Rebounds Average
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Rebounding

3-Point Percentage
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Shooting Efficiency

True Shooting Percentage
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Efficiency

Height
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Physical Attributes

Finals Record (W-L)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Championship Success

Points Per Game Average
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scoring

NBA Finals MVP Awards
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Playoff Performance

All-Defensive First Team Selections
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Defense

Finals Appearances
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Championships

NBA Seasons Played
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Longevity

All-Time Leading Scorer
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Achievement

Peak Scoring Average
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Championship Win Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Achievements

NBA MVP Awards
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Individual Honors

Seasons as All-Star
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Consistency

Seasons at Elite Level
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Longevity

Finals Win Percentage
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Championships

All-Time Points Scored
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scoring

Playoff Scoring Average
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Clutch Performance

Playoff PPG
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scoring

Career Rebounds + Assists
type: PropertyValue
value reference: All-Around Play