Two individuals that define the word: Athlete. Each entered the league at 17 and 18 years old respectfully. They came in as long, lanky teenagers and are moving closer and closer to becoming legends. Although Kobe Bryant has had much more success thus far than Lebron James, as he has won 5 championship rings to Lebron James’ 0 they each have their own characteristics which make them two completely different players.

But the inevitable question comes down to WHO WOULD WIN IN A ONE ON ONE GAME?

ESPN wrote an article which did a great job at analyzing the situation (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=5680638), sparked by the interview Kobe did in London, where he told reporters “he would beat Lebron in his sleep”.

I think they would have to play to 21. If this were to be unanimous, it would have to be to 21. Many can argue that it would have to be best out of 3, and that would settle the dispute for all eyes and ears. But, I think getting to watch these two super humans go at it on the basketball court would be for eyes to see.

One issue which ESPN missed was, would they play on blacktop or hardwood? Who would get the advantage of either? I believe hardwood would be an advantage for Lebron as he can use his physicality to leap and hop around the hardwood flawlessly. On the blacktop, I believe Kobe’s ball handling skills will be superior and his relentless play would endure.

It is obvious that Lebron’s body and physical nature is superior to Kobe Bryant. Lebron James is featured in Muscle Prodigy’s top viewed page, Top 10 Most Jacked NBA Players. But, how much does his physical nature play into a one on one game. Many say that is all that matters. What about speed, and basketball IQ, or skill?

The most arguable factor would be skill. Experience goes to Kobe, Physicality goes to Lebron. But, Skill? Ironically, I don’t think those watching would be enticed to watch by being able to judge skill. They would want to see Lebron James drive his body into Kobe Bryant...And Kobe Bryant pull up and “drain jumpers”. One thing is for certain it would be a hit!

ESPN believes it would make a ton of money on Pay Per View. But I see it at making the most money being on ESPN. I think advertising would some up to the amount that a Super Bowl would average. I would believe for certain, it would get as many views as an NBA Finals Game 7 if not much more. I think the possibility of publicity and promotion is endless. De la Hoya and Mayweather would be a far distance shadow in the sky, if these two ever signed on the dotted line to play a game of one on one. Something each has done hundreds of not thousands of times before in their lives growing up.

Kobe Bryant has made it clear that he would win. He believes he is the best one on one player, and better of a one on one player than Lebron James...And he does raise a good point. Lebron is dominant in a team setting, where he has the ability to use his teammates to better their overall play, and by extension, his overall play. However, Kobe does have the purest shot in the game and could pull up on anyone, including Lebron.

The key matchup is Lebron's brute force and physicality vs. Kobe's ball handling and pull up jumper. Which would win out? We can only hope for this matchup to become a reality.

Moreover, even the undercards were great; I don’t think ESPN could have done a better job at making matchups. Carmello Anthony verse Kevin Durant would be great to watch; Magic verse Michael today. I think this would be one of the highest paid events, ever. Do it for charity, make it happen!!