LeBron James and Kobe Bryant are two of the greatest NBA players in history. They are known for their leadership, longevity, and relentless work ethic. Both have won multiple NBA championships, MVP awards, and All-Star selections. They have played at least 20 seasons in the league, leaving a lasting impact and firmly solidifying their legacies.
Kobe Bryant played 20 seasons in the NBA from 1996 to 2016, while LeBron will be playing his 22nd in the upcoming 2024-25 season. The Lakers star forward is well-known for his all-around play and long career. On the other hand, Kobe was revered for his high-scoring games and celebrated performances. Keep reading to compare LeBron James and Kobe Bryant’s iconic NBA careers.
LeBron James vs Kobe Bryant: Head-to-Head
The all-time leading scorer in NBA history and the second-highest single-game scorer faced each other from 2003 (LeBron’s debut) to 2016 (Kobe’s retirement) in the league. The two Lakers greats squared off 22 times, and the 39-year-old dominated the fixture with a 16-6 record.
| Average | LeBron James | Kobe Bryant |
| Points | 28.2 | 24.6 |
| Rebounds | 7.4 | 5 |
| Assists | 7.3 | 5.2 |
| Steals | 1.9 | 1.1 |
| Blocks | 0.7 | 0.2 |
LeBron James Vs. Kobe Bryant: Wins Comparison
LeBron James was the Cleveland Cavaliers’ first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 2004. In 10 NBA Finals, LeBron James won four championship rings. The 2008 NBA scoring champion won the 2012 and 2013 titles with the Heat, the 2016 championship with the Cavaliers, and the 2020 with the Lakers.
The Black Mamba was drafted 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 and traded a day after to the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe was a big-game player, playing in seven NBA Finals and winning six. Bryant won five NBA championships, two Finals MVPs, and the 2008 NBA MVP award.
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LeBron James Vs. Kobe Bryant: Achievements
The Lakers forward was named an All-Star 20 consecutive times from 2005 to 2024, winning the All-Star MVP thrice in 2006, 2008, and 2018. The former Lakers guard appeared in 18 All-Star Games, winning four MVP awards in 2002, 2007, 2009, and 2011.
While LeBron was the 2004 Rookie of the Year, Allen Iverson claimed the award during Kobe’s rookie season. Both won scoring champion of the season awards, with James winning during the Lakers’ legendary guard’s only MVP season. Bryant was named the scoring champion twice, in 2006 and 2007.
While the NBA Hall of Famer didn’t win the Rookie of the Year award, he won the Slam Dunk Contest in 1997. On the other hand, LeBron never participated in a contest, calling himself an “in-game dunker” when asked by Dwayne Wade in 2015.
Also Read: Is LeBron James The Greatest In NBA? A Statistical Analysis of The Basketball GOAT Debate
LeBron James Vs. Kobe Bryant: Who Has Better Average?
Being among only 10 players who have played 20 NBA seasons, LeBron and Kobe have prolific NBA careers. While King James is the leading scorer in NBA history with 40,474, Black Mamba is fourth on the list. However, there is a huge difference between the average points scored by both players, with LeBron at seventh rank and Kobe at 16th.
| Category (Avg) | LeBron James | Kobe Bryant |
| Games | 1,492 | 1,346 |
| Points | 27.1 | 25 |
| Rebounds | 7.5 | 5.2 |
| Assists | 7.4 | 4.7 |
| Steals | 1.5 | 1.4 |
| Blocks | 0.7 | 0.5 |
| FG% | 50.6 | 44.7 |
| 3-PT FG% | 34.8 | 32.9 |
| Category | LeBron James | Kobe Bryant |
| Games | 287 | 220 |
| Points | 28.4 | 25.6 |
| Rebounds | 9 | 5.1 |
| Assist | 7.2 | 4.7 |
| Steals | 1.7 | 1.4 |
| Blocks | 1 | 0.7 |
| FG% | 49.7 | 44.8 |
| 3-PT FG% | 33.2 | 33.1 |
LeBron James Vs. Kobe Bryant: Net Worth
In 2022, LeBron James became the first active NBA player to enter the $1 billion club, earning around $480 million in pretax salary from his NBA teams. In addition to his NBA salary, he made his fortune from business ventures and endorsements. The Lakers forward has dealt with popular brands like Nike and Pepsi, amassing nearly $900 million.
The NBA star also co-owns a production company, SpringHill Entertainment, with his business partner Maverick Carter. They have also invested in Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Liverpool Football Club. According to Forbes, LeBron is ranked 2494th globally and has a net worth of $1.2 billion.
On January 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant tragically passed away in a helicopter crash along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven other people. According to Forbes, his net worth at the time of his death was $600 million. He earned around $680 million from his NBA salary and endorsement deals. After his death, his noteworthy wealth was divided between his wife, Vanessa, and their three daughters.
While the current Lakers star helped the Cleveland Cavaliers win its only NBA trophy, the former star has won one more championship ring. LeBron was the leading assist-maker in 2020, while Kobe led him in NBA All-Defensive Team selections. After reviewing the statistics and facts, who do you think is the better player?
Also Read: Stephen Curry Vs. LeBron James: Which NBA Star Has Had A Better Career So Far?
