The world we live in always presents us with choices. There are individual rivalries that present different sides which we all stand on, and will be quick to tell everyone why one particular side is much better than the other. The examples are endless, Tiger Woods vs. Phil Mickelson, Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird, Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning, and of course Kobe vs. LeBron. However, the rivalries extend far beyond the reaches of reality and stretch into the world of imagination. Perhaps the most popular of these fictional rivalries is the constant debate regarding Batman and Superman.
Both are fictional characters that everybody in America is familiar with, and many of us have a personal preference on which one we side with. Unlike great rivalries between heroes and villains, the quarrel between these two super heroes is strange because both stand for good and against evil, they just approach their enemies differently. This is very similar to the great debate regarding Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, and we saw a clear connection between both NBA players and one of the above mentioned super heroes.
When comparing the NBA debate to the super hero debate it is quite simple which two individuals should be paired together. LeBron James is a physical anomaly, a combination of brute strength and pure bodily dominance that is unlike anything we have seen before. Kobe Bryant has a regular sized physique and was not given outrageous physical gifts, but has propelled himself to legendary status using his wit, mind, and willingness to adapt to his surroundings. In this situation Bryant is the clear Batman representation while James will send Dwight Howard to the bench and don the Superman cape.
Next: What are the differences between the two?
To begin this debate we will start with my personal favorite, Batman. Batman is a super hero that isn’t, as he possesses no abnormal powers or abilities. He is in every sense of the word, a man. However, his mental quest for what he deems is right in unmistakable, and his brain ticks differently than anybody else’s. His quest for vengeance comes from within, and this drives him to make an impact on the world. His determination allowed him to turn his otherwise normal body into a weapon. His relentless drive forces him to work harder than his opposition, so when his enemies are at the end of their rope he is just getting started. In his enemies mind, he is much more than a man, and this edge is created purely by the Dark Knight’s mind.
Superman is a completely different animal, almost literally. He is from a different planet and is immune to the perils that all humans face. He isuntouchable in every aspect of the word, and other than small fragments of his home planet known as kryptonite, he is invincible. Supermanpossesses physical attributes that no other human comes close to, and is able to defeat his enemies with brute strength and overwhelming power. While I am not calling him a dumb brute, the fact is that Superman doesn’t have to use knowledge or excessive mental activity to defeat his enemies due to his overwhelming physical presence. This is not to say that he is unable of such a feat, it is just unnecessary.
So, the differences between each character are what make them so great, and in the end are the reason they are loved. In a fight between the two it is impossible to say who would win, because each has such different areas of expertise. While you might argue that Superman could pick up Batman and snap him into little pieces, I would quickly counter with the fact that the Caped Crusader carries pieces of kryptonite in his utility belt and would be able to thwart Superman within seconds.
So where does the allegiance lie?
Next: Why do we favor one or the other?
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Batman is beloved because he actually had to work to turn himself into an icon. He was born into favor but had everything taken from him. That traumatizing event made him realize that even all the money in the world couldn’t give him control, but instead, all he could really control washimself, his own focus. He turned that focus on exacting revenge, and doing his best to never let anybody else feel the pain and heartbreak he experienced. He soon recognized that it was going to take a level of dedication and discipline that required work no one else would be willing to do. The fact that he’s a normal human being, who bleeds like everybody else is something that everybody in America can identify with, respect and above all, appreciate.
America, though, also appreciates the dominating success stories, just look at all the New York Yankees fans around the nation. So take a minute to consider Superman. Saved from his planet Krypton, he wound up on Earth. He never had to work at fighting crime. When you have the power of flight, possess x-ray vision, can bend steel, and deflect bullets with your well chiseled pectoral muscles… well, crime fighting just comes naturally. In fact, how upset would we be with Superman if he didn’t fight crime? “Look at all that God-given talent that went to waste,” we would say.
While all of us can be fans of somebody like Superman (and wish we could fly), how many of us could truly relate to being born with such powers? Nobody. On the other hand, everybody in life values hard-work and recognizes the rewards that such work can bring. Batman’s history of work represents America’s creed: work as hard as you can, and you can be anything you want, regardless of what that is. We all can’t be Superman, but if we work hard enough, we could be Batman.
Next: Why LeBron James is the NBA’s real Superman…
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So now that I have completely unveiled my incredible level of nerdiness, it is time to relate this super hero hype to real life. Kobe Bryant and LeBron James have been at the center of the basketball universe for years. Many are on Bryant’s side, while many favor James. It is almost impossible to pick one of the other purely because of their drastic differences.
LeBron James is well on his way to his second consecutive Most Valuable Player Award. It’s been over since about Christmas Day, and really, it should be unanimous. Trust me when I say–he has truly been that good.
What’s scary, is that most NBA players peak physically between the ages of 26 and 27. LeBron, who is 25, will be signed by a team whom is getting a 2-time MVP just entering his physical peak. He’s listed at 6’8″, 250 lbs, but he is actually 6’9″, 265 lbs. He is an ABSOLUTE
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Freak
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of Nature.
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Watch those three clips.
Please.
Okay let’s try and put what you just witnessed into perspective. That is a guy the size of Karl Malone moving and leaping like that. It’s just completely unfathomable the things the guy can do. His uber-athleticism, however, is the source of all his power. It’s just how Shaquille O’Neal dominated the NBA for the better part of a decade: physically, he was just head and shoulders above anybody that was thrown at him. Before games the broadcasters would show the list of the opposing teams big men, then quickly declare that each man carried with him six fouls that could be used against O’Neal. Shaq’s physical prowess reduced his opponents to mere fouls. He was, literally, the most dominant player of a generation. Because Shaq’s game was always based on supreme physical dominance, once his athleticism began to fade, his production tumbled.
Next: Why Kobe Bryant is the NBA version of the Dark Knight…
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When Kobe Bryant entered this league, he also possessed great athleticism. He was a phenomenal leaper (Kobe’s hops once introduced Steve Nash to Kobe’s, err…nether-regions, in what is my favorite Kobe Bryant dunk ever). Check it out:
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Ask yourself this though: When was the last time you saw Kobe dunk with such ferocity? I can’t remember any memorable dunks like that in the last three years off the top of my head. In fact, before the above dunk on Nash the last time I remember Bryant serving up a Superman-style Spalding facial was two years earlier with his dunk on an Orlando Magic rookie named Dwight Howard.
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This is because Kobe Bryant’s game, unlike Shaq and LeBron’s, was never completely based on his athleticism. Sure, he came into the league as a great leaper and somebody who could attack the basket at will, but Bryant (like Jordan) always knew that his athleticism would one day fade. He knew that to achieve longevity in this league (and with it, true greatness) he was going to have to improve on his shooting and his mid-range game. (Which, to put it kindly, wasn’t his forte when he came into the league, as seen here).
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And now, he is reaping the reward of his hard-work. Unlike LeBron, who is entering his physical prime, Kobe Bryant is on the downside of his career (physically). He’s 31, has over 1,000 NBA games on his odometer, is constantly battling nagging injuries (currently a broken index finger on his shooting hand), and here is what he’s been up to the last three years: Finals appearance, Olympic Gold Medal, Finals appearance (this time with a long-awaited victory), and he is now poised for another deep play-off run. These are the facts surrounding a man that just signed a 3 year, 80 million dollar contract extension with the Lakers.
Next: Why Bryant and James are clear choices for Batman and Superman…
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So, both players are great in different regards, and they represent each super hero quite admirably. James has been gifted with the physical dominance that allows him to not just go around his opponents, but over them. He can do things with his body that many of us deem other-worldly, and it is truly amazing to watch. Bryant on the other hand is a crafty veteran that uses his mind to motivate his body. He adapts to his surroundings, therefore forcing his surroundings to favor his game. James doesn’t need to outsmart his opponents because he is such a superior athletic being, just like Superman. Bryant is continuously adding new tricks and gadgets to his utility belt, always trying to stay a step ahead of the opposition.
Another strong similarity between each player and their respective super hero is the frame of mind that each features. Superman knows he is going to defeat his enemies using the gifts he was given, and James is the same way. You don’t see LeBron James working on things like midrange jumpers or his post-up skills, because he doesn’t need to use them most of the time. The Man of Steel cliches we are all familiar with, the one involving him jumping over buildings and flying through the air like a speeding bullet, all ring true when you see James step on the floor.
The same rings true for Bryant, and his alter-ego Batman. Without the supernatural powers, Batman uses determination and constant vigilance to create his legend. He seeks experts from around the world to help improve his hand-to-hand combat, always trying to learn the latest tricks. Sound familiar? Remember this, last summer, fresh off his NBA Finals MVP award, Bryant called up Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon to help him work on his post-up game. While most people in that position would be polishing their trophy and celebrating being the best basketball player on the planet, Bryant was already working to stay ahead of the opposition.
Next: Who do we choose?
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These are the things that separate Superman from Batman, Kobe from LeBron. Two summers ago, at the Olympics in Beijing, it was LeBron James and the rest of Team USA that walked away flabbergasted at Bryant’s 6 AM workouts. It was kind of a “Wow, if this is the kind of work horse that is in our league, maybe I need to step my game up” moment for all of them. And when things got tight against Spain in the Gold Medal Game, it was Kobe Bryant, not LeBron James, that they deferred to.
Kobe is cut from the same cloth as players like Michael Jordan. Nothing matters but championships. Each summer, work your tail off, and add another move to your game. Regardless of the outcome of these play-offs, Kobe Bryant will be in the gym this summer tinkering with his game. Now, this is not to say that LeBron James will be taking the summer off, but he has already made plans to absorb the attention of his free agency and film a movie. This is because of everything that has been stated above, because Kobe Bryant knows he has to take things differently, and partially because of his age has to stay a step ahead of Father Time as well.
Now I am not trying to say that LeBron James doesn’t work hard at his craft. Just because you’re 6’9″ and can move the way he does, doesn’t mean you’re going to dominate a league that is filled with the world’s greatest athletes. However, it sure makes it easier. Has LeBron ever made a move that wasn’t based on supreme athleticism? Are we entirely sure that without God’s gifts, LeBron would be thought of in any way similar to how he is now?
It will be interesting to see what happens to LeBron once his athleticism goes, which it inevitably will. It certainly caught up to Shaq a lot sooner than he expected it, but this is just another notch in the belt of Time, the only undefeated member of the sporting world.
Kobe Bryant, without a shadow of a doubt, would have pulled every ounce of potential out of whatever body God had given him, just like Bruce Wayne did. It’s why Kobe continues to dominate in the NBA, despite his physical digression. LeBron, like Superman, was given other-wordlyabilities from the get-go, and is utilizing them accordingly.
Sure, they’re both Hall of Famers and both have a chance to go down as the Greatest of All Time. Hopefully, if all goes according to David Stern’s grandmaster plan, these two will do battle in mid-June for a Championship Ring.
But, which one should be held on the higher pedestal? Which one should be appreciated more? Is one better than the other or they simply different? Just like the debate between Batman and Superman will rage on as long as the two exist, the debate between Bryant and James will thrive as well as long as the two are in the league, and possibly long after they’ve retired. Each possess remarkable talents and abilities, they are just two very different individuals who find ways to succeed based on the gifts they’ve been given.
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