Ever since the turn of the decade, LeBron James has been in the conversation for the Greatest Player of All Time. In fact, he even called himself the GOAT a few years ago. And even before that he once made a huge claim about Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant when LeBron was still with the Cleveland Cavaliers the first time around.

It was the 2008-2009 season. The Los Angeles Lakers were coming off an embarrassing loss in the NBA Finals. And Kobe Bryant was coming off an MVP season. They were the favorites in the West and their eyes were set on the prize.

Elsewhere in the other conference, there was a new alpha predator coming up. LeBron James was about to take a step up in his game and would go on to become the NBA MVP award winner.

And the stage was set for a clash between LeBron James and Kobe Bryant in the playoffs. However, that wouldn’t end up happening, but during an interview in the season, LeBron talked highly about The Black Mamba.

LeBron James was talking to Stephen A.Smith who asked him about a potential matchup between LeBron and Kobe in the NBA Finals. James said he would love to play at the Staples Center against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals against Kobe Bryant.

LeBron James calls Kobe Bryant the best

He also added,” You know, I love going against the best. He’s definitely the best. I mean to watch him every night do the things that he do on the court, that’s unbelievable. So the challenge would be great”.

It would have undoubtedly been the matchup of the century to see LeBron go up against Kobe in the NBA Finals. However, that would not end up happening as the Orlando Magic beat James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. And the Lakers would go on to win against the Magic.

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The following year as well, there were huge hopes for a matchup between LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. However, this time the Boston Celtics beat the Cavs and the Lakers again beat the Celtics in the Finals. And after James joined the Miami Heat, they would go on to make four straight Finals, but the Lakers would not be able to meet them in any.

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And due to this, fans could never get to see the two legends of the game go head to head in the Finals.

Who do you think would have won between LeBron James and Kobe Bryant in the Finals? Share your thoughts in the comments below.