“If You Want to Win…”: Larry Bird Gave Interesting Reason to Choose Kobe Bryant Over LeBron James

Published 09/14/2021, 4:00 PM EDT

The comparisons between LeBron James and Kobe Bryant are omnipresent since the two of them started playing in the NBA. Kobe won five NBA titles while LeBron won four. The former won the MVP just once, while the latter won it four times. However, the accolades and titles don’t do justice to these legendary basketball players. Fans cannot underestimate the will to win of these two players. Despite their illustrious careers, Celtics legend Larry Bird loved Kobe Bryant. His reasons are understandable.

Bird chose Kobe Bryant over LeBron James

Article continues below this ad

During an interview with Bird, the player spoke about his admiration for both the players. But, when asked who he would play with, he had a different answer.

“Probably Kobe.”

“Well, of course, he wouldn’t be shooting as much now but his desire to win, his dedication in the offseason to get better, and he is just tough. He is a tough cat. But if you wanna have fun like I did with Bill Walton, you play with LeBron. It’s probably more fun to play with LeBron, but if you want to win and win and win, it’s Kobe,” said Bird.

He gave a perfect reply to everyone with his take on the two players. The small forward wanted to play with Kobe to win while choosing LeBron to have fun on the court. It sounds about right in terms of his selection for Kobe. But, LeBron has a point as well.

Winning four NBA MVPs is not a straightforward task.

Los Angeles Lakers to Workout NBA Veteran Who Hasn’t Played in Two Years

Is James motivated to win?

After arriving in Cleveland from high school, James took the league by storm. He single-handedly took the team to the NBA finals during the 2006-07 season. Although the San Antonio Spurs breezed through, James’ performances in that series are legendary.

After that, he moved to Miami to form a ‘big three’ with Wade and Bosh. They won two NBA titles there. With the pressures blown away after getting his first NBA title, James wanted a challenge. He returned to Cleveland to bring home an NBA title, for the first time to a sports franchise in Cleveland. That cannot be taken away. James with Love and Kyrie Irving won the NBA title after defeating the Warriors; moreover, after coming back from a 3-1 deficit.

Article continues below this ad

Bird choosing Kobe is completely up to him, but James is not playing for fun. He is hungry to win more after winning his fourth NBA title with the Lakers. Even after facing all the criticisms of joining a super team to win the title, his return to Cleveland proved he is one of the best players in the game’s history.

Article continues below this ad

King James is here to stay!!!

WATCH THIS STORY- Best Posterizing Dunks by LeBron James

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Jacob Gijy is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Gijy finished his Masters in Counselling Psychology and worked in a hospital for 2 years before his passion for sports compelled him to find his way to sports journalism. A fan of the great Tim Duncan, he is always ready to pick up a debate with anyone who does not offer the centre the respect he deserves.

“If You Want to Win…”: Larry Bird Gave Interesting Reason to Choose Kobe Bryant Over LeBron James

Bird chose Kobe Bryant over LeBron James

Trending

Possible Shohei Ohtani Ban From MLB Has Shaq Questioning $700 Million Contract

7’4 Victor Wembanyama, Accused of Disrespecting Knicks Star, Gets MVP Shout-Out From Unbothered Jalen Brunson

After Nike, Sha’Carri Richardson Follows Lebron James Footsteps In Historic Partnership With Sprite

Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer

Why Is Gabbie Marshall Not Invited to the 2024 WNBA Draft Despite Graduating From Iowa?

Is James motivated to win?