While Kobe Bryant and LeBron James sit firmly atop the NBA’s superstar pecking order, one is undoubtedly the “most-clutch” player of his generation, while the other’s self-doubt and refusal to step up in crunch time continues to cripple his game, and possibly his legacy.
Last Sunday, we all witnessed a familiar sight, albeit on a strange stage. James, undoubtedly the most physically gifted player in the league, looked downright dominant in the All-Star game versus the league’s best players. Sure, besides Heat costar Dwayne Wade’s rogue foul on Bryant during the third quarter, hard-nosed defense is not exactly a priority at the All-Star game. Nonetheless, for 47 minutes, James’ game shined bright as he brought his team back from a big fourth quarter deficit.
But even in the meaningless exhibition game, where wins and losses are as insignificant as current slam dunk contest participants, “King” James had zero desire to take charge in the clutch. No, in the last minute, after posting a monster stat line of 36 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists, James literally passed on three opportunities to take the potential game-winning or game-tying shot in the final 15 seconds. First he passed to Deron Williams for a three-point attempt, next he attempted an ill-advised, cross-court pass to Wade with 5 seconds remaining, which resulted in a turnover. Finally, down by three with 1.1 seconds on the clock, James, who’d tied the All-Star game record with six 3-pointers, decided to inbound the ball to relieve himself of the burden. Bryant’s head nearly exploded watching James’ disappearing act as he berated him for failing to shoot the basketball.
But nobody should be surprised by James’ lack of late-game mettle. He warned us years ago. I remember being bewildered in 2006, when James, in his third NBA season, commented on Bryant to ESPN The Magazine.
“[Bryant’s] knowledge of the game and his killer instinct are what make him so tough,” James said. “I don’t think I have an instinct like Kobe, where I just want to kill everybody.”
His words proved prophetic.
Many fans caught their first glimpse of the shrinking superhero during last year’s Finals, when James scored a meager 11 points total in fourth-quarter play, as the favored Heat fell to the Mavs.
Bryant, on the other hand, lives for taking final shots. He craves pressure and performs best when the game is on the line. As much as his blatant theft of Michael Jordan’s personality rubbed many the wrong way, myself included, his Jordan-esque performance in crunch time must be respected by all.
Can you imagine “Black Mamba” inbounding the ball with the game on the line without going Tony Soprano on his teammates for not passing him the ball right back? Can you imagine Kobe deferring to Gasol or Bynum in the clutch without three defenders hanging on his shoulders?
After Wade broke Bryant’s nose at last week’s All-Star game, everyone knew Bryant would come for blood when the Heat visited Los Angeles Sunday. Bryant came out in attack mode, dropping 18 first-quarter points. He also drained several buckets down the stretch to lead the Lakers to victory and thoroughly outplay his attacker. Even though Bryant is slightly slowing down physically, his will to win is unchanged and unmatched.
With other stars such as Dirk Nowtizki, Derrick Rose and Kevin Durant becoming prime-time clutch performers, it’s easy to wonder if LeBron James will ever reach his full potential for greatness. The numbers are there and the God-given ability is almost unfair, but until he’s confident enough to put the game on his shoulders when the lights are brightest and breaths can be counted on one hand, he can never truly be considered the best player in the game.
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