LeBron James has a higher player rating in the NBA 2K12 video game than Kobe Bryant, and naturally that has led to much discourse. Pasta Padre says the two had an even rating in NBA 2K11 (both had 97 out of 100). In NBA 2K12 (watch the awesome trailer here), LeBron received a 98 rating while Kobe Bryant received a 94.
Obviously these scores were determined by some people running the video game, but it reflects the changing mentality of most NBA fans. LeBron James is 26, shot the highest field goal percentage in his career, and he’s widely considered to be in the middle of his prime. Kobe on the other hand is 33 years old and beginning to slow down. He’s been bothered by knee injuries and he plays more of an outside game now compared to when he used to take it to the rack frequently.
Bryant still wins most head-to-head debates with LeBron because he has the championship rings while LeBron does not. However, the video game ratings reflect reality — LeBron is a better player now. And if you think these ratings don’t matter, read this J.R. Smith story and then get back to me.
For the record, Dwyane Wade received a 96 and Chris Bosh had an 80. Where Dwight Howard, Dirk Nowitzki, and Kevin Durant rank relative to LeBron is the better question.
