Kobe vs LeBron | The NBA Finals That Never Was...

Kobe Bryant and LeBron James were the two faces of the NBA in the late 2000s and 2010s. One was the established champion having already won three Championships with the Lakers. The other was the up and comer still seeking his first title. No matter which player you preferred, all every fan wanted was to see these two go at it in the NBA Finals. So why didn't we see it even once...
If you enjoyed the video make sure to hit that LIKE Button!
Subscribe Here: / @synthetic_sports
Follow us on Twitter: / syntheticsports
Business Inquiries: [e-mail]
Music Used:
WWE Roman Reigns "Head Of The Table" Entrance Theme - INNES:
• 80s Remix: WWE Roman R...
#nba #kobebryant #lebronjames

[@synthetic_sports]

What Coulda Been... Edit: Since a lot of people have mentioned it, when I said Kobe was a three time champion I was referring to how many he had when their rivalry started in 2007. I shoulda been more clear

[@jmcook96]

the 09 finals was closer than you think go rewatch the series. its really good

[@KingTaylor-pl2el]

@@jmcook96 lebron choked

[@dylansgameplay5183]

imagine kobe and lebron both on that lakers team

[@kylegross1081]

@Jonathon Cook the Magic really should have won games 2 and 4. Instead of being up 3-1 they were down 3-1 which basically ended that series

[@Dilly_Dil1y]

Lebron needs the whole justice league, avengers , suicide squad to even compete for a ring. 😂

[@samuraibeastwarrior2886]

MJ VS Hakeem also never happen in the finals

[@klover19]

MJ vs Kobe in 98 could've happened aswell. Though Kobe was young then, but still I bet Kobe wouldn't have backed down.

[@megavolt67]

@@TheJuggernaut-qt9cs The Rockets were actually a better offensive team in 1993 with virtually the same roster and the same coach as 1994. They lost to Seattle (a team they struggled against and lost to in 1996 as well) in the conference semis. Not Jordan's fault. The Rockets in 1997 made it to the WCF and lost to Utah in six games (which ended in Houston on a clutch Stockton 3 pointer). Not Jordan's fault. Those are two other occasions in which Hakeem could have faced Jordan in the finals other than when Jordan, by your implication, "dodged" Hakeem.

[@sabaoth95]

At least they met in the NCAA Men’s tournament.

[@samuraibeastwarrior2886]

@@sabaoth95 when

[@samuraibeastwarrior2886]

@@klover19 I know

[@L4V4G]

The matchup sounds good, but the lakers would’ve killed the cavs in the finals. Kobe and Lebron would’ve been a great finals matchup, but the rest of the lakers roster was simply better. I wish we would’ve gotten this too tho. Edit: I have two things to say. 1. Thanks to everyone liking this comment and replying👍🏻 2. I do have to say I am referring to Lebron in Cleveland and not in Miami. If the lakers and Heat would’ve matched in their primes it would’ve been a finals for the ages. However, Lebron in Cleveland (the first time) would not have beaten Kobe’s lakers (in my opinion).

[@poly_g6068]

Not necessarily. The Cavaliers were 8-5 against the Lakers on their meetings until that point. Yes, this Lakers team was considerably better than the last few times LeBron faced them, but it was still competitive. Both teams had great chemistry.

[@L4V4G]

@@poly_g6068 That’s a valid point, but the playoffs (especially the finals) are different from the regular season. For example in 98 when the bulls played the jazz, the jazz swept them in the regular season and the bulls won the finals. I’m not saying this would’ve reflected accurately, but I’m saying one roster is clearly better than the other. When Lebron went to the 07 finals and he was the best player on the court but the roster on the spurs was far stronger. I think personally it would’ve been the same but you do bring up a good point of the regular season record.

[@ljy32swag]

Kobe had the better teams when Lebron was in Cleveland and Lebron had the better teams when in Miami so it would never be a close to equal matchup like magic vs bird

[@1vaultdweller]

​@@ljy32swag Nah 2013 Lakers were loaded but injuries and bad chemistry stopped them

[@lorddj9910]

@@1vaultdweller he basically said that

[@KentuckyWaterfall13]

Those late 2000s Lakers were the funnest teams I’ve ever watched, just perfect chemistry. Two stars and great role players. You look at the roster and it’s so awesome they won back to back championships. Since everyone team hops nowadays I appreciate those teams even more

[@christopherd.3291]

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that you need a great supporting cast, great coaching, and a owner that will pay the guys to build around said star player. Unfortunately not everyone is as blessed as Kobe and Magic who were drafted to a franchise that had all of the above on the table. They were drafted with a Prime Superstar big man on Playoff teams before they even got drafted and played 1 minute of NBA basketball.

[@KingTaylor-pl2el]

Kobe is the goat 🐐

[@andrewcook1246]

And Tim Donague

[@stephordless8876]

@@christopherd.3291 It’s definitely not easy look at the Lakers now. Aside from the bubble ring they haven’t been a legitimate title winning team in 13 years. And Kobe didn’t get drafted to LA, he was traded from Charlotte. Not to mention after Shaq left he had to carry the Lakers without another solid player until Pau Gasol was traded for Kwame Brown. It takes alot of work on both ends to get success.

[@blacxice]

Those teams felt like a classic high school team a stern and respected coach in Phil a go to guy in the best hooper ever KOBE BEAN BRYANT and co star pau with great supporting cast and that supporting cast wasn’t even great in league standards but the chemistry on those teams were off the charts

[@greedyglo]

People don’t take into account the fact that Kobe was already 5 years in when LeBron was drafted. Kobe unfortunately had his career stunted by injuries and racking up miles playing deep into the playoffs in the double big era and a front office that made too many questionable decisions.

[@americanfresh17]

Ahhhh Kobe Was 7 Years In Kobe Was Drafted 96. Lebron Was Drafted 03

[@jacobbell8171]

7 years

[@BigMallTV]

That’s not a excuse. Bron went to 10 straight finals and playing great in year 20. So long playoff runs mean nothing. He probably had a flare at work ethic but at what cost?? You never healed your body and tore ligaments at the end of your career. Kobe could’ve been the Brady of the nba had he been on lebrons training method. I know bron getting injured the last few years but I think the time he misses is more so, they don’t want him to end up retiring prematurely due to him overcompensating and snapping his leg or something horrible happening now that he’s older and older players also take more time to heal. If this was Miami or Cleveland bron, he don’t miss this much time on the lakers. They saw what happened to Kobe and don’t want that to happen to bron which why I think he misses so many games now.

[@greedyglo]

@@BigMallTV Different eras

[@facelessandnameless]

@@BigMallTV Ten straight finals in a VERY weak eastern conference. Kobe played in the most competitive and tough conference ever.

[@KingCoopa17]

Kobe was so good he made fans forget who they we’re cheering for 😂😂😂 10:44

[@_M....]

before NBA fandom became the toxic shithole it is today fans just regognized greatness and respected it.

[@Skinslyfe]

Nah bro just made some money on a ticket

[@kalanferguson]

2009 was the year Kobe and LeBron should have faced each other. With both the Lakers and the Cavs being great, Kobe still in his prime, while LeBron was just entering his, the Nike commercials and so much more, fans and the league lost out big time. I'll forever be sad we never got this matchup. Even Magic and Michael played against each other in the Finals. The 2008-09 season was the one we all lost.

[@jacoblee5796]

That Cavs team was garbage, it’s insane LBJ took that team as far as he did.

[@cscarly]

Joke right mo William better team . Show lbj worst gm in Cleveland . Worse pass on grant hill Jr Smith giantism surprised they didn't pass kyrie

[@SupremeSupervillain_]

​@@jacoblee5796the east was pretty weak at that time

[@kmoney8201]

​@@SupremeSupervillain_and that cavs team without lebron would've been the worst team in that ec

[@LJMadrigalMusic]

"Lebron was just entering his" bro.. he was already in prime shape after 4 years of being in the league. He should've faced Kobe in the 2009 finals, but how the hell did he lose to Dwight Howard?

[@chadbrisco4042]

They literally missed each other. Here's their Finals appearances: 2007: Lebron James, No Kobe appearance 2008: Kobe Bryant, No Lebron appearance 2009: Kobe Bryant, No Lebron appearance 2010: Kobe Bryant, No Lebron appearance 2011-2018: Lebron James, No Kobe appearance

[@moblife3638]

2000, no LBJ,2001, no LBJ, 2002, no LBJ, 2004, no LBJ

[@JinDota]

​@@moblife3638 bron was drafted in 2003

[@pureakkuracy7510]

@@JinDotaKobe retired in 2016

[@JinDota]

@@pureakkuracy7510 truetrue

[@ChronoNinja7]

2020: Lebron James, No Kobe appearance

[@williamanderson7594]

That Chris Paul trade was weird, especially since the Hornets flipped Paul to the Clippers of all teams for a worse return.

[@synthetic_sports]

Why have one LA team be good when you could have both of them be good. Thats my theory

[@starsesay5521]

We all know Stern stopped that trade because Kobe would’ve been unstoppable and Lebron would’ve been shown up

[@mr3000sr]

@@starsesay5521 stern stopped it because the return wasn’t what he wanted

[@mybestnugget7514]

@@mr3000sr NBA blocked that trade to protect both MJ and LeBron’s legacies

[@mr3000sr]

@@mybestnugget7514 maybe I’m just telling you what they said… maybe you really know… CP ain’t won nothing so….

[@raywright8479]

Might be controversial, but my theory on why Dwight has been shunned/disrespected by the NBA, fans and media alike is bc he is looked at as the main reason why we never got that Kobe-LeBron finals. It was all set for it in '09, but the Magic had other plans. I think people feel a type of way towards Dwight bc of that. Well that and he's a clown.

[@TheDarkbluerock]

Nothing controversial in your main point here, many people think this way, but why is he a clown? What stupid thing did he do?

[@Abbad1579]

Nice theory

[@chri11203]

@@TheDarkbluerock He didn't do anything wrong. I think people didn't like that he joked around similar to Shaq despite never winning a championship. The goofiness became less endearing after a while.

[@stephordless8876]

Naw I believe he just made it that way for himself. Because him playing horrible in LA would’ve made a bigger impact than that

[@slobberkissintl3548]

So he should have lost on purpose? I think people turned on Dwight bc of how he handled leaving Orlando. I think this was a bit before you could just openly get your coach fired

[@markula_4040]

I wonder how many people realize we missed that matchup twice. Lakers were the 2 time defending champion and had been to 3 straight Finals when Dallas knocked them off and faced LeBron instead. Not as close because it was a second round defeat but still. Going into that year's playoffs, that potential matchup was on a lot of people's minds. Reminds me a little of when Houston failed to get to the Finals a 3rd straight time to face the Bulls. Imagine that matchup, 2 time defending champs vs previous 3 peat with Jordan back full time and having just won 72 games.

[@cjvaye99]

also don't forget 2013. I honestly think if Kobe didn't tear his Achilles they would have made it to the finals. that team was finally putting it together and had a good record to end the season and Kobe was playing arguably the best basketball of his life. they would have been what the Lakers are this season. a team that struggled early but got it together and ended the season hot and became a dangerous 7th seed capable of winning the championship.

[@asimedina6933]

man.. i miss kobe

[@probablybuhle]

Felt

[@Abbad1579]

He’s a rapist

[@maksimo2230]

Damn, 2009 was such a great year for sport. Arguably the 2 biggest sports in the world, Basketball and Football (soccer) have their biggest club stage, wich is Champions Leauge for football and NBA Playoffs for NBA. In 2009 we saw Champions Leauge final between two of the greatest football players of the 21st century, Ronaldo and Messi, and we were on the verge of seeing an NBA finals between two of the greatest basketball players of our century, Kobe and LeBron. Also prime Usain Bolt ran, by far, the fastest time in human history.

[@jclight2675]

Also had the best playoff commercial with Kanye amazing playing

[@antonioguglielmetti2661]

This is the best thing that ever happened to LeBron.

[@StarWarsReels]

People don’t realize how scrutinized he would’ve been for losing to Kobe in the finals. Even with a far inferior roster on LeBron’s end

[@muhammadrajput3502]

@@StarWarsReels Not really. A young Bron lost to a overmatched Spurs team. Same would have happened with Kobe. And if a Lebron Kobe finals would have happened after 2010. Lebron would have ass whooped him.

[@FunnyBaseballStadium-cc5dk]

@@muhammadrajput3502 Bron stans would've seen it that way. The rest of the world would've seen it as Kobe whooping Bron's ass and Bron needing to tuck his tail and run to a super team to finally get past Kobe.

[@muhammadrajput3502]

@@FunnyBaseballStadium-cc5dk ? This already happened with the celtics. But everyone recoginzes Bron was just overmatched.

[@FunnyBaseballStadium-cc5dk]

@@muhammadrajput3502 No one would be saying that if Kobe whooped Bron in the Finals like the Celtics did. Cavs would've had homecourt advantage, and been the favorites. Bron stans wouldn't have been able to revise history as usual because the whole world would've witnessed Kobe taking Bron's lunch on the biggest stage.

[@rashaanholloway1760]

As a die-hard, life-long Cavs fan, and a basketball-head who just wanted to see Kobe vs LeBron once...I greatly loathe that 2009 Orlando Magic team. They. Would. Not. Miss in those ECF.

[@jhomerlaurencio1975]

When Lebron was beaten during 08-10, it happens to be the opponent of Lakers in the Finals. Same thing when Kobe didn't get past their rivals (Mavs, Thunder, and Spurs)

[@stephordless8876]

They got past the prime Spurs in 08 and the Thunder too.

[@easylife6348]

@@stephordless8876 yea it was just lakers got old after that 2010 ring.

[@alexescutia4805]

@@stephordless8876 lebron got passed the Celtics too it just didn’t happen in the same year for Kobe and bron

[@hhghjj3247]

Boston was old and he had to Hoi join wade abs Bosh the same guys Kobe took out with Paul as his second best player lol lequeen overrated

[@alexescutia4805]

@@hhghjj3247 you’re a child

[@the_o_man]

It was the 2015-16 Spurs that matched the 1986 Celtics home record. Not the 2016-17 Spurs

[@chadbrisco4042]

It's easy to mix things up lol. 2015-2016 has the year 2016 involved just like the 2016-2017 season does. Which year is the 2016 season? Lol.

[@splashnskillz37]

@@chadbrisco4042 And the Warriors were better in both

[@azsportx]

Just came across your channel and subscribed. Great video bro. A Kobe/LeBron finals would've been epic. Two of my favorite players and as a long time Laker fan, this would've been an emotional rollercoaster for me 😂. RIP Mamba & Gigi 🙏🏾.

[@brandoncoxall6149]

Y’all are so dope. Been watching y’all for the last like 5 hrs and it’s been awesome. Automatic fan. Keep up the superb work fellas, definitely going to blow up🔥🔥🔥

[@Jrjr940]

Y’all make such great content, deserve wayyyy more subscribers. Keep it up boys!🔥

[@ninjitown23]

Bro........this makes me sad. I never thought about it this way, and now that I do......I feel robbed that we never got to see this. Great video bro!

[@gamificationoflife]

Such a great video, this is one of my favourite basketball channels & this video covers one of my favourite topics (Kobe vs Lebron the finals that never was)

[@rjhaney2614]

I like this solo monologue type video just as much as I love the banter kind. Love to see more!

[@eazydro20]

I honestly believe if referee Tim Donaghy didn’t get caught fixing games, the NBA would have made the Lakers-Cavs Finals happen back in 2009 instead of against Orlando

[@mysportisyourpunishment73188]

Sad..but probably true

[@israelmendoza7599]

Lakers would've won the series in 5 or 6 games easily

[@torhowell5202]

That series was rigged. Cleveland still lost.

[@xemir]

he was fixing the games for the mob not ABC

[@eazydro20]

@@xemir i believe the NBA is fixing games even without Donaghy. Since Donaghy got caught fixing his games for the mob earlier during the season, the NBA had to lay low resulting to a Lakers-Magic finals instead of the more desired lakers-cavs finals

[@Ilkaygundogoat]

Y’all to underrated I swear amazing job ❤

[@TK-vf2vy]

you didnt lie bout the Kobe content coming soon !! love to see it

[@jeffreygutierrez4695]

BROOOO YOUR FUCKING INTRO SOUND, IS THE ONE OF CW MAN YOU JUST BRING A LOT OF GOOD MEMORIES WITH THAT BRO, DAMN HOW MUCH I MISS THOSE TIMES

[@garudass3805]

this video is great, clip selection for the words you're speaking is so on point

[@DerpyPepe4803]

If Kobe and LeBron had faced off in the finals even once, it would have been on par with Magic VS Bird.

[@ceasarsanchez9086]

You definitely short changed the last year of the Lakers. Overall mediocre, but the switch hit at mid season once Kobe took control from D'Antoni is the stuff of legend. He played the way everyone kept telling him to play his whole career the first half of the year and it had them in the 10 seed. He finally had enough and told everyone that he's now in charge of the offense and told Dwight to take care of the defense and they closed the year out on a crazy 26-4 run. Had Kobe not torn his Achilles at the end of the year I firmly believe we would have finally gotten our Kobe/LeBron Finals.

[@HipsterShiningArmor]

this is just factually inaccurate, that Lakers team never went on a 26-4 run at any point in the year. they were definitely playing a lot better post-all star break but Pau still wasn't integrated into the offence well and without him cooking in the playoffs there's no way they beat a fully healthy Spurs or Thunder squad (probably not the Grizzlies either) even if Kobe doesn't tear his achilles.

[@ceasarsanchez9086]

@@HipsterShiningArmor You're correct. The actual record was 20-8. Or 28-12. Wherever you want to start the record keeping. A winning clip of .714, which would've been the third best record in the entire league. San Antonio and Miami would've been the big hurdles. There was no OKC to worry about because they played on the other side of the bracket and never made it out. The way the Lakers played down the stretch, Kobe in particular, I firmly believe they would've won a hard fought series against San Antonio. At that point they bully ball baby Golden State and simply outscore Grit and Grind era Memphis on their way to matchup with Miami. Either way, the point is, that season is absolutely Kobe's most underrated. You only start to realize how insane what he did was, and was potentially setting himself and his team up to do, if you start actively examining that team's season from beginning to end and putting proper context on it. Kobe absolutely deserved MVP by the time it was all said and done.

[@romanramirez7847]

@@ceasarsanchez9086I love Kobe but no. He did not deserve MVP at that point. Lebron was far and away the best player in the league at that point, and led the Heat to 60+ wins. He also beat Kobe stat wise as well, and was one wasted Melo vote away from winning it unanimously. To say Kobe should have won it is delusional, and I love Kobe. Not trying to downplay Kobe though. He was awesome, but Lebron was better in 2013.

[@ceasarsanchez9086]

@@romanramirez7847 I didn't say Kobe was still the best player at that point. I said Kobe had the most valuable season in the league.

[@romanramirez7847]

@@ceasarsanchez9086 No disrespect, but he didn’t. It was Lebron.

[@stashisahorse]

Love this channel for putting stuff like the puppet commercial in these videos

[@nealmcmahon8534]

Great video! Awesome research and trip down memory lane.

[@CSal97]

Just found yalls content a couple days ago and been binging it all day!!

[@Tyoxy]

Very nice video, this was an era of basketball that I will always enjoy

[@hatgamez9004]

looked this up today, glad it came out ontime, r.i.p, forever remeber.

[@allensmith9879]

Love the old school VHS date & time overlays 👌

[@Kenzosmuse]

SYNTHETIC SPORTS IS IN THEIR BAG RIGHT NOW WITH THIS VIDEO

[@CiabanItReal]

You forgot all those Nike 23vs24 Kobe vs Lebron commercials, which after the magic beat the Cavs, Dwight mocked in comercials.

[@Rob8041289]

This video was fire and UNBIASED!! This was fire i had to subscribe

[@yj5069]

Kobe would have won that year regardless of who was in the way. Lebron is lucky he didn't make the finals that year. After losing to the Celtics, the mamba was determined to get that first ring without Shaq

[@shlomoweis5974]

I would love a video on the we believe warriors team! Love the channel btw!!

[@synthetic_sports]

Noted!

[@josealmanza148]

Great vid man Your Channels super underrated

[@potentially__9445]

Great editing, awesome video.

[@pureakkuracy7510]

A Lebron and Kobe finals matchup would be undoubtedly the best finals ever by far

[@Mikeaj-un6mf]

I love how you have the date to every video

[@SmusnSasketchewan]

the editing is insane 😮

[@TheJadariusExperience]

Sad the only place we’ll see this is in 2k.

[@bdr113080]

Yeah, I was really wanting to see LeBron when he was in Cleveland face Kobe Bryant, and the Lakers in 2009. I’m not going to complain about 2010 at all because I am a diehard Laker fan and to a Laker fan. Yes it would’ve been cool to see. Kobe beat LeBron in 2010 but to us getting revenge on the Celtics meant so much more. That Lakers team that came together in 2008 is my favorite Lakers lineup ever. I loved watching that team lead by Kobe and Pau Enjoy the success they did. It was a really fun team to watch play. And the only thing about that team though is yes, they all came together in their prime but other than Andrew Bynum everyone else on the team was kind of at the tail end of their primes though and by the time 2010 and 2011 came around the Lakers were really approaching their mid 30s, and even in the previous playoffs, Andrew Bynum was playing limited time because of having to take it easy on his knees, and Kobe was playing with a bone spur in his ankle and with a broken finger and it was really the last year of Kobe Bryant’s prime I feel like. When it didn’t happen in 2011, I knew it just wasn’t going to happen again, especially after Dr. Bus’s idiots son took over the reins on the basketball side and one thing that a lot of people don’t know about is he sent someone from the front office to Dallas to meet the team while they were playing the Mavericks so he could tell the entire coaching staff in front of the entire team that no matter what happens even if they win a championship that the entire coaching staff is fired after their playoff run is over which devastated the team. Further proof that. Dr. Bus’s so Jimmy might be a nice person but he’s an idiot, because why would you make an announcement like that to the coaching staff in front of the team while they were fighting for a three peat? It was an idiomatic decision, but then the way you told them was even more idiomatic. It was a case of what happened in Chicago 15 years earlier when Jerry Krause didn’t feel like he was giving you enough credit for the championships. The Chicago Bulls had one, now, Jimmy didn’t want this team to win a championship because it would be a team that his dad had put together and not him and he had this crazy idea that Andrew Bynum who was on his 17th knee surgery or something crazy like that was going to be the future star of the team and really could’ve cared less about anyone else and he planned on rebuilding the team around Andrew Bynum. And don’t get me wrong. I love Andrew Bynum, but even a casual fan could’ve told you that building a team around Andrew Bynum was a mistake. He was the youngest Laker, but his prime years were already behind him. We never saw Andrew better than what he was at the end of the 2000s because You can’t be 7 feet tall and 300 pounds and have so many knee surgeries and think this guy is going to be a top-tier player for the next decade. Only an idiot would think such things. So really us Laker fans knew that the great run we had just watch head come to an end, our team was now older, new management didn’t want field Jackson to get credit for another championship, and they hired the worst coaches imaginable for an aging team, and the front office just kept making one bad decision after another. It’s not like Kobe and LeBron were the same age. I mean Kobe’s prime after 2011 was really over. He was drafted seven years before LeBron James, and now LeBron was still in his prime in Kobe was older, and was fighting injuries every year until he retired. So really if it was going to happen and it needed to happen between 2007 and 2011, and once 2011, came and went and neither of them walked away with the championship that year everyone in Laker nation knew that unless we had a competent coach that knew how to coach a team that was still good but just older and wasn’t going to be that’s super athletic team anymore then we weren’t going to win a championship anytime soon. But as a Lakers fan, I do want to point out that the two years that Kobe had held up his end of the bargain before the team hit their mid-30s and management fired a great coaching staff, both teams Kobe beat to win his fourth and fifth championships were teams, LeBron James could not get past .

[@1776carpediem]

I agree with everything you said. Kobe was the reason I got into basketball. From 07’-12 I never missed a playoff game. And I loved that 08 team as well, at the time I really wanted to keep Ariza. But I think come 2011 as fans we knew it was coming to an end and I wasn’t even upset they got blown out by the Mavs. We had a hell of a run with some good memories. After that year I think everyone just wanted some younger talent to surround Kobe with. The front office sucked.

[@silkyjohnson7599]

Compared to the later 2000’s Lakers, those Cavs teams were terrible

[@peytonfechter3438]

@@silkyjohnson7599 the east entirely was trash,

[@silkyjohnson7599]

@@peytonfechter3438 that doesn’t contradict my statement though

[@kaplezedrummer24ify]

Greatest commercials ever. Freaking GENIUS

[@darrensinclair1363]

This video brought back so many memories being a laker fan but also someone who followed lebrons greatness good job

[@Betlog-jr]

By far? Lmfaoooo nah wade and Tim was in that conversation

[@bl4ckuchiha]

You didn't have to do Mo like that😂

[@CommandereON]

I like this video, it retains facts and doesn’t allow half truths and revisionists muddle history and the context of players’ decisions and demands. A trade for JJ Hickson for Amare being turned down by the Cavs front office, never forget.

[@Thomas-bs9xv]

I give this documentary an A+!!!. All of the nostalgia was there. A 22 minute time machine spot on!!!👍👍👍

[@xlr0gd205]

I actually think we were closer to it in 2008 than 2009. Game 7 between Celtics and Cavs was one of only TWO playoff games in which Paul Pierce scored more than 30 points (the other was Game 5 vs LAL). Had Paul Pierce played his average game, Boston would've lost. The ECF would've been the Cavs-Pistons rematch which the Cavs won just the year before. No sign they wouldn't have done it again

[@ianrhodes8786]

alr know this is bouta be a banger

[@potentially__9445]

Black Ops Cold War multiplayer theme playing in the background. Nice!! 👍🏾

[@MrSquaky]

This video was very well done

[@StreetsofATL_19]

This was great!

[@griffineleby8758]

Great video

[@TK-vf2vy]

greatttttt vid

[@jaylenbarnes2.079]

Fire Video

[@kSwissh007]

2009 and 2011 was the best time for kobe and lebron to go against eachother in the finals!!!! 2010 was meant for lakers vs. celtics

[@greedyglo]

19:26-19:54 FACTS💯 Shortened Kobe’s career even more

[@jaylenbarnes2.079]

Video Idea: Y'all could do a video about Chris Mullin or Mark Price

[@BlackFlash7]

Kobe would've torn brons ass up in 09 and 2010 lol

[@Amigofix]

True true

[@yungxdee3053]

Stop it

[@nickwarren7854]

Lebron would've cooked him easy

[@cedricl.vercher8423]

GREAT piece. Lots of research and FACTS. Thanks for not boring us with Lie'Bron Lames excuses.

[@christopherd.3291]

It’s sad the Celtics been stuck chip 17 for 15 years and counting 😂

[@3alenciagaboots]

not for long

[@christopherd.3291]

@@3alenciagaboots You ain’t making that difference any time soon 👀

[@khaitranngoc4176]

That matchup would have shaped the goat debate for YEARS

[@Bmthighlights]

Why? Kobe’s not even top 5

[@slammydunk9787]

@@Bmthighlights what do you mean? Don’t you remember Kobe all time great performance against Denver Nuggets in 2003? You should google “Kobe Colorado 2003” to educate yourself!

[@Abbad1579]

No not really

[@selfvonte1931]

@@Bmthighlights yes he is.

[@Dmm314]

@@Bmthighlights from 5 to 1. Kobe, Duncan, Magic, Kareem, Jordan.

[@Kingflowh]

I always thought that if the Lakers were to Ariza they would have been way better. He was outstanding in the playoffs and only getting better.

[@starsesay5521]

Agreed. Ariza was like a Pippen to Kobe

[@thegaming.nerd2004]

Your awsome ❤😂😂😂😂😊 make a Video about mj Kobe and Lebron debate

[@meech6848]

Bruh🤦🏾‍♂️…how the hell was LUOL DENG EVERRR leading the league in minutes?! It’s a shame, such a great video and THAT was my takeaway😂

[@jakey_hendy]

Bro did Lebron pay you to give him that hairline in the thumbnail?

[@slimypickle19]

Maybe we could've gotten it at least once, but it would be pretty ridiculous to have them face off more than 3 times. Me personally, I lost all interest in the NBA when it became the Cavs & Warriors every year. That got boring after year 2.

[@shalimhasanrakhimhabibi4783]

Crazy how the only chip dwight got was from the lakers lead by bron, wish they’ve kept him, he could of helped with jokic this year

[@Mike1122.]

Huh? You counting that bubble ring? Lol

[@shalimhasanrakhimhabibi4783]

@@Mike1122. every team in the bubble was under the same exact circumstances so yes it does count dumbass

[@jmcook96]

Can you guys do a vid on the 04 Mavs. A "super team" that never was

[@kammitch3131]

The muppets are still my favorite commercials ever, them things were golden!😂

[@landohudson5864]

I might’ve been one of the few who was both a Kobe & bron stan My 🐐s

[@josueguillen4111]

I would look forward to every new MVPuppets comercial

[@username-wu3rk2aj4n]

This matchup is on the TV List in Heaven

[@kevinrichards4346]

I blame lebron in the first cleveland run. People like to claim " he was by himself" but the truth is the Magic and celtics beat him by clogging the paint and forcing him to shoot so it could take lebrons shooting teammates OUT the game...he needed to be more offensively versatile to find more ways to get them open

[@WRNIIVIIII]

I agree that his shooting had to get better (2011 finals 👀) Heck even today I cringe when Bron takes a jumpshot But he was alone bruh

[@kevinrichards4346]

@@KoreanBoy9713 lebron was not alone. Nobody alone Wins 66 games. He actually had the best shooting backcourt in the league and that’s how they won 66 games. The truth is him not getting to the paint to give them those open jumpers. Also, he went 15/45 the last 3 games. What does your teammates have to do with lack of a jumper

[@starsesay5521]

Yep

[@ZZ-ex8py]

@@kevinrichards4346 how did that best shooting backcourt do in the playoffs? exactly

[@kevinrichards4346]

@@ZZ-ex8py I just explained why because LEBRON all season was getting to the paint and creating shots for players but in the series decided to take jumpshots taking his own players outs the game

[@jakeweston13]

I forgot how stupidly good Lebron was in his first stint in Cleveland. If the cavs were able to fine even slightly better supporting cast for him…man it would have been great to see.

[@SISKCERTWaJaVlogs]

i never thought about this tbh

[@theanonymouscommenter7445]

@4:51 My guy said Co player. Mo Williams was literally an all star. Put some respect on his name! 😤🔥💯

[@blacxice]

This matchup never happening always felt like kinda rigged to protect each players brand and legacy NO ONE would ever let up the fact of who lost in that finals match up no matter what else they did in their careers This would hurt they’re brands badly Kobe would’ve won btw

[@starsesay5521]

Agreed wholeheartedly.

[@BayAreaHoops415]

Kobe's Lakers woulda beat LeBrons Cavs, his running man was Mo Williams. Heat would've destroyed the Lakers

[@peytonfechter3438]

@@BayAreaHoops415 well it was a super team, that is why Lebron went there, because he couldn't win with the cavs

[@BayAreaHoops415]

@@peytonfechter3438 name a single player in nba history winning with mo Williams as his 2nd best player, sure as hell ain’t Kobe or MJ 😂

[@peytonfechter3438]

@@BayAreaHoops415we are talking about the heat, why you bring up mo williams, and mj in the year 86 when they lost to the celtics with 4 hofs

[@re11o]

I remember one dude i knew said the szn Dwight went to LA that it was gonna be the Heat and Lakers in the Finals.

[@ajtheking23]

Tbh I wish we had of seen this match up because whoever would’ve won there wouldn’t even be a debate on who was the better player

[@starsesay5521]

Agreed *coughing* Kobe

[@ajtheking23]

@@starsesay5521 most definitely

[@alexescutia4805]

Debatable everyone knows the lakers had a better team

[@FireAngelChris]

See that’s a stupid way of viewing things. Lakers was better than the Cavs so no matter if Bron matched or outplayed Kobe folks wouldn’t care.

[@FireAngelChris]

@@starsesay5521 Bron better

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

Dan Gilbert, next question.

[@kairyu2914]

we here early

[@stevengonzalezfedex4641]

Im hella late but im happy Lebron dedicated the 2020 season for Kobe

[@shamthecasual]

Man I wasn’t falling into that Kobe vs LeBron stuff cause I loved them both actually wanted them to be teammates at one point could’ve been a better version of MJ and Scottie

[@darxsaberzz]

yo what's your intro song its fire

[@yruqrem9]

If Lakers would have made it to that finals in 2011 against Lebron and his new all star team mates, that would have been 4 STRAIGHT Finals appearances.. unheard of, not even MJ Bulls went 4 straight times. Looking back now as bad as I wanted to see it happen and not knowing Jim Bus decision to fire coaching staff in front of team during Mavs series, can't be disappointed in that Lakers team

[@huwdavies-tallon3305]

Similar to never had a ronaldo vs messi final whilst Ronaldo was at real madrid. Did have one in 2009 cl final when ronaldo was already out the door at united.

[@ChrisWilliams-ur7fn]

This is the dream matchup, but I think it would have disappointed. As far as firepower goes, Lebron's Cavs didn't have enough juice to match with the Lakers. It would have probably been like the finals against the Spurs. LeBron vs Kobe itself would have been fun to see for all the marbles though.

[@rfpchar]

Matchup is key but i think phil could make the adjustment easily

[@autolife2785]

2010-2011 would have been the year I would have loved to see LeBron and Kobe in the Finals. That Heat team was perfect, it just sucks that the Mavs swept the Lakers

[@potentially__9445]

You gotta do a Jordan vs Olajuwon what if!!!

[@rplayer360]

I wasn't a fan of either... But I respect both

[@a.r.t93]

Remember the NBA made a whole "Dream Season" doc with Justin Timberlake narrating to hype this Finals 😂No wonder the NBA hates Dwight

[@WWEKING232]

Imagine putting up 40 plus in both games on the road but, your supporting cast can’t help you.. but then management gets you over the hill Shaq instead of Amare 💀