The King vs The Mamba

June 28, 2017 keyonmajidi 1 Comment

On April 13, 2016, Kobe Bryant retired following a twenty-year career in the NBA. In doing so, he passed the torch to LeBron James. Bryant is a five-time NBA champion, 2008 league MVP, 18x All Star, a two-time scoring champion a 15x All-NBA team selection. Now, the question remains, will Lebron James finish his career with more accomplishments than Kobe Bryant? King James has already proven himself as an NBA legend, but many people still have doubts on whether LeBron can take over a generation like Kobe Bryant did.

Kobe Bryant was selected thirteenth overall in the 1996 NBA draft. Bryant did not attend college and went pro straight from Lower Merion High school. Likewise, James did not attend college, but his outstanding statistics in high school made him the number one overall draft selection in the 2003 NBA draft. Bryant was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets, but was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Black Mamba made his presence known early on. Kobe was ultra-competitive the second he stepped on an NBA court, and was chosen to the All-Rookie team in his first season. In only his second season in the league, Bryant was selected to the All-Star team, averaging 16 PPG, 3 APG and 5 RPG per game. Kobe was an unstoppable scorer, his game drew comparisons to Michael Jordan and Reggie Miller.

LeBron also boasted very impressive stats in his first couple years. He took the nation by storm, averaging 21 PPG and 6 APG in his rookie season which culminated in a Rookie of the Year selection. Similarly to Kobe, LeBron was also selected to the All Star team in his second season, averaging 27 PPG, 7 RPG and 7 APG. LeBron’s extreme athleticism and agility gave him an advantage over the other small forwards, which has been a defining factor of his dominance in his career. James was also a versatile defender, being able to defend any position on the court. His speed and athletic ability allows him to defend smaller guards, while his strength and height allows him to defend larger forwards and even centers if he was called upon. Thus, LeBron had a much better start to his NBA career in his first two years in the league than Kobe did.

Kobe Bryant’s illustrious career featured seven NBA Finals appearances and five championships. LeBron James passed Kobe in Finals appearances this year, with eight total NBA Finals appearances to his name. The difference is that Kobe won five titles, while LeBron has only won three out of his eight Finals appearances. When making the comparison between LeBron and Kobe, one must look at the current NBA and predict how the rest of LeBron’s career will go. King James is currently 32 years old, and the Golden State Warriors have built the most talented roster since the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls. Because of the Warriors, it is not likely that LeBron will win another championship. Luckily for him, the Warriors are in the Western Conference meaning LeBron will get plenty of other chances to make more NBA finals appearances and possibly upset the Bay Area.

Kobe Bryant won one MVP award in his career while LeBron has already won four. The Most Valuable Player award is one of the most prestigious awards in American sports. LeBron won the award in 2009, 2010, 2011, and most recently 2013, averaging 29 PPG, 7 RPG and 8 APG during those seasons. To contrast, Bryant averaged 28 PPG, 5 RPG and 4 APG during his sole MVP season.

Kobe Bryant ranks second in All Star appearances behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, making the Western Conference squad 18 times. He remained an All Star until the age of thirty-eight. LeBron has thirteen All-Star appearances at thirty-two years old. If LeBron remains an All Star for as long as Kobe did, they will have the exact same number of All-Star appearances. However, it is likely that LeBron will have eighteen or more All Star appearances because he has proven to be extremely durable throughout his career. His tendency to rest regular season games could provide him with the stamina to play at a high level for a very long time, but it could also impede his playing time to a point that limits him from making the All Star team.

Will LeBron James finish his NBA career with more accomplishments than Kobe Bryant? James has already won three more MVP awards and is en route for the same amount of All Star appearances and more Finals appearances than Bryant. James has always been touted as a physical specimen and has been scouted by NBA scouts since his freshman year of high school. He is considered by any to be one of the best draft prospects ever and he has exceeded expectations, becoming an international icon. LeBron is an awe-inspiring player and a relentless worker, whose athletic ability and basketball IQ provides him with the tools to dominate any player on the court. The answer is yes, LeBron James will finish his career with more achievements than Kobe. While both players have had legendary careers, King James stands above the Black Mamba because of his athletic dominance and unparalleled work ethic.

soccer

2017 Serie A Transfer Targets

June 27, 2017 spigazzi Leave a comment

AC Milan

Who’s In: Franck Kessié, Mateo Musacchio, Ricardo Rodríguez, André Silva, Gabriel, José Mauri, Gianmarco Zigoni, M’Baye Niang
Who’s Out: Diego López, Ocampos, Matí Fernandez, Pašalić, Deulofeu, Lapadula (50%), Poli (95%), Antonelli (60%), Bacca (50 %), Paletta (95%), Ocampos (90%), Niang (75%), Gianluigi Donnarumma (50%)
Transfer Targets: James Rodríguez (20%), Conti (80%), Forsberg (30%), Lucas Biglia (50%), Borini (10%), Yevhen Konoplyanka (30%), Alvaro Morata (10%)

Transfer Summary: With the help of new sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli, AC Milan have already signed four notable players that undoubtedly increase their chances at securing a Champions league spot next season. No one really knows what will happen with Donnarumma but either way, the team is still two or three important players away from challenging for the Scudetto. Mirabelli has been a revelation so far, signing young talented players at fairly reasonable prices. I expect Conti and Biglia to sign before the end of the season, which address two key areas in which Milan is lacking. The addition of a clinical striker like Morata could also be another way to boost fan excitement and legitimize themselves as a powerhouse in Serie A.

Mirabelli (left) looks to help put Milan back on track.

Inter Milan

Who’s In: Caprari, Padelli, Ranocchia, Dimarco, Miangue, Manaj, Puscas, Jovetić, Camara
Who’s Out: Carrizo, Palacio, Jovetic (80%), Banega (85%), Brozovic (35%)
Transfer Targets: Borja Valero (65%), Inaki Williams (30%), Skriniar (65%), Koulibaly (75%)

Transfer Summary– So far, Inter has been a little slow to dive into the transfer market. While they have been linked with some interesting prospects like Berardi and Williams, they have yet to sign a single new player. Waiting is not ideal for Inter, who must keep up with their cross-town rivals if they want to finish in the top four next season. Skriniar could be a decent addition, but he will need time to adapt and is far from living up to his potential. Candreva and Perišić could be sold, but they must perform for the entire season, which has been an issue. Overall, Inter seems to be lacking a clear direction and identity, two things they have failed to address so far in this window.

Ivan Perišić (pictured) has been linked with a move to the Premier League, among other places.

Juventus

Who’s In: Schick, Cuadrado, Bentancur, Orsolini, Leali, Romagna, Marrone, Tello, Cassata, Ganz, Thiam, Cerri
Who’s Out: De Ceglie, Dani Alves (90%), Alex Sandro (50%), Bonucci (30%), Neto (50%)
Transfer Targets: Douglas Costa (60%), Aurier (30%), Can (10%), Renato Sanches (40%) Bernardeschi (35%), Matić (20%), Darmian (50%), Keita (40%), Matiudi (20%)

Transfer Summary: Juventus have been linked with a plethora of players but have only managed to make Cuadrado’s move permanent and along with the former Sampdoria sensation, Schick. Dani Alves is almost certain to leave the club and a signing like Serge Aurier would be the ideal player to add youth to the team and keep the high quality of talent. Alex Sandro might also be heading out the door, which would require Juventus to sign a top left back, unless they want to rely on Asamoah playing out of positon for an entire season. The BBC era seems to be over and this could be a good opportunity for youngsters like Caldara and Rugani to take on a starting role. If they are to make another deep run in the Champions League, I suggest that they sign Douglas Costa and a top five midfielder to add to their depth. Moreover, a new backup for Buffon could be useful for the future, as Neto seems to be halfway out the door and is not fit to be a long-term replacement.

Alex Sandro (pictured) was a key player for Juventus this past season, but he could be departing.

AS Roma

Who’s In: Hector Moreno, Skorupski, Gyomber, Zukanović, Castan, Iturbe, Seck, Vainqueur, Ricci, Verde, Sadiq, Doumbia
Who’s Out: Salah, Szczesny, Totti, Vermaelen, Grenier, Paredes (95%), Manolas (95%), Mario Rui (60%), Doumbia (95%), Rudiger (70%), Vainqueur (85%), Gerson (90%), Skorupski (80%)
Transfer Targets: Seri (50%), Deuloufeu (20%), Donsah (30%), Sirigu (15%), Karsdorp (70%),

Transfer Summary: Hector Moreno is not the ideal substitute for Manolas, but is still a solid addition to an already sound squad. Signing Seri from Nice would make Roma’s midfield one of the best in Europe and could even poise them as serious title contenders. They should also consider signing younger and more inexpensive players like Donsah and Kasdorp. They will need to address Salah’s departure with a quality, established winger and a backup striker to Dzeko. It is vital that Roma keep investing if they want to continue being serious about winning a Scudetto. If not, they run the risk of being overrun by teams like Juve, Napoli and Milan who have shown their willingness to splash the cash.

Napoli

Who’s In: D. Zapata, Zúñiga, Grassi, de Guzman, Lasicky, Luperto, Dezi, Ghahoré , R. Insigne, Bifulco, Dumitru
Who’s Out: Ghoulam (70%), Pavoletti (70%), Albiol (20%), Zapata (80%)
Transfer Targets: Castro (50%), Mario Lui (20%), Masina (20%) Moreno (20%), Marchetti (15%)

Transfer Summary: Last season showed us that Napoli are only a couple of players away from challenging Juventus as the best team in Italy. So far, they have had few links with transcendent players, but it is still early. They must sign a partner for Koulibaly and another midfielder to go along with their potent attacking three. Diawara seems like an excellent prospect who, if partnered with an experienced central midfielder, can become world class. The team has not been linked with any superstar signings, but if they are able to sign three or four quality youngsters, the future looks bright for the southern giants.

kalidou-koulibaly-dinamo-kiev-napoli-champions-league_g0ljc6dttymo12z4o09lqvye6.jpg — Senegalese player Kalidou Koulibaly (left) needs more help if they hope to keep him.

Fiorentina

Who’s In: Vitor Hugo, Milenkovic, Bruno Gaspar, Rebic, Lezzerini, Venuti, Diks, Matí Fernandez, Petriccione, Baez, Vlahovic
Who’s Out: Gonzalo Rodríguez, De Maio, Salcedo, Tello, Valero (90%), Kalinić (50%) Bernardeschi (60%)
Transfer Targets: Berenguer (30%), Palacio (15%), Kucka (20%), Torreira (15%), Abdou Diallo (30%), Politano (20%)

Transfer Summary: The transfer window for Fiorentina has not exactly been something to rave about. While they have added some decent pieces to their roster like Gaspar and Hugo, these are surely not the signings that will push the team into consistent European contention. The departures of Rodriguez and Tello must be addressed, as they were two vital parts of the team last season. Furthermore, there are rumors that Borja Valero and Bernardeschi might be leaving for greener pastures and if this is the case, Fiorentina might find themselves in trouble next season. Defense is where the team still needs the most help and a player like Angelo Ogbonna from West Ham or Francesco Acerbi from Sassuolo could be an inexpensive, quality signing.

img_odotras_20161221-163126_imagenes_lv_otras_fuentes_valero-kteF-U412782713589CCB-992x558@LaVanguardia-Web.jpg — Borja Valero (pictured) is a candidate to leave Fiorentina this summer.

Lazio

Who’s In: Mauricio, Cataldi, Morrison, Kishna, Guerrieri, Germoni, Marchi, Minala, Ronaldo, Palombi, Oikonomidis
Who’s Out: Berisha (Atalanta) Biglia (70%), Morrison (85%), Mauricio (80%), Kishna (80%), Keita (65%), De Vrij (15%)
Transfer Targets: Papu Gomez (70%), Andrea Petagna (15%), Borini (70%), Luiz Gustavo (10%), Jordy Clasie (25%), Mariano Díaz (25%), Defrel (15%), Lapadula (10%), Widmer (50%), Gonalons (30%), Moutinho (10%), Muriel (40%), De Roon (15%), Simeone (10%)

Transfer Summary: This transfer window could be a very frustrating one for Lazio fans. Two of Lazio’s most impressive players last season, Keita and Biglia appear to be on the move and their replacements are not the big names some fans would have wanted to hear. Gomez could be a good signing, but his age and price does indeed pose some questions. On the other hand, there is no clear replacement for Biglia. It seems that Lazio is only signing to replace and not to improve the squad as it is. I suggest that Lazio keep Keita and sell Anderson and Biglia. These two sales should fund a new young midfielder and winger. A new goalkeeper would also greatly benefit the team, given Marchetti’s form and injury history as of late.