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

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

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.

Lakers Kobe Bryant argues with a referee as Cavaliers LeBron James laughs at the Staples Center Friday. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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.

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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.

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.

King James is here to stay!!!

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