This week one of the most-hyped games of the year is about to go down, LeBron versus Kobe — arguably the best two players to lace-up their sneakers 100+ times a year since Michael left the game. Not only have the athletic battles been epic but the sneaker face-offs (25 to date) have been impressive as well. Kobe has more rings but you could debate LeBron has always had the better kicks (we're sure he uses that argument frequently). Check out The Complete Footwear History of Kobe Bryant vs. LeBron James Matchups and let us know which superstar has had the better shoes.
Jan 12, 2004
Nike Air Zoom Generation "Away" vs. Nike Zoom Flight 2K3 PE
In young LeBron's first face-off against Kobe he held his own doing better statistically but that sprained right shoulder Kobe suffered in the second ended his night early. Either way we have to give the nod to the kid in his inaugural shoe. Ten years later, we're ready for a retro, Nike.
Jan 13, 2005
Nike Zoom LeBron II "Away" vs. Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 PE
In Kobe and LeBron's second match-up, Kobe left early again after spraining his left ankle — the Huarache 2K4 PEs were so dope though. Nike kept blessing #8 with exclusives while they worked on his first official sneaker with Team Swoosh.
Feb 13, 2005
Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 PE vs. Nike Zoom LeBron II "White/Navy"
Feb 20, 2005
Nike Zoom LeBron II "All-Star" vs Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K5 "All-Star"
Sept 11, 2005
Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K5 PE vs. Nike Zoom LeBron II "Chamber of Fear"
No official stats were ever revealed for the Hurricane Katrina Relief Game but much like their last All-Star match-up we have to go with LeBron in the IIs over Kobe's 2K5s. It's just different.
Jan 12, 2006
Nike Zoom LeBron III "White Navy" vs Nike Zoom Kobe I "Home/81 Points"
Feb 19, 2006
Nike Zoom LeBron III "All-Star" vs. Nike Zoom Kobe I "All-Star"
Mar 19, 2006
Nike Zoom LeBron III "White/Silver" vs NIke Zoom Kobe I "Black/Black"
Feb 11, 2007
Nike Zoom Kobe II "Black/Maize" vs. Nike Zoom LeBron IV "Home"
Feb 15, 2007
Nike Zoom Kobe II "Home" vs Nike Zoom LeBron IV "White/Navy"
Feb 18, 2007
Nike Zoom LeBron IV "All-Star" vs. Nike Zoom Kobe II "All-Star"
Dec 20, 2007
Nike Zoom LeBron V "White/Gold" vs. Nike Zoom Kobe III "Black Mamba"
Jan 27, 2008
Nike Zoom LeBron V "Black/White-Crimson" vs. Nike Zoom Kobe III "Home"
Feb 17, 2008
Nike Zoom LeBron V "All-Star" vs. Nike Zoom Kobe III "All-Star"
Kobe laced up his All-Star IIIs just long enough to be announced as a starter and then took a seat with an injury, giving LeBron the floor to take home the MVP honors and kill it in his "All-Star" Vs.