It seems fitting that Kobe Bryant was sporting a protective mask after having his nose broken by the Heat’s Dwayne Wade that I can draw some comparisons to other masked figures. Lebron James deserves his own comparison as well considering he also has exceptional powers of his own. Basketball players are some of the best athletes in the world. Taller, faster, stronger, than most of society and are often seen as larger than life figures whose exploits on the court and off become legendary. Like the fictional super-heroes, Batman and Superman, Kobe and Lebron share some characteristics that help explain their place in the basketball world.
One is a sullen, brooding, perfectionist willing to go to great lengths both physically and mentally to be the best. The other a cheerful, smiling, gifted man-child, endowed with tremendous talent and strength.One has grown ornery, stubborn, and obsessed with his craft and mission. The other is willing to please, happy to serve the public, and the job comes easy to him. One has studied his opponents, sought weaknesses, made adjustments and uses his mind over his brawn. The other admires his opponents, works hard but willing to share, seeks to win but not destroy.
Kobe is Batman because like a young Bruce Wayne he made a conscious effort to become great. Greater than his adversaries. He had a narrow vision to transform his body and mind to someday use his tools to dominate his environment. Through his battles and injuries he was determined to return to a level of champions. Where Batman sought justice, Kobe sought championships. Both wanted to be feared more than liked. Even by their own teammates. As they aged they used their superior intellect to overcome their enemies no matter how imposing. Is it a stretch to compare such traits? I don’t think so. Neither is the fuzzy, warm, and lovable hero but respected for their laser focus on getting results.
Lebron is Superman because like Clark Kent (Kal-L) he was born and grew with natural talents and strength beyond their years. These traits enabled them to excel in dynamic feats growing up and the world seemed easy to them. Being gifted drew cheers from adoring fans. A clear hero to the people at large. The People’s Champion accomplishing what few could and amazing all that witnessed him.
Always happy to oblige citizens with a smile and content to be the face of a nation. Equally able to overtake an opponent at any time as he is to subdue his extreme power and defer to others even at the moment of crisis. He is more willing to win and remain friendly than to win and decimate his rival.
Is one better? No. Just different approaches to the same goal. Batman and Superman seek justice but use different methods. Kobe and Lebron do too. Currently, Kobe’s method has garnered more championships while making enemies along the way. He is fine with that. Lebron has yet to win a championship but continues to be close. Always putting up astonishing numbers and getting close to that ring while yearning to be loved by all.
In the real world, these athletes aren’t super human at all. There are no villains. They are just competitors chasing the same dream. If you’re Kobe Bryant it doesn’t hurt to have a little kryptonite in your back pocket.
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