In discussing who the best player of the 2000s was, two players immediately come to mind: LeBron James and Kobe Bryant . Even though they were drafted seven years apart, they were often pitted against one another, and every matchup between them was met with a ticker tape parade of media attention.
Discussions about which of the two megastars was better were intense and animated. However, if anyone asks former NBA champion and feisty guard Vernon Maxwell who he thinks is the superior player, he will have one answer: Kobe.
Mad Max recently shared his opinion on the matter during his appearance on the "Million Dollaz Worth of Game" podcast, where he argued with host Gillie Da King, who vehemently insisted that LeBron is the GOAT.
While Vernon never got to play with or against LeBron, he had his fair share of experiences with Kobe, who he famously destroyed in a one-on-one game when the latter was still a high school standout at Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia . That game, though, was all it took for Vernon to discern that the kid was going to be special once he reached the next level.
Kobe eventually made his way to the big league and played for the Los Angeles Lakers of all teams. Despite being on the most popular team in the NBA, the young man didn't flinch, recognizing and embracing the glamour and responsibilities that came with being in Hollywood.
Unfazed by the bright lights, Kobe relentlessly worked on his game, spending countless hours in the gym like a mad scientist who was burning the midnight oil. He became known for his extreme dedication and work ethic, often sacrificing sleep and leisure time to improve his skills.
And it paid off. Kobe went on to become one of the greatest players in NBA history, winning five championships and earning numerous accolades along the way. His tenacity, determination, and "Mamba Mentality" inspired millions worldwide.
"Kobe's a dog, man. LeBron's LeBron. He make the right plays. He do all the right s—t, you know? He play the right way," Maxwell said , referring to Bryant's willingness to take the final shot, come hell or high water. James, on the other hand, has been crucified countless times for his penchant for making the right plays, whether it's a pass to an open teammate or a shot.
"You know what I mean? Kobe was a motherf—cking natural born killer. A f—cking killer. That motherf—ker was a natural born…," Vernon continued.
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Gillie Da King, a former rapper turned podcaster, is convinced that LeBron's the better player, starting with how he turned the Cleveland Cavaliers ' fortunes around when he joined them in 2003. Picked first in the famed 2003 NBA Draft, James helped the Cavs go from a 17-win team to a squad that went 35-47.
"Think about this. LeBron James went to a team that won 13 games at 18 years old. Now, you been in the locker room. Let me ask you a question. You 32 in the locker room, right? Y'all just won 13 games. Y'all drafted this kid that's been on the front of Sports Illustrated, 'The Chosen One,'" Gillie conveyed. "He 18 years old. Do you really think this man's going to make a difference? You don't. You like, 'Come on, man. We going to be… we might win 15 games next year.' They won 30-something."
Mad Max stood on his hill, contending that the 1990s were a different era compared to the 2000s. It was a time when bitter feuds between players still existed, and physicality reigned. It was in that environment that Kobe not only learned to survive but also to thrive.
"Only thing I keep going back to, when Kobe came in the league, the league was different than it is when LeBron came in the league," Vernon shared. "You got to understand, it's the era when Kobe came in that it was rougher."
The '90s were not for the faint of heart. There was a price to pay every time someone drove down the lane or got too close for comfort. It was a game of physicality and intimidation, and Kobe had to adapt quickly if he wanted to make it in the league.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jan 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
