Former NBA big man Dwight Howard stirred the ongoing LeBron James vs. Kobe Bryant debate with a strong stance during his appearance on the Club 520 Podcast.
Howard, who played alongside both Bryant and James during his NBA career, said that while LeBron might edge the overall resume battle, he’s taking Kobe when the game is on the line.
“Everything combined, you got to give it to LeBron James,” Howard said, via HoopsHype, acknowledging James’ all-around excellence and accomplishments.
But when asked who he’d trust in the clutch, Howard didn’t hesitate.
“Scoring-wise, I got to say I like Kobe Bryant,” he added. “If it’s late in the game, I’m giving the ball to Kobe. I’m not going to give the ball to LeBron late in the game. I’m going to give it to Kobe.”
Howard suited up with Bryant during the 2012-13 season with the Lakers, a turbulent year that ended in a first-round playoff exit.
He later won a championship alongside James in 2020 inside the NBA bubble, playing a key supporting role during the Lakers’ title run.
Few players have shared the floor with both superstars in high-stakes moments, giving Howard’s comments rare perspective.
Bryant was known for his willingness to take – and make – tough shots in clutch situations throughout his two-decade career.
James, by contrast, has often leaned into playmaking late in games, leading to debates about his assertiveness in pressure moments.
