10 NBA Players Who Could Beat Kobe Bryant 1-on-1

By Michael Terrill

10 NBA Players Who Could Beat Kobe Bryant 1-on-1

Kobe Bryant — Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest players to ever play the game, which is why it is hard to imagine anyone actually being better than he is. Of course, Bryant has been around a long time, and there is a new dawn in the NBA. It may not seem like it at first, but these 10 players could definitely beat Bryant in a game of one-on-one.

10. Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis

10. Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis — Anthony Davis can use his length and superb defensive skills to prevent Bryant from getting off a shot. That alone will frustrate Bryant to the point where other parts of his game will falter. Davis will then use his raw talent to take his offensive game to the next level.

9. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry

9. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry — Stephen Curry has proven time and again that he can knock down shots from anywhere on the court. More importantly, he has shown the ability to take over games on a consistent basis when a high-profile matchup presents itself. There’s no higher profile matchup than Bryant, which is why Curry would absolutely rise to the occasion. His outstanding ball skills around the rim and quick footwork will be nightmarish for Bryant to defend.

8. Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook

8. Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook — Russell Westbrook’s overwhelming athleticism will give him the upper hand in a game of one-on-one against Bryant. He will use quickness and overall speed to tire out Bryant, which will allow him to take the game over. Not to mention, he has a great pull-up jumper, which will be too quick for Bryant to defense properly.

7. Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony

7. Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony — Carmelo Anthony is one of those players in which no one really knows which version is going to show up on a given night. If the ill-shooting Anthony shows up, then Bryant has a realistic shot at defeating him. However, if the sure-fire Anthony who can create magic on the court shows up, then Bryant is in big trouble. If anything, Anthony will use his bigger frame to muscle his way to the basket.

6. Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard

6. Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard — Bryant most likely schooled Dwight Howard a few times in practice when the two played for the Los Angeles Lakers together, but the reality is the center is a beast around the basket. In fact, his incredible strength would overpower Bryant so much in a one-on-one situation that I don’t think the score would ever be close. Sure, Bryant would find ways around Howard, but the game in the post alone would be enough for the big man to win.

5. Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose

5. Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose — Health uncertainty aside, Derrick Rose is still one of the most dangerous players in the NBA. Truth be told, the man just needs his confidence back, which will certainly be a game changer once he does. In order for that to happen, he needs to take on Bryant one-on-one. Once he beats him, which he most definitely can, Rose will be ready to take the league by storm.

4. Chris Paul

Chris Paul

4. Chris Paul

Chris Paul — There’s a reason why Bryant desperately wanted the Lakers to acquire Chris Paul a few years ago. Everyone thinks of the point guard as a phenomenal passer, which he is, but he also has a great offensive game. His agility, toughness and efficient shot will create all sorts of problems for Bryant.

3. Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki

3. Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki — For a lot of players on this list, the ability to knock down shots from anywhere on the court will give them a huge advantage against Bryant. Dirk Nowitzki definitely falls in that category. His ability to shoot with his right or left hand makes him nearly impossible to defend. Plus, his height on Bryant will give him an advantage on defense.

2. Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant

2. Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant — Kevin Durant is the most complete offensive player in the NBA. His ability to unleash a barrage of different types of shots leaves defenders scratching their heads. In fact, it’s his shot from range that will continuously destroy Bryant. Of course, if Bryant does attempt to take that away, Durant will simply drive the lane with authority.

1. LeBron James

LeBron James

1. LeBron James

LeBron James — I’m sure it’s shocking to see LeBron James at No. 1. Fans can say all they want that Bryant would defeat James one-on-one, but the reality is there’s no way it’s going to happen. James’ athleticism, ball skills, raw talent and overwhelming ability to use his body to force his way to the basket would leave Bryant hopeless.

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