Kobe Bryant vs. LeBron James: How the Lion King Explains the NBA’s New Season

The best player on the defending champions is usually seen as the best player in basketball—from Bird and Magic in the 80’s to Jordan in the 90’s, with Hakeem sneaking in for a brief stretch during Jordan’s baseball hiatus.

After MJ’s second retirement, Phil Jackson moved to LA and started a new dynasty. A love-able giant became the face of the NBA, a 350-plus lb. force of nature with a combination of size, athletic ability and skill unseen since the days of Wilt Chamberlain.

The Lakers won three straight championships, with Shaq playing the role of Mufasa in the Lion King, ruling the league with a series of unstoppable post moves. But underneath, all...

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