What Kobe vs. LeBron Means

     Tonight is Heat vs. Lakers aka Kobe vs. LeBron. The battle of the now former top two players on earth will forever have impact. From 2007-2010 this matchup was seen as the marquee playoff rivalry in the league. And while Kobe is out of his prime and can no longer to lay claim to "Top Two Player in the World," this rivalry will always be anticipated for fans and players alike.
     Obviously this will be just another one of 82 games at the end of the day, but let's stick to the two players involved. What does this game mean to them? For LeBron now, it's about taking care of business. His Heat are markedly better than Kobe's Lakers this year. For Kobe, it's about pride. After all, he was the leader of the 2008 Olympic team which featured LeBron and Dwyane Wade as his top sidekicks. Jump ahead to the 2012 Olympics and LeBron is now the leader, with Kobe coming in fourth or fifth on the "players of importance" list.
     It's also about what they have in common. Scrutiny. Since joining the Heat, LeBron has easily been the most scrutinized man in sports. But after he proved himself a champion, most people backed off the King. The Lakers put together a "super-team" themselves this summer, leaving them open to the scrutiny. But it wasn't the assembling that's put the Lake Show under the microscope. It was the losing. Kobe's Lakers are 17-21 and on their second coach this season. And while Kobe is playing his best basketball in three years, he is the face of the Lakers and is therefore the one responsible.  
     So what about the teams? The Heat are a .500 team on the road this year and the Lakers have won two straight (over the Cavs and Bucks). All signs point to this being a great Thursday night game. The Heat won't be tired after last night's demolishing of the Warriors as LeBron, Wade and Chris Bosh all sat the fourth quarter (no controversy needed). And to top it off, LeBron will have the momentum of being the youngest player to score 20,000 points. Wanna know who used to have that distinction? You guessed it.
     The Lakers have gotten two solid games from Dwight Howard since he's been back. At the Staples Center, they match up well with Miami. With Howard and Pau Gasol If He Comes To Play, they should be able to throw the ball inside for some easy baskets. But that's not to say they will. Mike D'Antoni hasn't been the NBA's most consistent coach this season. So, what can we expect tonight?
     Here's a semi-bold prediction. Kobe will be more LeBron and LeBron will be more Kobe. Let me explain. Kobe will come out looking to get Howard and Gasol going offensively. He and Nash will play quicker, looking to find Jodie Meeks and Metta World Peace for open 3's early on.
     LeBron will be looking to score more than usual tonight. With an old Laker perimeter, he can blow by defenders and force Howard and Gasol to commit help inside. Best-case scenario is a close game with Kobe and LeBron going head-to-head in possessions in the final minutes.
     The game is at 10:30 Eastern on TNT. And if you're not hyped up for this one yet, just watch when Kobe and LeBron meet at halfcourt before the tip.