Kobe Bryant and LeBron James face off tonight in Miami
Who do you think is better? Kobe or LeBron? Reuters

The two biggest names in basketball face off tonight from Miami when the Lakers play the Heat.

In a matter of moments, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James will be on the court in a possible preview of the 2011 NBA Finals.

Both players are having typical seasons.

Bryant is averaging 25.1 points per game, while James is averaging 26.3.

James has had a bit of a dropoff in his scoring average this season, but that was expected since he's now playing with two other stars: Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh.

But between Bryant and LeBron, there has often been a great deal of comparison between fans and critics of, Who is better?

Both offer a great deal to their team.

Bryant is a deadly shooter with killer instincts. In the final two minutes of a game, he wants the ball more than any player in the NBA.

James is one of the most athletic players in NBA history, and has tremendous passing skills to go along with other assets.

Bryant has been in the NBA longer and has won five rings, while James has yet to win a championship.

Tonight's match should be particularly interesting since the Lakers are riding a eight-game winning streak, and the Heat are on a five-game slide.

But the Lakers have won just one game against the Heat in their last six matchups.

How Bryant and James respond tonight should be an example of where their teams are at this stage against quality competition, and what they can perhaps expect in a Finals match up.

Both Bryant and James have a great deal of desire, so pride is on the line for this regular season game, as well.

Let the Kobe or LeBron? debate proceed.

Court Basketball NBA