Isiah Thomas recently revealed who he would trust out of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James when the game is on the edge. This new perspective on two legendary scorers also serves as part of the GOAT debate.

Thomas appeared on the March 26 episode of the Run It Back show. Former guard Deron Williams said he trusts Kobe Bryant for the final shot over James. That specific comment led to Thomas being asked to share his opinion.

Thomas framed the debate as a situational choice. He stated, “I may have to go with Kobe, but it ain’t by much. Now, to make the right play and win the game imma go with LeBron," Thomas explained. "If it’s the guy who has to score and make the bucket to win it, I’m going with Kobe because to me he’s a better perimeter shooter and can get to the basket.”

Thomas also made sure to add that “you ain’t going to lose either one of them” and “You can’t go wrong with either.”

Bryant built his legacy on pure isolation scoring and a tough mentality. He was famous for his tough shot-making. LeBron James depends on his basketball IQ and court vision. He focuses on making the right basketball play and finding the open man under heavy pressure.

Both players are currently tied at eight game-winning buzzer-beaters. They sit just one shot behind Michael Jordan, who holds the record with 9. James added his 8th buzzer-beater in March 2025. 

Looking at a single shot only tells half the story. The way these two stars approach the final minutes completely changes how we view their entire careers. 

The truth behind the clutch and greatness debate

Critics have often tried to frame James as someone who is not clutch. Thomas used this moment to push back on that old narrative. He pointed out the consistency of James during crucial playoff situations for more than 20  years. Thomas also noted that making the right pass is just as clutch as making a tough shot.

Older playoff data shows James shooting around 42% in game-on-the-line moments. Bryant sits at around 28% in similar windows. This difference exists because Bryant took a higher volume of highly contested shots. 

Bryant was the tough shot creator who wanted the burden of the final buzzer. He sank a legendary game-tying shot against the Detroit Pistons in the 2004 playoffs. He also hit back-breaking shots against the Phoenix Suns in 2006. 

James counters that legacy with his versatility. He creates winning moments through timely assists, defensive stops, and overall impact. 

During that same broadcast, he called James a "basketball freak" for his longevity. Thomas noted that James is breaking every single record ever set in the sport. He is still dominating the league and carrying teams in the 2026 playoffs at age 41. 

For Thomas, the greatest of all time list goes James first, followed by Jordan, and then Bryant. Thomas views Bryant as the best imitation of the original, while James is one of one.

Who do you trust out of Bryant and James with the game on the line?

Read more at Air Jordan Chronicles!

Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Souvik Roy