When I was entering my junior year of high school in the fall of 2008, two things were true of my basketball fandom: I was a die-hard Lakers fan who loved Kobe Bryant, and I hated LeBron James.
Covering the team has dulled my fandom — although I still have a special appreciation for Bryant’s game — and over the years as I’ve watched more basketball I slowly grew to appreciate James as well, and came to the conclusion about two years ago that he’s the best player I’ve ever watched, and likely the best I ever will.