Kobe and LeBron are the two best basketball players of this decade – this no one can argue. Naturally Kobe and LeBron are also the two favorite players in the world among fans. For China this is no different, as Kobe LeBron  and naturally Yao Ming are the three favorite players of China.

However, China’s love for Kobe Bryant is far greater than that of LeBron James at the moment. This can be associated with the vast array of moves that he performs each and every night, and his demeanor on the court is watched with awe in a country where strong ruthless leaders are a strong part of their history.

China loves Kobe Bryant so much that after Yao Ming he had received the second largest ovation at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. LeBron James also has his fair share of fans in China, as well as even museums and large billboards being dedicated to his name. However, Kobe’s love is more fan generated than sponsor pushed. Kobe has finished number 1 in jersey sales this year, and is the main face of Nike in China, something he has relinquished largely to his nemesis LeBron James in recent years.

This year’s championship will come down to the L.A Lakers against the Cleveland Cavaliers. It will come down to LeBron against Kobe.

The Lakers are certainly equipped to win the title – so if China’s hero, the Black Mamba, doesn’t defeat LeBron, the Little Emperor, then we will be in for a new Dynasty in the NBA and in the Middle Kingdom.