Comparing The Three Big Scorers

David DuPree of USA Today had a nice article comparing Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James and how they could be on their way to becoming the first trio in 24 years to average at least 30 points a game.

The Bryant-Iverson-James trio also has the three highest-scoring individual games this season: Bryant 62, Iverson 53 and James 52. Of those games, the only one that resulted in a win, however, was Bryant’s effort. Bryant also consistently carries his team to more wins when he scores a lot than Iverson and James have been able to do.
Bryant has scored 30 or more points in 15 games this season, and the Lakers are 9-6 in those contests. The Cavaliers are 8-7 in the 15 games James has scored at least 30, and the 76ers are 8-11 when Iverson has scored 30 or more.
all three say it is about winning games, not about scoring titles or outdueling each other.

Tale of the threesome tape:

Iverson, listed at 6-1, is the shortest. Bryant is 6-6 and James 6-8.

Iverson has led the league in scoring four times. Bryant and James have not won a scoring title.

Bryant has played on three NBA championship teams. Iverson has only made it to the NBA Finals once (and lost), and James hasn’t been to the playoffs yet.

Iverson has played shooting guard but is primarily a point guard. Bryant and James play a hybrid point guard-shooting guard-small forward position, which allows them to set up with or without the ball anywhere on the floor they choose.

Head-to-head

Iverson vs. Bryant: They have met once this season; 76ers won 85-81 on Nov. 11. Iverson had 34 points; Bryant, 17. Next meeting: Jan. 6 at Los Angeles

Iverson vs. James: They have met once this season; Cavliers won 123-120 on Nov. 19. James had a triple-double with 36 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists; Iverson had 37 points, two rebounds, 12 assists.

James vs. Bryant: They have yet to face each other this season. First meeting: Jan. 12 at Los Angeles.

Comparing Allen Iverson , Kobe Bryant and LeBron James , the NBA’s three 30-point a game scorers, in 12 statistical categories:
	Iverson	Bryant	James
Points per game	34.3	32.3	30.3
Field goal attempts per game	26.2	25.9	20.9
Field goal percentage	45.7	44.4	49.5
Free throw attempts per game	11.9	10.1	10.2
Free throw percentage	77.9	80.9	77.7
Three-point field goals made per game	1.1	1.1	1.6
Three-point field goal percentage	33.0	27.1	37.4
percentage of team’s points	33.3	33.4	29.7
Rebounds per game	3.6	5.4	6.0
Assists per game	7.3	4.5	5.5
Points per shot	1.31	1.24	1.45
Winning percentage	.519	.556	.640