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Fultz picks Kobe over LeBron

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

Who's better: Kobe Bryant or LeBron James?

Markelle Fultz is rolling with the Black Mamba.

"I think Kobe's better, but that's no knock on LeBron. But Kobe's the next thing after (Michael) Jordan, really," the Philadelphia 76ers guard recently told SiriusXM NBA Radio.

That aligns with Jordan's opinion, as his Airness recently gave the edge to Bryant over James - and himself over both. He cited the retired Los Angeles Lakers superstar's five championships compared to James' three.

Fultz agreed that rings are important, but emphasized Bryant's overall body of work, which includes 18 All-Star nods, 12 All-Defensive Team appearances, two scoring titles, a pair of Finals MVPs, and the 2008 NBA MVP award.

"Championships do have a role to play with it, but when you just look at the work that Kobe has done, it's unbelievable," the 19-year-old rookie said, before acknowledging James' greatness.

"I think he's up there," Fultz said about the Cleveland Cavaliers icon. "I think he got some ways to go. The team he has now is pretty great. I think he should be winning some more rings, but I think he's on the way there. He's a great player. I think he's the best player right now."

Lonzo Ball, whom Los Angeles selected right behind Fultz, chose James over the Lakers great.

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