words // Nick DePaula:

As Kobe Bryant and LeBron James face off for the 22nd time in the regular season tonight, there’s no better day to look back upon the much-loved sneakers worn by Nike Basketball’s two signature series icons of the modern era.

2003 was not only the year that a self-dubbed 18 year-old named “King James” was drafted, it was also the year that Kobe Bryant officially switched brands and signed a shoe deal with Nike. From there, the two Hall of Famers have battled head to head 21 times in total, with James’ team taking the W in 15 of the matchups.

The two players have actually appeared in each of the last 9 NBA Finals — though never against eachother — a damn shame for basketball fans.

By the numbers, LeBron holds quite an advantage over Kobe through the years, with averages of 28.4 ppg, 7.5 rebs, 7.3 asts and 47% FG each beating out Bryant’s 24.6 ppg, 5.0 rebs, 5.4 asts and 42% from the field. We’ll hopefully get to witness yet another competitive battle between the two tonight.

Check out all the kicks on court worn by both Kobe and LeBron in each of their matchups, and let us know your favorite memories in the comments section below.

Zoom Flight 2K3 vs Air Zoom Generation:

Zoom Huarache 2K4 vs Zoom LeBron II:

Zoom Huarache 2K5 vs LeBron II:

Kobe I vs LeBron III:

Kobe II vs LeBron IV:

Kobe III vs LeBron V:

Kobe IV vs LeBron VI:

Kobe V vs LeBron VII:

Kobe VI vs LeBron 8:

Kobe VII vs LeBron 9:

Kobe 8 vs LeBron X:

Kobe IX vs LeBron 12:

Kobe XI vs LeBron 13: