After the Miami Heat were beaten in convincing fashion by the San Antonio Spurs in last year’s NBA Finals, LeBron James decided it was time for another drastic change.

In classic LeBron fashion, the superstar kept the Heat brass holding their breath as he took his time to weigh his options in NBA free agency. The Cleveland Cavaliers eventually lucked out by being able to do something that was thought to be impossible in bringing back the former face of the franchise.

— Have you seen the ‘Lakers Nation’ phone case? —

As a result of LeBron’s departure from Miami, the fans in Florida aren’t all that fond of the two-time NBA champion anymore. In fact, it seems Kobe Bryant has surpassed LeBron in the eyes of many in the state he brought two titles to.

In a recent SportsNation poll, Kobe received more votes than LeBron with the question about which player of the two was better in their respective prime:

With LeBron still having quite a few more years ahead in his NBA career, and the fact that many still believe he’s in his prime, the four-time NBA MVP might be able to change the perception he’s below Kobe on the totem pole before it is all said and done.

As for Kobe, the five titles he’s won will likely continue to overshadow anything LeBron has accomplished in his 12 seasons in the league. Bryant will likely be stuck at five with little hope the Los Angeles Lakers can contend in his final season(s), but it appears he’s still got the edge over LeBron in Florida and around the country.

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