It is a common saying that there cannot be two tigers in the same forest in coexistence. And when both have their own shares of fights and wins, it is often hard to decide who should rule. Tuesday, the 26th of Jan, is going to witness one such melodramatic moment in the history of basketball championships, where it might be a decisive factor for choosing the ruler in this field. Whether it is Dirk Nowitzki or Kobe Bryant? This is the question, probably every basketball lover is uttering.

It is not a mere match; it is an era’s historic event which will fetch an answer to this prolonged question. Bryant helped the Lakers win 34 of 49 meetings when both played from the time Nowitzki entered the league in 1998-99 through 2012-13. Bryant had 62- and 52-point performances in that span. Nowitzki averaged 25.3 – two points better than Bryant – in Dallas’ sweep during their only postseason meeting in the 2011 Western Conference semi-finals, originally reported by NBA’s personal blog. But both parties choose to be diplomatic on their stance.

Nowitzki admits that Bryant is a legend, and it is always great to watch such a person on the field. Uh! that’s interesting, but it is also true, that Nowitzki’s Mavericks had a neck to neck fight with Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers, but the former somehow overpowered in the last few seasons. So this time, Kobe might have a bigger plan for their sure shot success, we never know. The match on 27th January, 2016 is going to clear it all.

The match between Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. The evening of excitement will soon end as tomorrow’s day begins. Fingers crossed moment for both team fans, and of course, very best wishes for both teams.

Oyindrila Basu