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Kobe, LeBron square off when Lakers meet Cavaliers

Jan 19, 2009 - 2:00 PM Cleveland (31-7) at LA Lakers (31-8) 10:30 p.m. EST

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The game's top two individual stars only get the chance to play against each other twice during the regular season, making each contest a special event.

The 2008-2009 season gets the first of these contests on Monday when LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers visit Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Not only will it be the two best players in the game squaring off, but it will be the two best teams in their respective conferences.

The Cavaliers are the best defensive team in the game, limiting their opponents to 89 points per game, and are forcing teams into 15.2 turnovers per contest. James is at the front of that initiative, rounding out his all-around game this season to include strong defense.

James ranks second in the NBA in scoring at 27.8 points per game and is averaging 7.1 rebounds and 6.7 assists, making him the early frontrunner for league MVP - an award Bryant took home last season.

Bryant sits just behind James at third in scoring with 27.2 points and is coming off a triple-double in which he collected 28 points 13 rebounds and 11 assists.

It was not enough, however, as the Lakers fell to the Orlando Magic, 109-103. They have now dropped two straight after winning 10 of 11.

Cleveland has dominated the series of late, winning the last five meetings. James posted 41 points and nine rebounds in a 98-95 win last January.