Who cares if there really is no such thing? That Kobe Bryant versus LeBron James exists more in our imaginations than on any hardwood floor.

The NBA's two biggest stars were paired that way again Monday night, serving as the filet-mignon-or-lobster for TNT's nationally televised game as the Lakers outlasted Cleveland, 105-88, at Staples Center.

As if this is the modern-day version of Wilt Chamberlain vs. Bill Russell, or Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird.

As if Kobe-LeBron were like those ancient rivalries, in which the two protagonists actually saw it that way - striving to get the best of each other, and figuring that would be good enough to get their teams past the other guy's, too.

These days, no one involved wants any part of that fantasy.

"LeBron versus Kobe never enters my mind," said James before the game began, trying in vain, of course, to stem the tidal wave of TV marketing, newspaper debates about the MVP race, and fan partisanship.

"It's always a team game," continued James. "If it was Kobe versus LeBron, it would be tennis, or golf."

Sure, sure.

But that's not the way we want it. Sports are for entertainment. It's better if we think it's personal.

"I don't know if it's important," said Lakers coach Phil Jackson, when asked about the Kobe-LeBron buildup. "It's important to (the media). Not to us. It's a team game."

Yeah, but doesn't he step outside that for just a moment, ever, and like to, you know - watch?

"Never," he said. "This isn't what it's about for me. It's about moving chess pieces and getting a win."

His Cavaliers counterpart Mike Brown even expressed his appreciation for the Kobe-LeBron show.

"We've all been very fortunate to make a good living from this," he said. "I know people appreciate the marquee names - a Kobe Bryant versus a LeBron James.

"I don't look at it like that, but I appreciate it."

The two are even friends, further puncturing our illusions. It's a relationship borne of their time together on the national team, and reclaiming the Olympic gold medal for the United States.

"We got a chance to know each other, we had time when nobody else was around," said Bryant. "That was really good for us."

Bad for the myth.

Neither was at his best Monday. James made just 9 of 25 shots. Bryant hit 9 of 22 after dislocating his right ring finger, but playing through it.

Obviously, this "rivalry" misses the sizzle that comes from postseason animosity. Twice a year, during the regular season, can seem like a couple of exhibitions.

"It's not like the Celtics," said James. "We played those guys, like, 11 times last year."

Maybe this year Lakers-Cavs will happen, and Kobe-LeBron will follow.

"It's too early to say, but if we come out the East and they come out the West," said James, smiling afterward. "That would be great."

Until then, we'll just make it up as we go along.

Reach Gregg Patton at 951-368-9597 or gpatton@PE.com