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Who would you take in a game of H-O-R-S-E between Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant and the leader of the free world?

Proper etiquette suggests you go with the world's most imporant (person and) basketball fan and not the world's most important basketball player.

And since this hypotehtical competition would take place on President Barack Obama's home turf, we're going with the home team.

Chances are the President and Bryant won't have time for games when the White House welcomes the Los Angeles Lakers this afternoon to honor their 2008-09 championship season.

But there's nothing wrong with dreaming a little bit. (And here is a little video cheat sheet for the President if he does decide to take Kobe on):

We could let Magic Johnson officiate. He's one of several former Lakers greats expected to be in the visiting party, which will also include NBA officials in addition to the Lakers, their coaches and various other staff members.

This is reportedly the Lakers' third trip to the White House, they also made visits in 1985 and 2002.

Lakers coach Phil Jackson is becoming a regular on these sorts of outings, having also visited with the Bulls during their championship days.

The Kobe Bryant-led Lakers earned this visit, though. And here's a look back at how they did it:

I don't know what you have planned today. But I'm taking a late lunch and tuning in to NBA.com to see Kobe, Ron-Ron Artest and the rest of the Lakers invade the East Room for a visit with the President.