Good thing I don't bet. I predicted the Orlando Magic would beat the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1. At least I got the number of games correct. I used to be a huge Lakers fan. Magic, Kareem, Worthy, Rambis teams. That team will forever be remembered as "Showtime". They were fun to watch and were the Boston Celtic's bane of existence. Needless to say, I hated Larry Bird, Kevin Mchale, Robert Parrish, et al. But those classic NBA finals between the Lakers and Celtics are indelibly etched in my memory.
Now I find myself rooting against the Lakers with as much gusto as I did for the Celtics. I was beside myself during the " 3- Peat " Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O"neal pulled off earlier this decade . I just could not cheer for Kobe or Shaq, but I enjoyed their weird off court relationship that played out in the media. Back in those days I was and still am a huge fan of the San Antonio Spurs and NY Knicks.
I hate to admit Kobe has finally solidified himself as one of the greatest players ever to play the game. He still doesn't come close to what Michael Jordan did or was. Kobe doesn't have MJ's charisma or game, but he is the closest player to reach his level. It will be interesting to see if the rumors are true about the Cleveland Cavaliers considering a trade for Shaq to pair with Lebron. Even with Shaq in the twilight of his career, I would enjoy seeing Shaq face Kobe in next year's NBA finals, but it would be even better if Shaq signed with the Spurs. Shaq could call himself " The Big Sombrero. "
Here are my top five NBA players I have ever seen :
1. Michael Jordan
2. Magic Johnson
3. Larry Bird
4. Tim Duncan
5. Shaquille O'neal
Comments