The last time the Lakers and the Celtics met in the Finals was 1987. The Lakers won that series. And the Finals the year before. Against the Celtics again. But the Celtics won 8 Titles against the Lakers between the years 1958-1984.
Look for the Lakers to pick up the 20 year-old 2 game streak this year and do with it what the Celtics did in the 60's 70's and 80's. Why? The answer is simple: Kobe Bryant. The man who has this season solidified himself as the closest thing there has ever been to Jordan is taking the NBA by storm. Kobe will collect his 4th ring this year and he won't stop there.
Feel bad for an aging Garnett. Hate Kobe because he is so good. Hate him because he didn't see eye to eye with the front office and made demands and got his way. Get annoyed with the calls. Question the Celtics rough defense on number 24. Say that Phil Jackson doesn't make players- Players make Phil Jackson. Do any of these things and you will be saying exactly what people were saying about His Airness when he was taking over the game.
Only difference: Michael did it first. Michael was not just a basketball player but a new and improved athlete. A marketing magnet that dressed impeccably and rarely got caught cheating on his wife. If he did, it was swept under the rug- dismissed, forgiven. Kobe is easier for people to hate. For many reasons- I won't go into them.
But on the court we have seen Kobe's game become "Jordanesque." He feels out the game. He makes his teammates better. He understands Phil's game plan and system. His defense is relentless. His confidence under pressure is unmatched. He gets better when you pick on him. He wears you out. He is the biggest competitor on the floor. He does not accept failure from himself or his teammates. He commands respect from everyone in the building- His coaches, his players, the fans, the refs.
I have to say that I haven't had this much fun watching the most beautiful game in the world since Jordan played. Kobe is quickly becoming a second option for the Webster's folks to put under the definition of basketball player in their dictionary.
Basketball Player (noun): Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant.
'Nuff said.
If you want to teach someone the game, show them the way these two guys play. Don't be a hater. Enjoy what you are seeing- because Kobe is on a tear right now that will not end soon. 3 more rings? You bet. Surpass Michael's 6? Maybe.
I- and everyone else- will still love Michael because Michael reminds us of being a kid again and enjoying sports the way they were meant to be enjoyed. Michael was the innovator, the revolutionary. But don't blink right now because Kobe is straight up nasty. Enjoy history in the making. I don't even have to go into the comparisons in stats and accomplishments. Kobe has had a "Jordan Year" this year.
He will be the Finals MVP. And he will do it against a team that is built to win a Finals series. Sound familiar?
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