Considering the defending champs have at least started to once again resemble what might turn into a championship-caliber team. How about those qualifiers, huh? Some have said--and I agree with them--that OKC just might be the toughest opponent LA would have to face in the West, especially if Phoenix actually does get over on the un-dead, will-need-a-stake-through-the-heart Spurs. In any case, Kobe's looking healthier and the Jazz are simply overmatched in this series.
The weirdest thing is that I'm now finding myself rooting for the Celtics--well at least as long as they're playing the Cavs. Of course there's the Shaq angle. Regardless of his "glorified roll player" status, you know the dude will think he has one over on Kobe if the LeBrons win it all this year. Yes, Shaq, that means just as much as Robert Horry having more rings than MJ. You and Playoff Bob must logically be the better player...ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR..gravy-trainer.
But LeBron just bugs me. Sure a little bit of it is the fact that he legitimately has surpassed the Mamba as the best in the game right now, but I'll still take my chances with 2005 Kobe (you know, the one who went for 81). And there are other things, like the entitlement issues dude seems to have--as granted to him by the press. He's not guaranteed to win a single championship, let alone multiple titles, so can we please stop calling him The King? It is after all a biblical reference pretty far removed from a basketball player who won't shake hands with a victorious opponent who just ended his season and chose not to be at the birth of his second child because he'd been there for the first one?!? (I'm glad I'm not his 2nd kid).
And what's with the injury thing? He keeps saying he's not going to use it as an excuse. Great, then stop bringing it up every five minutes!
But probably my favorite thing is the number change for next year. He says he's changing from 23 out of respect and no one else should wear the number either. Then why did you wear it to begin with? Is this new-found respect? Did you just learn about MJ's career? That sounds a little far-fetched until you realize that he's switching to 6--a number made most famous by Bill Russell and Dr. J. What, have you not heard about them or do those guys not deserve the same respect as philandering gambling addict? It's mind-bottling...
