Seeing that I'm a big basketball fan, you can imagine that the NBA Finals is one of my favorite times of the year. And since I'm a longtime Lakers fan, this week should especially sweet since they'll be playing for that world championship this week. But not so fast, I'm actually quite conflicted ... here's why.
First off, when I was a boy I absolutely hated the Boston Celtics. Probably nothing else I hated more than them. I hated Larry Bird, "The Chief" Robert Parish, Kevin McHale, Celtic "Cornbread" Maxwell ... I hated all of them! Every time they beat the Lakers, it made me physically sick.
Secondly, I don't get to play PS2 games or Xbox games a lot; but when I do, I love playing NBA Live. And over the years, I've always gravitated towards the team with Kevin Garnett on it. I'm a huge fan, I love his game, his spirit, and his effort night in and night out. I want him to win at least 3 rings, because I feel he will have earned them. (some of you probably see where I'm going with this already!)
Now being a Laker fan, I have to cheer for Kobe. He definitely had my vote for MVP (if I had a vote!) However, to be honest, I'm a bigger Shaq fan. My heart still burns that he's no longer in a Laker uniform - and I was very happy for him when he won another ring with the Heat.
And last but not least, now it's 2008, and the Lakers and Celtics are in the finals. On one side, you've got Kobe who I don't have the "highest" admiration for, but enough to cheer them to victory. And on the other side, you've got KG, one of my all time favorites yet to get a ring (one who I'd love to see get a ring.)
See why this is going to be hard? So far, there's only been two NBA Finals that I was happy to see the Lakers lose: 1) When the Dr. J, Mo Cheeks, Moses Malone, and the Sixers won; and 2) When the greatest players in NBA history won his first ring, from North Carolina ... Michael Jordan (BTW - I'm a Tarheel fan, too!) I was not happy when they lose to the Pistons; in fact, I was extremely angry that they lost that ... and it was Kobe's fault!! That's right, I said it.
Will I be happy if the Lakers win? Of course, I will; I'm a Lakers fan! If they don't and KG gets a ring, this will be the third time that I'll be OK with them losing - and to the Celtics of all teams (I've obviously grown up since my youth, no more hate.)
That being said, the Celtics have lost too many games on the road in this year's playoffs and can't possibly have the momentum to deal with the Lakers in 3 straight road games after the lose one at home. So I've got Lakers winning in five games; but I hope to God I'm wrong and that it goes all seven games to become one of the greatest NBA Finals of all time equal to the ones I saw when Magic and Bird were in their prime. I'll keep you posted.