When Stars Align

It would only be fitting if the Los Angels Lakers met the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals. The best team from the West vs. the best team in the East and of course Kobe vs. Lebron. It’s probably the biggest, most heated debate in all of sports and what better way to settle it than on the NBA’s biggest stage, the NBA Finals. It’s been very reminiscent of the Michael vs. Magic debate that took place in the late 80’s. One, an accomplished, legendary champion and the other, a once in a generation, supremely gifted Superstar. Magic was a 5 Time NBA Champion, 3 Time MVP, and the face of the NBA’s most storied franchise.
 Michael was considered the greatest talent the NBA had ever seen and it’s most dominant player. The only thing missing on his tremendous resume, an NBA Championship. Sound somewhat familiar? The knock on Michael was always that he was a one man show and that that had never translated in to championships. That’s about the only type of argument you can make with Lebron too. He will almost certainly win his second MVP this year , has lead the Cavs to the NBA Finals, won rookie of the year, been on the All NBA Team 5 times and looks to be a regular member of the All Defensive Team for years to come. He’s led the league in scoring, PER and has had some legendary playoff performances and he’s just 25 years old. (Yeah, he’s about 2 years from his prime.) But I understand, shouldn’t being a proven champion mean something when discussing who’s the best? Sure if we’re talking about who had the greater legacy or career. At this moment in their respective careers, Kobe is far more accomplished but we’re talking about who is the best player right now. And I understand that Kobe has been gallantly playing injured like only he can. But it is what it is. He’s not getting any younger and has had several different types of injuries all year. (Finger, knee, ankle and back). Unfortunately these are not good signs for a player with as much mileage as Kobe. That being said, I am in no means insinuating that Kobe Bryant is finished. On the contrary. The fact that he is still in the discussion is a testament to his will and incredible work ethic. Let’s face it, Kobe has lost some of his explosiveness but has found other ways to compensate. He is, without question, the most highly skilled and most dedicated player in the game. Add that to his legendary ability to make last second shots and you can see why Kobe is still in the discussion for best player in the game right now. But just like Jordan was before he was champion, so is Lebron now. Young and hungry with almost boundless energy and athleticism. He can impact the entire game more just based on sure force of will. Lebron is also one of the best passers in the League. He’s averaging 8.6 assists per game, the most ever by a forward. The Cavs have had the best record in the League 2 years in a row while having had only one other player, Mo Williams, make one All Star team. Not to say that Lebron plays with chopped liver, but he understands how to get the most out of his teammates and has them playing with such chemistry and purpose. That’s what really separates Lebron from the other elite players in the League. He can switch from Michael to Magic mode in an instant. (I know Kobe was supposed to play the Magic role in this story but it’s only natural to compare Lebron to Magic too.) He’s probably the only player in the League that could lead the league in scoring or assists if he wanted to. And then there is the Jordan comparison. Although Kobe is much more like Michael from a skill level and stylistic standpoint, if the Cavs meet the Lakers in the NBA Finals, these storylines will surely emerge when comparing both #23s. Jordan played against the Lakers for his first Title. He had to face the player many considered the best and most accomplished in the game at that time (Magic Johnson). He won his first championship in his 7th season and this is Lebron's 7th season. Just for kicks, on Michael Jordan’s Birthday this year (Feb 17) the Cavs acquired what many felt was the missing piece to their championship run, Antawn Jamison who coincidentally played for the University of North Carolina, Jordan’s alma mater. Did I mention this is the 20 year Anniversary of Michael Jordan’s first title? The phrase, “It’s in the stars” has never been more appropriate.