Must Win For The Legacies Of Kobe and Phil

phil Leone by Contributor Written on June 04, 2009
DENVER - MAY 25:  Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks over at referee Ken Mauer in the second half before he was given a technical foul against the Denver Nuggets in Game Four of the Western Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Pepsi Center on May 25, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Quick question to start.  How many titles has Phil Jackson won as a coach without the two most dynamic offensive forces in the history of the NBA (Shaq and MJ)

Answer-Zero

How many championships does Kobe Bryant have without Shaq?

Answer-Zero

This is why in my opinion this series means a lot to the greatness of Kobe and Phil. 

First off Orlando does not really have a primary scorer, they work as a team.

The expectations are deservedly high for the Lakers to win it all and it helps that they have home court advantage.  I'm not a Lakers fan, but I do realize this is their year.  Next year the Rockets will have McGrady back, Celtics will have Garnett back, Hornets will be healthy, Suns will have Amare Stoudemire and teams like the Trail Blazers and Bulls are on the rise. 

I'm not going to make a prediction, I'm just going to say that if the Lakers don't win, next year Dwight Howard will be considered the most effective player in the NBA because of his leadership, rebounding, and will to win. 

Will Kobe be Superman's kryptonite when he drives to the basket? 

It will be interesting to see if Kobe draws fouls against Howard and if Dwight will get into foul trouble early cause of Kobe driving to the basket.

The Lakers time on top is quickly running out, will they make the most of this golden opportunity to win it all while they still got the chance?

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written on June 04, 2009 Sports

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