The Lakers vs. the Heat: The Greatest Series That Never Was

Minutes after LeBron James made his decision, every basketball fan began drooling thinking about a potential NBA Finals series between the Heat and the Lakers.

The player matchups were mouthwatering.  Clutch shooters, Kobe and Wade, trading shots. The low post technicians, Bosh and Pau, going head-to-head. Ron Artest’s stifling defense against the best all-around player the NBA has seen since Jordan. The Zen master versus the young-gun head coach with something to prove.

It was a series destined to be one of the best in NBA history.

It would have brought out more celebrities than a 70’s heavyweight title bout. I can see it now. Jack Nicholson is sitting courtside next to Denzel Washington. Spike Lee is trying to persuade Chris Paul to join the Knicks. Jay-Z and Mikhail Prokhorov are in a luxury suite sipping apple martinis while trying to decide on new colors for the Brooklyn Nets.

Yeah, it would be amazing. But, with the Lakers getting swept by the Mavs, Phil Jackson pondering retirement, and Kobe running on empty, will we ever get to see this matchup in its purest form?  Probably not.

After the Laker’s ugly exit from the playoffs, it’s pretty much certain that Phil Jackson will retire. The only thing that could have made him think about returning to the bench was a championship. But the Lakers gave him the complete opposite; a four-game sweep that resulted in the ejections of Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum and ultimately a 5 game suspension for the latter. Add this to his health problems, and there is no chance he comes back next year.

It’s no secret that Kobe Bryant is slowing down. Fans were waiting for Kobe to take over the series like he did against the Phoenix Suns the previous year, but it never happened. Back, finger and knee problems have plagued the superstar the last few years. Already 32, these injuries are showing no sign of getting better as he gets older. He signed what should be his last contract before retiring. A three-year extension worth $84 million.

This series had the potential to be historic. It was littered with future Hall of Fame players and coaches.But what it could have been is just a thought now.

Ultimately, another team will have to step up and give the fans what they want. A championship series that makes you proud to say you watched it. Something we can tell our grand kids about. Something great.