Ok, I admit it. There is a certain desire I have to see Kobe knocked on his ass and out of the playoffs. There is also a selfish “team first” theory I have that wants to see LeBron get ousted from the playoffs as well. I know that I said it was a forgone conclusion that the NBA wants Kobe vs LeBron in the Finals… they do. They just forgot to pay off the Orlando Magic & Denver Nuggets, who seem hell bent on ruining the NBA’s “dream finals” leaving NBA commish David Stern to wonder how he will sell the ad spots if the Lakers & Cavs are out.
Both teams have lost home court advantage already. The Nuggets beat the Lakers in LA last night and Orlando will try to go up 2-0 on the Cavs tonight.
This weekend will put the picture in a more clear light with Denver / Lakers playing Saturday & Monday, and the Magic / Cavs tonight & Sunday.
Suffice it to say, if the Lakers & Cavs don’t sweep those 4 games, there will be trouble at the Stern marketing office next week.
I have been saying for years that the NBA now stands for “Nothing But Advertising.” We will see if the big money comes in to play this weekend with a little “officiating help” for the big guns.
Stay tuned…