I believe it was during Game 2 (April 23) of the Nuggets series, during which Kobe scored 49 points and dished 10 dimes, that Reggie Miller said something which nearly caused me to choke on my beer and leap out of my seat. I think it was something like: "Kobe Bryant is the greatest player... on the floor." Say what, Reg?
To be fair to Reggie, I believe he started out to say "greatest player in the game today" or something like that. But I think being next to "Marvelous" Marv Alpert (who is not known as the world's biggest Kobe fan) caused him to change on the fly. It came out sounding like one of the dumber statements ever made.
At the time, I was like: "Of course he's the greatest player on the floor, Reggie! We already know that! Duh! He the greatest player in the game today, period! And it didn't take 49 points to show it or know it, either!"
I believe there is still subtle and not-so-subtle bias around the league against Kobe Bryant, both because of his unfortunate misadventure in Colorado five years back – and because of jealousy! Don't get me wrong, I liked Reggie as a player and like him as a broadcaster. But as good as he was on the court, he was never in the same league as Kobe. Few players – even great ones – are. Was this unfortunate choice of words of his a case of bias, fear of retaliation by Marv or just a slip o' the tongue?
I'm sure we'll never know, but I thought it was kinda interesting none-the-less.
Anyway, I consider myself blessed to have witnessed this great Laker organization put together one amazing season after another. What a privilege we pro-basketball fans have had! There is simply no other organization in professional sports, with the possible exception of the Yankees and their bottomless-budgets, that has so consistently excelled and done it so well. Hell, they've spoiled us to the point that if they aren't contending for a world championship, we feel gipped!
What a ridiculous attitude to have. Do you know how many teams struggle just to contend even once? But it's an understandable one, I suppose, in light of Lakers' continued and continually amazing success.
One of my fondest hopes is that the new-look Kobe-led Lakers will actually become a dynasty over the next few years. The talent pool is now there, in particular with the addition of Pau Gasol! It doesn't look like Andrew Bynum will be back now this season, but regardless of how far the team goes in the playoffs this time, I think they will without doubt be favored to win the West next year!
Oh, and one important note: don't forget the profoundly important contribution of Derek Fisher, Laker fans! Oh sure, he's hit some big shots in his career (including the world-famous ".4 second miracle"), and I'm sure he will continue to do so. But it is Derek's smart and mature leadership, both on the court and off, that is playing an enormous role in team chemistry right now. I'm sooooo glad we got him back, and I'm very sure we wouldn't be as goo without him.
Finally, let's not forget perhaps the most important and under-reported thing of all -- Roni Turiaff's towel-waving!
Until next time -- Go Lakers!