The Lakers captured the NBA crown for their 15th time last night in Orlando. While one may ask if the team is going to go to Disneyland or Disney World, since they are already in Orlando, the more important question is how this championship will go into the history books.
Firstly, it is Kobe Bryant’s first title without the help of the Big Diesel. While not personally a fan of Kobe, he earns my respect for the way he plays on the court. He plays tough defense in a league not known for any, he can carry the Lakers on his back when he needs to, and never fails to find the open man. His leadership on the “Redeem Team” last summer exemplified all of this, and now he has earned an NBA Championship and a gold medal within a year. Not too shabby.
The title also is Coach Phil Jackson’s tenth title, which pushes him past Red Auerbach as the coach with the most NBA titles. Many say that he has won these titles because of the likes of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal. However, nobody ever discredits John Wooden’s title runs because he had Lou Alcindor and Bill Walton. Also, so many coaches enter the Association and fail miserably, but not Jackson. Aside from his titles, in 18 years of coaching at the NBA level, Jackson has never had a losing record and holds a .705 winning percentage. Now that’s impressive.
The win Sunday night also gives the Los Angeles Lakers their 15th NBA title, leaving them two behind the Celtics for most all-time. The win also makes the team that wears yellow and forum blue one of only 4 teams to have collected 15 titles (Canadians, Yankees, Celtics), making them one of the premier franchises of all-time. Also, the title makes them .500 in the Finals (15-15).
This NBA Championship is one that means a lot more than just a trophy and a parade. It is one that makes its mark on history, for a player, a coach, and a franchise.
If you would like to talk some more about this topic or any topic, send me an email at michael.bobich@villanova.edu
Firstly, it is Kobe Bryant’s first title without the help of the Big Diesel. While not personally a fan of Kobe, he earns my respect for the way he plays on the court. He plays tough defense in a league not known for any, he can carry the Lakers on his back when he needs to, and never fails to find the open man. His leadership on the “Redeem Team” last summer exemplified all of this, and now he has earned an NBA Championship and a gold medal within a year. Not too shabby.
The title also is Coach Phil Jackson’s tenth title, which pushes him past Red Auerbach as the coach with the most NBA titles. Many say that he has won these titles because of the likes of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal. However, nobody ever discredits John Wooden’s title runs because he had Lou Alcindor and Bill Walton. Also, so many coaches enter the Association and fail miserably, but not Jackson. Aside from his titles, in 18 years of coaching at the NBA level, Jackson has never had a losing record and holds a .705 winning percentage. Now that’s impressive.
The win Sunday night also gives the Los Angeles Lakers their 15th NBA title, leaving them two behind the Celtics for most all-time. The win also makes the team that wears yellow and forum blue one of only 4 teams to have collected 15 titles (Canadians, Yankees, Celtics), making them one of the premier franchises of all-time. Also, the title makes them .500 in the Finals (15-15).
This NBA Championship is one that means a lot more than just a trophy and a parade. It is one that makes its mark on history, for a player, a coach, and a franchise.
If you would like to talk some more about this topic or any topic, send me an email at michael.bobich@villanova.edu
I know that this seems like heresy but i think this title should start the conversation of Kobe and MJ. This is Kobe's fourth title, he's young and this Laker team is a team that will need to be reckoned with in future seasons--he definitley has a chance to capture a couple more. MJ never won a title without Pippen, but Kobe just got this one on hi own. Im not a Kobe fan but he is a flawless basketball player. and while he is not there yet i feel like he is entering MJ's arena
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