See those five dudes chilling in that photo? They're the Lakers. You know what they have right now that no one else does? A championship. That's the way Kobe likes it, that's the way Phil envisioned it and that's the way Mr.Buss, owner of the Lakers, wants to keep it. Everyone is simply playing a game of "catch up". Don't think for one moment Kobe and co. are completely oblivious to the desperate attempts teams are making to upgrade their roster. However, there's a difference between paying attention and actually caring.
Take for instance, The south beach splashers Miami Heat. They dropped a few jaws and widened a few eyes around the league with the acquisition of Chris Bosh. This, however, does not automatically guarantee the Heat the Larry O'Brien trophy come next season (and note to Chris Bosh: neither does your haircut). There's still an enormous amount of work left to do in Wade county. With only two players legitimately still on contract, a hectic and busy off season awaits GM Pat Riley. Though when given the appropriate pieces and a befitting salary of which to toy with, Riley has not failed to disappoint. Bet the Lakers are really shaking in their size 16's.
The Knicks, realistically, still has a chance at landing LeBron James aka "The Him". Interestingly enough, speculation of LBJ in NY has increased stock of MSG Inc. by 6% percent. By the way did I mention it was based on sheer speculation? Amar'e Stoudemire is not the apple of the Big Apple's eyes. He is simply a showpiece to attract LBJ to the bright lights and Madison Ave. However, though LeBron is primarily focused on branding himself and maintaining his image, his decision will almost certainly be strictly basketball based, where he feels he can best win. Something Knicks cannot guarantee. The Knicks will walk away the busts of this free agent summer if "The Him" is not in a Knick uniform this coming season. Not to mention all that hard work placed into "temporary demise" for the past two seasons will be all in vain. Again, Not like the Lakers care.
The Bulls have increased their chance at sneaking away with the Larry O'Brien trophy by the addition of Carlos Boozer to their already talented core. How effective is this addition? I would assume not very. Though Boozer brings a much needed offensive low-post game, he lacks size and his defense remains an issue. A problem the Lakers are happy not to have. Boozer should make an immediate impact, but not a monumental one.
The Cavs still await for their coveted superstar to leak his decision. He'll probably just do it in front of reporters like all the other NBA players do right? Nope, not LeBron. He does it prime time with his very own hour blocked off, which ESPN treated as though its the Super Bowl immediately clearing three hours in advance for "The Decision" pre-announcement show. Ratio should be something like this: 15 seconds of info into 240 minutes of air time. Its all really too much now. Too hyped. Too egocentric. Too too. No intention of turning it into a LeBron affair now. Even if he returns, He'll be entering the 2010-2011 season with practically the exact team he lost with in the 2009-2010 season. Oh wait, Byron Scott's on board now. So. And.
As for the other 27 teams, make your move. And make it a good one. The Lakers will be waiting.
Rings. Championships. Admiration. Respect. Hearts. Minds. These are the things players play for, coaches coach for. The reasons GM's and Owners break the cheque books for. Not for accolades and trophies. These things the Lakers already have. But you know, who cares right.
Your main man John
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