Okay the characters have changed, the venues have changed... hell, the game has changed.
I grew up an avid Lakers fan, but as an adult my fervor for basketball has diminished. I would still pull for my old team, but I don't follow the NBA with the same intensity I do baseball or football. Well this year, as the Lakers and Celtics spent the better part of the regular season and then the playoffs seemingly on a collision course to warp us all back to the mid-80's, my eye was definitely caught. And now that it's official- the NBA finals start Thursday, Lakers vs. Celtics- I am hooked. Like, clear-your schedule-sorry-honey-we're-watching-the-game-tonight hooked. Hooked like I haven't been in years.
Kobe and his posse versus the Big Three of Boston should be sight for the ages. Just thinking about it takes me back. I can see Magic's junior sky hook going through the net in Game 6, Michael Cooper stepping back for what seemed an eternity before throwing up a three-ball... I can taste my hatred for Larry Bird and Danny Ainge. It's all there. Now while I may not be able to drum up the same hatred for KG or Ray Allen, and my heroes of yesteryear are all gone- my anticipation for this series is through the roof.
My very unbiased pick: Lakers in 6. Kobe as Finals MVP (I know, waaaaay out on a limb there.)
Drown out those Beat-LA chants and go Lakers.
