Kobe Bryant – Still the Alpha male, thanks to Pat Riley
National Basketball Association’s top man, Kobe Bryant, is all about real competition. One could very well imagine his level of excitement, after the competitive professional was sounded about Pat Riley’s plan. Riley, the general manager for the Miami Heat, formed a diverse, dynamic and one of the most talented trios in the history of the league. Re-signing Dwyane Wade in addition to LeBron James and Chris Bosh to the roster, he could not have formed a more relentless powerhouse.
Arguably, this year would be one of the wildest in the NBA, as most of the teams have completely rebuilt their roster, knowing that they needed to do so, in order to compete with Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Pat Riley has stupendous history of coaching and as a basketball player; he has given the news and bloggers much to talk about. Even though the Lakers won back-to-back championship titles, this year he took away the much given attention to the champs. He has given the league something they could possibly talk about for years on end. Miami Heat’s win or loss in next year’s playoffs won’t make a difference.
If they win, hallelujah, everyone who predicted they would, will be able to hold their heads up high and say “we told you so, no one is a match for the monstrous team.” However, if they lose, the NBA nation would be in utter shock as much is expected from the team, even from their haters. Either way until the end of time, basketball fanatics would keep on discussing how, the legendary Dwyane and King James came together and revolutionized the whole NBA nation.
Nevertheless, until we don’t get to see them in action, one should certainly give other teams the benefit of the doubt. When the Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics in 2008, the team was heavily criticized and critics did not stop bashing Kobe. There were millions of articles published stating how he has lost his ability to be an astute player.
That very year, the Lakers did not back down from all criticism, instead they showed the world that they were truly a world class team. Bryant came back stronger than ever next year; on the other hand, Gasol brushed up his anatomy, making the team more robust.
In 2009 they weren’t the favourites. Nobody thought the Lakers were going to perform well, but an occurrence, changed basketball enthusiast’s perspective once again. So what was it that happened? The Lakers took the title once again for the 15th time in their history eliminating the Orlando Magic, and Kobe was named the finals MVP.
All the negativity that was drawn by the media towards the team was washed away. The Lakers were once again the favourites. Kobe as always has proven his sternness to the league, to doubt him as player is plain foolishness. He has brought the whole league to their knees, he is acclaimed to be the best currently present by legends like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson.
The hype about Lakers taking the championship this year from the NBA might have faded within a month, due to Riley’s checkmate to the league. But the Lakers were triumphant once again and obliterated the Boston Celtics.
According to the critics, Kobe has yet to play with true stars of his calibre and will be now put to a test as the Miami three-peat take on the undisputed five time championship holder. One should certainly credit Pat for giving what we needed, something to talk about, and something to write about.
Also, one should thank James and Dwayne to have formed a team which has put a fear in the hearts of every franchise present in the league, despite the fact they have yet to play a match and show their might. The National Basketball Association will reel in more viewers and break the record which was made this year.
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