NBA Finals: The survival of the fittest, Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers (Part 1)
All the charismatic basketball followers along with the senior analysts expect that this year that there will be a Los Angeles Lakers vs. the Miami Heat NBA Finals showdown. Though, there are other teams like Boston Celtics who made 2 NBA Finals during the
past 3 years and won once along with San Antonio Spurs the three time champions, but the odds are against these teams.
The simple reason for both teams come head-to-head is that Lakers have back-to-back champions to their name whereas the Miami Heat are the upcoming team flooded with talented players.
However, in this article we will be looking at some personal battles that would take place, if both teams face each other in the finals.
Kobe Bryant versus Dwayne Wade
This is one rivalry that dates back to the time when Shaquille O’Neal joined the Miami Heat. Now that Dwayne Wade has another powerhouse of the NBA on his side, this is one battle no one would miss. Undoubtedly, this would one of the most exciting encounters,
as both have unique attributes of their own.
Kobe Bryant’s skill, without a doubt, puts him ahead of Dwayne Wade, but the athleticism shown by Wade on court has no match in the NBA. This can be seen from Wade’s performance at the All-Star game in 2010 that won him the MVP award.
Speculations fly from everywhere that while Kobe might beat Wade when it comes to skill, NBA gurus also suggest that Wade would be hard to contain. The odds of Kobe excelling in this battle are higher due to the fact that he doesn’t rely on his supporting
cast. Wade, on the other hand, has always been helped by players. For instance, the 2006 NBA championship that the Miami Heat won saw Shaq put in a great deal of effort along with Wade.
Kobe Bryant has 5 NBA titles going in favour of him along with being the second player in the list of most points scored by a player in a single game. And still in the prime of his career, Kobe has a very good chance of emerging victorious in this battle.
Not only this, Kobe also has superb defensive game that would further help him in the cause of over shadowing Dwayne Wade.
LeBron James versus Ron Artest
With the skill that LeBron James has, he would surely outclass Ron Artest in every way. But one thing that might work to Artest’s advantage is his ability to frustrate players. And if he manages to do this against James, then the Lakers should consider the
skill of LeBron James being neutralized.
But on the other side, the efficiency of LeBron James cannot be denied. If he manages to come up with turn-overs and assists, then the Miami Heat can very well run away with the title.
Another thing that would go in favour of Miami Heat is that Artest is more of an offensive-minded player. This would mean that James just has to be in the right position at the right time and would get the scoring opportunity with ease.
Pau Gasol versus Chris Bosh
If talk about their current form and the roles they played in their respective teams, then Chris Bosh has the upper hand as he was a key element in the Toronto Raptors. But when it comes to statistics and coming face to face, then Pau Gasol would sure be
able to give this player a tough time. The three consecutive NBA Finals appearances coupled with two NBA titles during give Gasol a sufficient boost to counter his rivals confidently.
Gasol has transformed into an excellent player after he came to the Los Angeles Lakers from the Grizzlies. Mastering not only the centre position but also becoming a very punishing power forward, Gasol is one of the lethal weapons of the Los Angeles Lakers.
These attributes that Gasol has, Miami Heat want them in Chris Bosh. This would surely happen one day, after he has some NBA titles or Finals appearances under his belt.
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