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Boston and the Lakers in the NBA Finals?Is that what we are heading towards? A rematch of the NBA’s flagship franchises renewing rivalries in the NBA Finals? While it’s a long way away—they haven’t even played the NBA All-Star Game yet—both teams look like they are poised to make a deep run in the NBA Playoffs and you have to think Commissioner David Stern would absolutely jump at the idea of seeing the Lakers and the Celtics go at each other in the NBA Finals. Currently, Boston has the best record in the Eastern Conference (and the NBA) of 31-6. In the Western Conference, the Kobe Bryant-led Lakers are setting the pace with a 26-11 record, one game ahead of the defending champions, the San Antonio Spurs. However, the Lakers may have suffered a setback on their way to the Finals as up-and-coming center Andrew Bynum injured his knee and is expected to miss around two months of action. If Bryant can prevent his team from falling back to the pack while Bynum heals, the Lakers should be in a position to challenge everyone in the Western Conference. With the Lakers, it is important to remember they have probably the league’s best player in Bryant and he has shown an ability to put the team on his back and lead them to victory for extended periods of time. If this continues this season, the Lakers should be fine when Bynum gets back. In the East, the Celtics have been the talk of the NBA ever since Kevin Garnett was traded from Minnesota to Boston. To his credit, his team has lived up to expectations, something their league-leading record indicates quite nicely. Of course, the Celtics didn’t just acquire the Big Ticket. They also signed one of the best shooters in the league in Ray Allen who still has an abundance of ability. When you throw in the presence of Paul Pierce, it’s clear Boston has one of the best trios in the NBA. But can these teams fulfill the wishes of old-school NBA fans everywhere and meet each other in the NBA Finals? There are a lot of teams they will have to go through and none of their opponents are going to lie down and allow either team to simply advance without a fight, which, incidentally, is one of the biggest attractions of NBA Playoff basketball. Another aspect of this story is both Garnett and Bryant will be competing with each other for League MVP honors, an idea that adds even more spice to the story. In order to complete this prophecy, both teams have to keep at their current pace, if for nothing else, to secure the “home field advantage” throughout the Playoffs. However, with teams like Detroit, San Antonio, Phoenix, and Cleveland waiting, the road for either team won’t be easy. But that’s part of the fun of watching, isn’t it?  Mike Brown received a two-year
Brown is in his third season with the Cavaliers, who won their first Eastern Conference title last season before they were swept in the finals by San Antonio. His contract was to expire after the 2008-09 season. Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry and owner Dan Gilbert had been discussing an extension since the summer. The Cavaliers (19-18) have had an up-and-down start this season, with restricted free agents Anderson Varejao and Sasha Pavlovic holding out in contract disputes and superstar LeBron James missing six games because of a finger injury. 101 mph on highway
The Cleveland Cavaliers star was cited in a 65 mph zone on Interstate 71 near Medina at 2:43 a.m. on Dec. 30 — his 23rd birthday. Cleveland attorney Colin Jennings filed a not guilty plea for James on Tuesday in Medina Municipal Court. A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 11, the same day the Cavaliers are scheduled to play in Orlando against the Magic. Other details about the traffic stop were not available. An e-mail was sent to James’ publicist seeking comment Sunday night. James’ agent, Keith Estabrook, couldn’t be reached. Medina is about 30 miles south of Cleveland. |
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Cavaliers coach Mike Brown received a two-year contract extension Monday that will keep him with the club through the 2010-11 season.
LeBron James was ticketed by the State Highway Patrol for driving 101 mph on an interstate highway.
