Basketball Daily

The end of last month exhibited a monumental trade of Shaquille O’Neal from the Phoenix Suns to the Cleveland Cavaliers, with Shaq being paired up with arguably the best player of the NBA Lebron James.  The two haven’t even played a single game together and it is already being called one of the greatest duos in history.

This will either end up as a phenomenal trade or a stupid one as Shaq is 37 years old and past the prime of his glory days in LA.  The disappointing loss to Orlando in the Playoffs forced Cleveland to do something drastic for the Cavs to get back to the NBA Championship Finals.  This could be the deal that gets them over the hump, and as well as Shaq played last year it could prove to be substantial at getting “The King” a ring and “The Diesel” his fifth.

After a disappointing defeat in the 2007-2008 championship finals against the Boston Celtics, the Los Angeles Lakers determination thwarted them the trophy this season.  All during the regular season, the Lakers were extremely hungry for the title, and they proved that they are the best team in the NBA.

The Orlando Magic put up a strong fight, and in a few games it could of swung their way, but in the end it was Phil Jackson’s Lakers who came away with a bittersweet victory.  Kobe Bryant led his team all the way this year and he got the finals MVP, and it was well deserved.  The Lakers had a very successful year and it wouldn’t surprise me with the basketball crew they have now if they repeat next season.

CONGRATULATIONS LAKERS

The Western Conference Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets are now in the books.  Denver who surprised analysts and fans alike really gave L.A. a fight to the end.  What was most surprising is that Denver got blown out at home to send them packing, where finally the Lakers played with the dominance and determination we had come to expect from them.  The Lakers win the series on the road in 6 games.

The Eastern Conference Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic ended with the Magic’s center Dwight Howard putting on a clinic down low with 40 points.  To most this was a considered an upset because of Cleveland having the best record in the NBA, but those who follow the game had a strong feeling that Orlando was a better team and the Cavaliers could not match up with Orlando’s forwards.  The Magic win the series at home in 6 games.

The stage is set for a thrilling and exciting NBA Championship Finals with the two superstars on the opposing teams of Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard.  The series is in the 2-3-2 format with the home team Lakers having the advantage.  The series begins on Thursday, June 4th, with all games being nationally televised on ABC.