A vote for Kobe and Phil
The poll is still open if you'd like to weigh in on what's most significant about the Lakers-Celtics NBA Finals. Click here to vote.
My vote? I say the most significant thing -- especially in the long run -- is either Phil Jackson's shot at his 10th NBA championship or Kobe Bryant's attempt to win a title without Shaquille O'Neal.
Both Jackson and Bryant have had something to prove. (If you're great in 99 out of 100 ways, then everyone says you have Something To Prove. If you're 0 for 100, everyone leaves you alone.)
Phil has had to prove he can build a winner, not just coach a ready-made championship roster. Kobe has had to prove he can lead a championship team, not just be part of a dynamic duo.
They've sort of proved those things just by getting this far. But if the Lakers beat the Celtics, it'll be official.
Basically, if the Lakers win, I expect the game stories out of that clinching victory to lead with Kobe's and Phil's reactions.
About this blog
Kevin Modesti watches sports from a new angle since his promotion from sports columnist to sports editor for the Los Angeles Newspaper Group. In his new blog, Modesti not only comments on the big sports stories of the moment-- he talks about what makes them big. Think of it as a conversation with readers about how these stories should be covered.
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