Even as a Clippers fan, I could see it coming a long way out. Kobe Bryant, arguably the best basketballer of the post-Jordan era, has finally won an NBA title without the aid of Shaquille O'Neal.
Congratulations to Kobe and the Lakers! While the marketing men tried to hype up the projected Bryant v LeBron James clash to an oft-ridiculous extent in the lead-up to and even during the play-offs - no wonder Orlando's Dwight Howard felt it was insulting! - there was little doubt that the Lakers were the team to beat. After several years carrying his Shaq-less side on his own, Kobe finally had some quality assistance from the likes of Spain's Pau Gasol, former Clipper Lamar Odom, ever-dependable veteran Derek Fisher and Trevor Ariza.
Now, I'm no basketball connoisseur but I can, much as it pains me to say it, see the Lakers being even better next season. That's because, from what I've seen of Andrew Bynum, the 21-year-old centre has the potential to dominate the paint like no other since Shaq in his pomp.
The Lakers for a repeat in 2010? Probably - unless 'King' James can surround himself with better quality, either at the Cavs or elsewhere. There's been talk all year of him moving to the New York Knicks for mega marketing bucks. Wiser counsel might suggest that if he was to leave the Cavs, his priority should be to find a team with a roster good enough to challenge.
James is only 24 and people tend to forget that Jordan was 28 before he won his first NBA ring. So, time may be on James' side. On the other hand, he may have to start winning titles before he can usurp Bryant as the best player since MJ, something that plenty have predicted as his destiny.
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