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Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid

By | May 5, 2010|

A recent article on Hoops Vibe declares that Lakers fans are afraid of playing LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals, but when this was made public, Lakers Nation vehemently denied such egregious accusations. However, this does not necessarily mean that Lakers fans as a whole are cowards. In fact, admitting fear and worry when facing a potential match-up is completely normal, and even though none of you may want to admit it, you’re all a little worried about the prospect of losing to LeBron and the Cavs.

While Los Angeles is a city devoted to Kobe Bryant, and until he retires he will be the greatest player in the NBA, no matter what. However, to the rest of the sporting world LeBron James is the King of basketball, no matter his championship count. While his reputation will take a huge hit if he fails to win the title this year, in terms of individual skills James is in a league of his own. If you are a Lakers fan then you understand that ultimately the only thing that is important is the ring. In the immortal words of Agamemnon (portrayed by Brian Cox), “history remembers kings.”

There is nothing that matters more to the Lakers or their fans than championships, so the potential match-up shouldn’t be a concern. The only thing that should be considered is the best possible match-up for the Lakers, meaning whatever will give them the best chances at ultimate victory. When you look back at the Lakers victories in the Finals you rarely remember the opponent unless you put some significant thought into it, and if they do lose the series you never hear an excuse about how the team they played was just too tough. In the end, all that matters is the ring.

Another reason the Lakers would like to avoid Cleveland, and the Orlando Magic for that matter, is the lack of home court advantage in both potential series’. Cleveland and Orlando finished with better records than the Lakers, meaning that Los Angeles would have to start either series on the road. In the past three seasons, including the playoffs thus far in 2010, the Lakers are 8-0 in playoff series that began in the Staples Center, and 0-1 in their only series that didn’t. The reason to avoid Cleveland and LeBron is much more than just fear of the individual talents that James possesses, but because it is not the most favorable series from the Lakers perspective.

There is no question that Lakers Nation is one of the proudest fan bases in the world, and they will never admit to fearing any team. However, with that being said it is important to remember that in the end all that is important is the ring, not the path that leads to the ring. Whether the Lakers play the Cavs, Magic, Celtics, or even Hawks, it is all about winning.
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About the author

Daniel Buerge

Daniel is the editor-in-chief for Lakers Nation. He's always doing his best to keep you informed and entertained. Follow Daniel on Twitter - @DanielBuerge_LA.

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  • Jim C.

    I’m terrified of facing Lebron in the finals. Not because I’m convinced that the Cavs are a better team, but rather because I think Lebron playing in the finals with his first REAL chance of getting a ring (Spurs finals didn’t count…too young and outmatched) he’ll get every single call possible and quite a few that shouldn’t be.

    He already gets away with a ridiculous amount of fouling, traveling, etc. I think we’d see another Wade vs. The Mavericks series if Lebron makes it to the finals this year.

  • Jim C.

    I’m terrified of facing Lebron in the finals. Not because I’m convinced that the Cavs are a better team, but rather because I think Lebron playing in the finals with his first REAL chance of getting a ring (Spurs finals didn’t count…too young and outmatched) he’ll get every single call possible and quite a few that shouldn’t be.

    He already gets away with a ridiculous amount of fouling, traveling, etc. I think we’d see another Wade vs. The Mavericks series if Lebron makes it to the finals this year.

  • Jim C.

    I’m terrified of facing Lebron in the finals. Not because I’m convinced that the Cavs are a better team, but rather because I think Lebron playing in the finals with his first REAL chance of getting a ring (Spurs finals didn’t count…too young and outmatched) he’ll get every single call possible and quite a few that shouldn’t be.

    He already gets away with a ridiculous amount of fouling, traveling, etc. I think we’d see another Wade vs. The Mavericks series if Lebron makes it to the finals this year.

  • purplereign5

    I disagree… you should want to face the best or at least a rival or near alltime great team not just the easiest team… i personally think the most difficult finals opponent would be the magic, then that green team, then cleveland and i personally want to see the green team for revenge and its always more impressive when you beat a champion in the finals.
    look at the 80′s lakers they are revered for beating the green team, sixers, and pistons all teams that had or would win championships with the same core players. i am less impressed with the bulls dynasty beating the likes of portland or the jazz, phoenix, seattle, do any of those teams qualify as great? mayeb the jazz. they did beat a laker team that was banged up so ill give them extra credit for that. same for the rockets and the shaq kobe lakers who probably had some of the worst teams to face in the finals in their 3peat in nj, indiana, and philly. i mean who you face in the finals is not your fault as a team but it should be sweeter to beat another great team or hated rival.
    look at the cleveland green team series… line that team up and pick them playground style… after the lebron, the next 4 picks (maybe 5 would be wearing green) and clevelands 2nd most effective player is prolly varejao (that statement alone shows that they are a team that is lacking), shaq is a shell of his former self and can really only give you 20ish mins, williams continues to come up short when needed the most, jamison is too small at the power forward position and while he would help vs orlando he is a major liability against garnett or gasol and you cant even really run plays for him hes a garbage bucket guy and in the playoffs you need guys you can rely on to make a play and lbj is ohe only guy on that team that is capable. nobody on that team is a proven playoff performer outside of lbj (cat win alone) and shaq (too old)
    but the funny thing is who cares what lakers fans think or who they fear… the lakers dont fear anyone so i wont either. but personally i want a rematch of the last 2 nba champions… but not out of fear

  • purplereign5

    I disagree… you should want to face the best or at least a rival or near alltime great team not just the easiest team… i personally think the most difficult finals opponent would be the magic, then that green team, then cleveland and i personally want to see the green team for revenge and its always more impressive when you beat a champion in the finals.
    look at the 80′s lakers they are revered for beating the green team, sixers, and pistons all teams that had or would win championships with the same core players. i am less impressed with the bulls dynasty beating the likes of portland or the jazz, phoenix, seattle, do any of those teams qualify as great? mayeb the jazz. they did beat a laker team that was banged up so ill give them extra credit for that. same for the rockets and the shaq kobe lakers who probably had some of the worst teams to face in the finals in their 3peat in nj, indiana, and philly. i mean who you face in the finals is not your fault as a team but it should be sweeter to beat another great team or hated rival.
    look at the cleveland green team series… line that team up and pick them playground style… after the lebron, the next 4 picks (maybe 5 would be wearing green) and clevelands 2nd most effective player is prolly varejao (that statement alone shows that they are a team that is lacking), shaq is a shell of his former self and can really only give you 20ish mins, williams continues to come up short when needed the most, jamison is too small at the power forward position and while he would help vs orlando he is a major liability against garnett or gasol and you cant even really run plays for him hes a garbage bucket guy and in the playoffs you need guys you can rely on to make a play and lbj is ohe only guy on that team that is capable. nobody on that team is a proven playoff performer outside of lbj (cat win alone) and shaq (too old)
    but the funny thing is who cares what lakers fans think or who they fear… the lakers dont fear anyone so i wont either. but personally i want a rematch of the last 2 nba champions… but not out of fear

  • Daniel Buerge

    You may give more credit to a team that beats a harder opponent in the Finals now, but in the long run nothing matters except the title. Look at the Celtics back when they had Russell and Auerbach. There were very few teams in the league and the level of opposition wasn’t nearly up to the skill level Boston had. However, nobody remembers that now, all they remember is that Boston has won the title 17 times.

    While it would definitely be more satisfying to beat LeBron or Boston than it would be to beat a team like Atlanta, my main point is this: in five years who is going to care? The only point I am trying to make with the article is that all that matters is that they win the title, so whatever match-up is most favorable to the Lakers is all that matters to me.

  • Daniel Buerge

    You may give more credit to a team that beats a harder opponent in the Finals now, but in the long run nothing matters except the title. Look at the Celtics back when they had Russell and Auerbach. There were very few teams in the league and the level of opposition wasn’t nearly up to the skill level Boston had. However, nobody remembers that now, all they remember is that Boston has won the title 17 times.

    While it would definitely be more satisfying to beat LeBron or Boston than it would be to beat a team like Atlanta, my main point is this: in five years who is going to care? The only point I am trying to make with the article is that all that matters is that they win the title, so whatever match-up is most favorable to the Lakers is all that matters to me.

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