The NBA and David Stern want a Kobe vs LeBron NBA Finals, what will they do to get it?

on 05 17, 2009

The Houston Rockets beat the Los Angeles Lakers Thursday night in Houston 95-80, forcing a seventh and deciding game in what has been a very competitive Western Conference semifinal. Led by Aaron Brooks’ 26 points and Carl Landry’s contributions off the bench, the Rockets showed that despite a plethora of injuries depleting a once sizeable frontcourt, they still have the ability to compete with the likes of the Lakers. Houston wasted no time seizing control of game 6, starting the game on a 17-1 run.

These Rockets are one game away from sending Kobe and his Lakers packing. The people of Houston should be ecstatic, right? Possibly. However, there are several things for Rockets fans to consider prior to getting too excited about the chance to compete for a Western Conference title. Obviously facing an incredibly motivated Kobe Bryant in a game seven on the road is one reason to expect an end to Houston’s season, but there a few other aspects that may be overlooked by the casual fan of the NBA.

It’s no secret that the match-up of the Lakers vs. Cavaliers in the NBA Finals is an advantageous situation for the NBA, mainly from a marketing and ratings standpoint, and you better believe that David Stern is well aware of this. Kobe and LeBron are the two most talented players in the league and have been involved constant debate as to who is better during the course of this season. The attention that the NBA would receive if the two oppose each other in the Finals would be tremendous. There’s no telling the effect it could potentially have on TV ratings, and ultimately, revenue generated. The NBA is certainly not the most trustworthy league in terms of the way it is managed. As a result, you can expect to see plenty of questionable calls in favor of the hometown Lakers.

The Rockets are going to have to play nearly perfectly in game seven in order to have a chance to offset all the factors that they will face. Although this team has been dominant at times, so to have the Lakers. Los Angeles is going to come out with a chip on their shoulder. The Rockets need to avoid getting themselves in an early hole and simply try to stay in the game. However, in the event that this game is close towards the end, keep an eye on the officiating and the effect that it has on the result of this series.

Side note: Does anyone else find the back and forth between Ron Artest and Kobe Bryant to often times be more entertaining than the actual game itself?

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