Op-Ed: Why Kobe vs. LeBron Will Not Happen

by Joseph Landini

Kobe and LeBron each hope to make the Finals this year, but will they? (courtesy of flickr.com)

The NBA Playoffs are well underway, and the excitement is already brewing. LeBron James has already worked his Cavaliers into the second round, while Kobe Bryant has the Lakers only one win away. The Lakers and Cavaliers are both the number one seed in their respective confereces. Many experts and fans of the game expect the two greatest players on the planet to meet in the NBA Finals. I am here to break the hearts of the fans and tell you why the two superstars will not see each other until next season.

Why the Lakers will not make the NBA Finals:

Kobe’s Health
The Lakers leader has been banged up all year long. He is currently fighting a finger injury on his shooting hand, and a leg injury. He has been able to battle through the injuries all year because he is a warrior. The question everyone must consider is can Kobe take the physical playoff abuse much longer? As the later rounds occur, Kobe will be facing tougher defenders. Not to mention the fact that he will be more pressured to take over on a nightly basis, which he has not had to do in the first round series against the Thunder.

The Competition
The Western Conference is the better of the two conferences and much more competitive. Even though the Lakers look in control of the series the young Thunder ball club has been bringing it every single night. Kevin Durant and company won’t leave the playoffs without making a little noise. Remember a few years ago when the San Antonio Spurs were dominant. This year the Spurs were the 7th of 8 seeds in the playoffs. Right now the Spurs are looking to finish off the second seeded Mavs, which would be a major upset as Dallas seemed to be bound for glory. The talented Nuggets are also in a rough series against the injury prone Jazz. The Jazz are playing without 2 of their starters and are riding Deron Williams hard. The competition is as strong as it gets, and the Lakers may not have enough to get all the way to the promised land.

Why the Cavaliers will not make the NBA Finals:

The Magic
The Orlando Magic have been a consistent team since the season has opened up. Led by Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard the Magic look stronger then they were last year, when they defeated the Cavs in the Eastern Conference finals. Part of this is the play of Jameer Nelson who averaged over 20 points a game in the opening round. Nelson missed all the playoffs up to the finals last year but has made heads turn this year. With the array of talent and role players, the Magic look stronger then last years run. LeBron and company might not have an answer for everything the Magic will bring.

LeBron’s Elbow
A new injury has made eyebrows raise, when LeBron recently shot a free throw left handed because his shooting elbow was injured. After that game the world found out that his right elbow had been bothering him for three weeks and that he got an MRI on Monday. The status of James right now is uncertain, but knowing James he will play. If he is not 100% they will be tested even more, having to play the Celtics. The Cavaliers need a healthy LeBron James in order to make a run for the title, if not you mine as well chalk it up. Without James, the Cavaliers will have to depend on Antwan Jamison and an old Shaq Diesel. No Chance.