The Unaffiliated Fan’s "Western Dilemma"

Here’s what I mean. A few weeks ago I pledged my undying support to the Nugg. If only it was that easy. Here’s my problem. I know which team I “like” more. It’s not even a contest. Denver is fun to watch. They’ve got Chauncey, Birdman and great storylines all over the place. They play an upbeat style and run and gun all over the place. Melo’s making a name for himself again. J.R. Smith is another semi-redemtpion story. They also look damn good in the Chargers-style powder blues. What’s not to love?

On the other side, you’ve got the Lake Show. Lacking much semblance of team, at times listless and a little too Hollywood for me – not to mention Mr. Bryant who I’ve never been particularly fond of. Easy choice right? Gotta be pulling for Denver. No contest. Well, I am…and I’m not. It’s complicated and I’m thinking perhaps you can relate.

Being a Knicks fan, I’ve got no ties to either of these teams. My squad hasn’t been mentioned in any playoff talk for quite awhile now. Therefore, I’m looking for drama. I want a compelling finals that sets itself up for seven games of close contests with the biggest stars on the biggest stage. You starting to see the problem? As much as I may want to say screw the NBA and network execs who are salivating over Kobe-LeBron and scream let’s go Nuggets at the top of my lungs, I can’t quite bring myself all the way around to it.

You see the Kobe versus LeBron thing? It is compelling. It’s downright intriguing. The two most gifted players in the game who both can and have carried their teams facing off against one another for a championship. The King looking to top off his first MVP season with a ring. Kobe aiming to shoot down the critics and show just how profound an impact he can have in transforming a bunch of loosely held-together parts into a title-winner.