Lakers and Celtics, History Ὰ La Carte
Posted by VeRonda Wicks June 5th, 2008The rivalry is palpable and there’s no denying the intense history between the two dynasties. The LA Lakers and the Boston Celtics are in the NBA Playoffs, starting tonight, and the feeling is in the air. Seriously, as you’re watching the game you see history peeping through the crowd. That’s where my words find their meaning-in the history.
The history I speak of is that of the likes of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird, and please give an ovation for Bill Russell. The athletes are why Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garrett are able to be who they are today (Okay, let’s not ever be remised to leave Michael Jordan out of the dialogue of greatness.).
These historians of the grace and discipline of basketball are beyond compare. Words just aren’t there to describe the talent and confidence and champion that every one of these guys possess.
Today these historians sit and watch the young ones play and achieve and compete. Today I sit and watch the reasons (Magic, Kareem, Larry, Bill) why they are, indeed, able to play and achieve and compete.
Who do you offer respect and thanks to for paving the way for you?
June 6th, 2008 at 10:35 am
I’m gonna have to say the guy who paved my way to becoming a huge basketball fan was Larry Bird. NASCAR and Football was always my niche growing up. Watching Larry Bird in the NBA, I could relate to him. I’m from a little isolated place in Southwest Virginia called Richlands. It’s filled with rednecks. I’ve grew up here. I’m not a redneck, but I have a southern drawl. And watching Larry play, I’d just sit back and think, “The Hick from French Lick, Indiana just hit another 3.” His style of play, leadership, and perseverance all got me into becoming a huge Celtics fan and NBA fan.
June 6th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
I DREAMED basketball during the old Celtics v. Lakers rivalry! There’s never been anything like it.
June 6th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
ha ha - you are talking a foreign language to me as, although I have heard such names bandied around, I have NO IDEA about American Basketball (oh, except for the occasional Aussie who infiltrates)!
Mind you, I am sure if I casually mentioned how Vautin, Meninga and Lewis were the frontrunners for the State of Origin series and how excited I am that Prince is in the training squad, you would mirror my dazed expression!!!
Thanks for dropping by my blog.