Champions...

The Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant are the 2008-2009 NBA champions. I am a Lakers fan, so this is a great time for me. I know a lot of people who claim to be Lakers fans, but I have been a Lakers fan for a long, long, time.

Growing up about 50 miles north of Philadelphia, I was a big Temple basketball fan. In the early 90's, Eddie Jones(who played for Temple) was my favorite player. When he was drafted by the Lakers, by default they became my favorite team. Not too many people can say they became a Lakers fan after Magic and Kareem... and before Shaq and Kobe, but I can. I remember Eddie, Nick Van Excel, Elden Campbell, Cedric Ceballos, and Vlade Divac. Those were my Lakers.

Then in 1996-1997, we signed Shaquille O'Neal as a free agent, and we traded for Kobe Bryant. Expectations went through the roof. I didn't like Kobe at first. He seemed cocky and selfish, and he was trying to take my man Eddie Jones spot. After a year or two, he earned my respect. I saw how hard he worked, and I saw his appreciation for the game. Even though my favorite player Eddie Jones would end up being traded, the Lakers were still my team.

Fifteen years, a three-peat, break up, rebuilding process, and one title later, I'm still here. Even after Kobe is gone, I will continue to support the Lakers. I just wanted to congratulate the Lakers on winning the title this year, and hopefully I will be making another championship post next time this year.

Ok that's all for now... thank you for visiting and stay tuned...