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Re: Here would be the ultimate final 8 since 1977 post ABA

PostPosted: Thu May 07, 2020 10:36 pm
by 3Peatkb24
The 2001 Lakers win Game 7 over the 2017 Warriors in OT 112-108. Kobe Bryant scored 41 Points. This was a classic. Shaq had 40 Points, so Shaq and Kobe is part of the 40/40 club. For the 2017 Warriors, Durant had 33 Points, Curry 26 Points, Thompson 20 Points but not enough to beat the dynamic duo of Kobe and Shaq. After the game an exhausted Kobe Bryant commented (fiction) - this was the toughest series I have been involved in, we just beat a great team. The 2001 Lakers win series 4-3.

The 1986 Celtics defeat the 1983 Sixers 107- 101 to advance to the Final 4. Larry Bird scored 29 Points, had 10 Rebounds, and 10 Assists for a TDB. Kevin McHale pitched in with 22 Points, but Dennis Johnson's 18 Points was huge. The 1986 Celtics win series 4-3.

The Final 4 is here Brethren:

#1 1987 Lakers vs #4 2001 Lakers
#2 1996 Bulls vs #3 1986 Celtics

-I guess Lakers fans can't lose :waaaaa: they win either way.

Re: Here would be the ultimate final 8 since 1977 post ABA

PostPosted: Sat May 09, 2020 5:41 am
by 3Peatkb24
Game 1's are complete in the Final 4:

The 1987 Lakers defeat the 2001 Lakers 103-100. It was a close battle all the way through. Magic scored 22 Points, had 11 Assists, and 10 Rebounds for a TDB. James Worthy and Kareem both scored 21 a piece. The 1987 Lakers had great balance scoring in this one. Kobe Bryant scored 32 for the 2001 Lakers, Shaq had a rare off game only scoring 20 Points. Kareem gave him problems all game. Shaq connected on only 3-10 FT's. The 1987 Lakers lead series 1-0.

The 1986 Celtics defeat the 1996 Bulls 101-99 in another close game. Toni Kukoc's last second 3 fell off the rim. These 2 teams are evenly matched so not surprising the Celtics won. Michael Jordan did score 35 Points for the 1996 Bulls, Larry Bird scored 28 Points and Kevin McHale added 25 Points for the 1986 Celtics. The 1986 Celtics lead series 1-0.

Re: Here would be the ultimate final 8 since 1977 post ABA

PostPosted: Sat May 09, 2020 3:30 pm
by 3Peatkb24
Game 2's are complete in the Final 4:

The 2001 Lakers bounce back and defeat the 1987 Lakers 107-103. Shaq made up for his Game 1 disappointment. He scored 38 Points and over powered Kareem. He also made key FT's down the stretch. Kobe added 28 Points as well. Magic commented after the game (fiction) - Their dynamic duo is equal to our's, they are no joke. The series is tied 1-1.

The 1996 Bulls also bounce back and defeat the 1986 Celtics 108-101. Michael Jordan scored 60 Points, the most in this tournament in 1 game. He was a man on a mission! Larry Bird commented (fiction) - I think Jordan may be God. The series is tied 1-1.

Re: Here would be the ultimate final 8 since 1977 post ABA

PostPosted: Sun May 10, 2020 9:58 pm
by 3Peatkb24
The old CBS music is playing, Game 3 games are complete:

The 2001 Lakers defeat the 1987 Lakers in Game 3 109-101. Kobe Bryant scored 44 Points and Shaq scored 35 Points for the 2001 Lakers. Kareem struggled in this one only scoring 14 Points as Shaq was just over powering. Magic had 30 Points for his highest total of the series, Worthy pitched in with 20 Points but Kobe and Shaq were just too much. After the game, Kobe commented (fiction) - Coming in I knew if we could get Game 3 it would be huge so I went all out. Magic commented (fiction) - we have a problem on our hands and that is #24. The 2001 Lakers lead series 2-1.

The 1996 Bulls once again defeat the 1986 Celtics in Game 3. The second series in a row that the 1996 Bulls were down 0-1 only to take a 2-1 lead. Michael Jordan scored 41 Points and was spectacular again for the 1996 Bulls. After the game, Larry Bird commented (fiction) - I am not sure we have an answer for Jordan right now, we have to get more physical with him because he is doing whatever he wants. The 1996 Bulls lead series 2-1.

Re: Here would be the ultimate final 8 since 1977 post ABA

PostPosted: Sun May 10, 2020 10:24 pm
by 3Peatkb24
3Peatkb24 wrote:The old CBS music is playing, Game 3 games are complete:

The 2001 Lakers defeat the 1987 Lakers in Game 3 109-101. Kobe Bryant scored 44 Points and Shaq scored 35 Points for the 2001 Lakers. Kareem struggled in this one only scoring 14 Points as Shaq was just over powering. Magic had 30 Points for his highest total of the series, Worthy pitched in with 20 Points but Kobe and Shaq were just too much. After the game, Kobe commented (fiction) - Coming in I knew if we could get Game 3 it would be huge so I went all out. Magic commented (fiction) - we have a problem on our hands and that is #24. The 2001 Lakers lead series 2-1.

The 1996 Bulls once again defeat the 1986 Celtics in Game 3 102-95. The second series in a row that the 1996 Bulls were down 0-1 only to take a 2-1 lead. Michael Jordan scored 41 Points and was spectacular again for the 1996 Bulls. After the game, Larry Bird commented (fiction) - I am not sure we have an answer for Jordan right now, we have to get more physical with him because he is doing whatever he wants. The 1996 Bulls lead series 2-1.


Game 4's are in too:

The 1987 Lakers got their fast break going and defeated the 2001 Lakers 112-102. Pat Riley inserted Michael Cooper into the starting lineup replacing the struggling Byron Scott. Coop did a decent job on Kobe Bryant holding him to 23 Points. Shaq had 32 Points for the 2001 Lakers. For the 1987 Lakers - Magic had 27 Points, 15 Assists, 11 Rebounds for a TDB, Kareem scored 25, Worthy scored 22. Series is tied at 2-2.

The 1986 Celtics defeated the 1996 Bulls 99-96. They played physical ball most of the game, just hammered Jordan everytime he came inside. Then McHale got ejected from the game with a clothes line to Jordan early in the 4th Qtr (in real life he once clothes lined Rambis). That just had Jordan rattled in the 4th as Larry Bird scored 35 Points for the 1986 Celtics and Robert Parish picked up the slack for McHale scoring 8 big 4th Qtr Points. Jordan scored only 27 Points on 25 shots = 9-25 FG's, 7-10 FT's and only two 3's. After the game. Larry Bird commented (fiction) - only way to stop Jordan is to get physical with him, we did that - once McHale got ejected it was up to Robert and I too carry the team. McHale may be suspended for Game 5 which would be a huge blow to the 1986 Celtics? Series is tied at 2-2.

Re: Here would be the ultimate final 8 since 1977 post ABA

PostPosted: Mon May 11, 2020 6:41 pm
by 3Peatkb24
2 huge Game 5's coming up but the results to both games won't be in until Wednesday. Both series are tied at 2-2. In the 1986 Celtics/1996 Bulls series, the Celtics played some real physical defense to get back into the series. Sending Jordan to the line 10 times and fouling him before he could even get a shot off at times. After the McHale 4th Qtr foul, Jordan didn't go to the line once settling for jump shots. Still no word or not whether or not McHale will be suspended. The 1987 Lakers and the 2001 Lakers series has been less physical but a well played series. Both teams seem confident that they will win the series.

Re: Here would be the ultimate final 8 since 1977 post ABA

PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2020 12:27 am
by 3Peatkb24
Game 5 of the 1987 Lakers vs the 2001 Lakers is in:

The 2001 Lakers pull it off 101-100 on a Robert Horry 3 with just 1 second left. Kobe Bryant led the way with 30 Points, Shaq scored 28. The 1987 Lakers are left befuddled. Magic Johnson commented after the game (fiction) - Tough loss but it is far from over, we have to get the next one then it just comes down to one big one. The 2001 Lakers lead series 3-2.

Kevin McHale is not suspended for Game 5. The 1986 Celtics are really breathing a sigh of relief. That game is yet to be played between the 1996 Bulls and 1986 Celtics.

Re: Here would be the ultimate final 8 since 1977 post ABA

PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2020 8:25 am
by 3Peatkb24
The 1996 Bulls defeat the 1986 Celtics 91-87 in a real low scoring affair. This game was a physical battle, Dennis Rodman played a huge role in this game for the 1996 Bulls. He grabbed 20 Rebounds and was flying all over the place. Jordan was back to usual scoring 35 Points. Even with McHale back, the 1986 Celtics just never had it going on offense. Danny Ainge and Dennis Johnson really struggled from the field. The 1996 Bulls lead series 3-2.

Re: Here would be the ultimate final 8 since 1977 post ABA

PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2020 4:13 pm
by 3Peatkb24
Game 6 of the 1987 Lakers vs the 2001 Lakers is in. The 1987 Lakers bounce back with a 108-102 victory over the 2001 Lakers. Showtime was clicking. Magic had 12 Assists/20 Points, Kareem had his best game of the series scoring 31 Points, Worthy had a quiet 18 Points but a couple of spectacular dunks in the 3rd Qtr, Byron Scott finally came alive nailing 4 3's. The 1987 Lakers had a huge lead at one point - up by 18 in the 3rd Qtr, then played hack-a-shack once the 2001 Lakers got somewhat close in the 4th Qtr. Guess what we have? A Game 7 folks. After the game Magic commented (fiction) - Relieved, because the other Lakers team we are playing are super great. Magic again (fiction) - Now it just comes down to one game to decide who the greatest Lakers team is of all-time. Series is tied 3-3.

Game 6 of the 1996 Bulls vs the 1986 Celtics has not yet been completed. Stay tuned. The 1996 Bulls currently lead the series 3-2.

Re: Here would be the ultimate final 8 since 1977 post ABA

PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2020 10:53 pm
by 3Peatkb24
3Peatkb24 wrote:Game 6 of the 1987 Lakers vs the 2001 Lakers is in. The 1987 Lakers bounce back with a 108-102 victory over the 2001 Lakers. Showtime was clicking. Magic had 12 Assists/20 Points, Kareem had his best game of the series scoring 31 Points, Worthy had a quiet 18 Points but a couple of spectacular dunks in the 3rd Qtr, Byron Scott finally came alive nailing 4 3's. The 1987 Lakers had a huge lead at one point - up by 18 in the 3rd Qtr, then played hack-a-shack once the 2001 Lakers got somewhat close in the 4th Qtr. Guess what we have? A Game 7 folks. After the game Magic commented (fiction) - Relieved, because the other Lakers team we are playing are super great. Magic again (fiction) - Now it just comes down to one game to decide who the greatest Lakers team is of all-time. Series is tied 3-3.

Game 6 of the 1996 Bulls vs the 1986 Celtics has not yet been completed. Stay tuned. The 1996 Bulls currently lead the series 3-2.


The 1986 Celtics survive by beating the 1996 Bulls in Game 6 100-96. Larry Bird and Kevin McHale each scored 25 Points. The 1996 Bulls seemed flat in this one, Jordan scored 33 Points but was only 13-30 from the field, he made only one 3, 6-8 FT's. The 1986 Celtics played really physical with their huge front line. Bill Walton was even an enforcer in this one with 7 key Points, playing great D, and 8 Rebounds. After the game Jordan commented (fiction) - This is a true basketball war, that team is great and they play like is there is no tomorrow. Jordan also commented (fiction) - we have to face their physicality like we did against the 1989 Pistons in order to win. Larry Bird commented (fiction) - I love it, pressure is on them as they are favored, we just need to play our game and we will be ok. Series is tied 3-3.

Re: Here would be the ultimate final 8 since 1977 post ABA

PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2020 10:59 pm
by 3Peatkb24
We have two Game 7's:

The 1987 Lakers vs the 2001 Lakers are 3-3 and the 1996 Bulls vs the 1986 Celtics are 3-3. Games will be determined over the weekend, Goodnight folks :rthup:

Re: Here would be the ultimate final 8 since 1977 post ABA

PostPosted: Sat May 16, 2020 4:27 am
by 3Peatkb24
3Peatkb24 wrote:We have two Game 7's:

The 1987 Lakers vs the 2001 Lakers are 3-3 and the 1996 Bulls vs the 1986 Celtics are 3-3. Games will be determined over the weekend, Goodnight folks :rthup:


Game 7 has been decided between the 1987 Lakers vs the 2001 Lakers. I was torn on this because both teams were so great. I just can't see Showtime losing this series with 2 of the top 3 players of all-time on it (Magic and Kareem), not to mention having a top 50 player ever in James Worthy. Shaq and Kobe are incredible but that Showtime team was just deeper. It really had no weaknesses once they added Mychal Thompson to sure up the middle in 1987. They had too because the Rockets at that time had 2 legit Centers in Hakeem and Ralph. The Celtics also had a huge frontline. Game 7 basically came down to who had the ball last and as time expired Kareem was fouled. With the 1987 Lakers trailing 103-102, he stepped to the line and made both FT's giving the 1987 Lakers a 104-103 win. .02 was put back on the clock but the 2001 Lakers were out of timeouts and could do nothing with it. James Worthy led the Lakers in scoring with 28 Points (that is why he is called Big Game James), Magic had 22 Points and 11 Assists, Kareem added 20 Points. Kobe Bryant scored a game high 34 Points for the 2001 Lakers and Shaq added 32 Points. The 1987 Lakers win series 4-3.

This has been a heated topic on ESPN all week about who belongs on the Mt Rushmore in basketball? I have:
Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and LeBron James. The debate all week has been should it be Bill Russell or Magic Johnson who belongs. Their list of greatest players had Magic at #5. I think one huge criteria to be on Mt Rushmore is being the greatest player to play your position. Bill Russell wasn't the greatest Center ever, not even 2nd IMO (Wilt was 2nd and I am not so sure Shaq isn't 3rd). Jordan was the greatest SG, Magic greatest PG, Kareem greatest Center, and LeBron greatest SF who can even play PF. LeBron edges Bird out barely much like Jordan does Kobe.

Game 7 of the 1996 Bulls vs the 1986 Celtics has not yet been determined.

Re: Here would be the ultimate final 8 since 1977 post ABA

PostPosted: Sat May 16, 2020 8:30 am
by 3Peatkb24
3Peatkb24 wrote:
3Peatkb24 wrote:We have two Game 7's:

The 1987 Lakers vs the 2001 Lakers are 3-3 and the 1996 Bulls vs the 1986 Celtics are 3-3. Games will be determined over the weekend, Goodnight folks :rthup:


Game 7 has been decided between the 1987 Lakers vs the 2001 Lakers. I was torn on this because both teams were so great. I just can't see Showtime losing this series with 2 of the top 3 players of all-time on it (Magic and Kareem), not to mention having a top 50 player ever in James Worthy. Shaq and Kobe are incredible but that Showtime team was just deeper. It really had no weaknesses once they added Mychal Thompson to sure up the middle in 1987. They had too because the Rockets at that time had 2 legit Centers in Hakeem and Ralph. The Celtics also had a huge frontline. Game 7 basically came down to who had the ball last and as time expired Kareem was fouled. With the 1987 Lakers trailing 103-102, he stepped to the line and made both FT's giving the 1987 Lakers a 104-103 win. .02 was put back on the clock but the 2001 Lakers were out of timeouts and could do nothing with it. James Worthy led the Lakers in scoring with 28 Points (that is why he is called Big Game James), Magic had 22 Points and 11 Assists, Kareem added 20 Points. Kobe Bryant scored a game high 34 Points for the 2001 Lakers and Shaq added 32 Points. The 1987 Lakers win series 4-3.

This has been a heated topic on ESPN all week about who belongs on the Mt Rushmore in basketball? I have:
Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and LeBron James. The debate all week has been should it be Bill Russell or Magic Johnson who belongs. Their list of greatest players had Magic at #5. I think one huge criteria to be on Mt Rushmore is being the greatest player to play your position. Bill Russell wasn't the greatest Center ever, not even 2nd IMO (Wilt was 2nd and I am not so sure Shaq isn't 3rd). Jordan was the greatest SG, Magic greatest PG, Kareem greatest Center, and LeBron greatest SF who can even play PF. LeBron edges Bird out barely much like Jordan does Kobe.

Game 7 of the 1996 Bulls vs the 1986 Celtics has not yet been determined.


Game 7 is in and it's over. The 1996 Bulls defeat the 1986 Celtics 98-93 to advance. Michael Jordan was just too much scoring 40 Points, the 1996 Bulls defense was stifling in this one. Larry Bird did score 21 Points and Kevin McHale 20 but it wasn't enough for the 1986 Celtics. Dennis Rodman simply held his own against that great front line of the Celtics. Dennis had 17 Rebounds. The 1996 Bulls win series 4-3.

The Finals for greatest team ever comes down to the 1987 Lakers vs the 1996 Bulls. I have stated over and over that I think the 1987 Lakers have the greatest team ever but that doesn't mean they will win this series. They are going against a team that is pretty equal to them and the greatest player ever in Michael Jordan. I am not sure where I am going here? Of course I want to be bias and say the 1987 Lakers will win but I may not go that way so it isn't a given like many may think I will go. This will be worth following, just don't be mad at me if the 1996 Bulls win this. I damn near had the 2001 Lakers beating Showtime.

Tale of the tape going into the series:
Coaching - Pat Riley vs Phil Jackson = I say even

PG position - Magic Johnson vs Ron Harper = Advantage 1987 Lakers

SG position - Byron Scott vs Michael Jordan = Advantage 1996 Bulls

SF position - James Worthy vs Scottie Pippen = I say even

PF position - AC Green vs Dennis Rodman = Advantage 1996 Bulls

C position - Kareem vs Luc Longley = Advantage 1987 Lakers

6th man - Michael Cooper vs Toni Kukoc = I say even

a key 7th man for each team - Mychal Thompson vs Steve Kerr, 2 different players but I say even

-4 evens and 2 advantages the 1987 Lakers have and 2 advantages the 1996 Bulls have.

This series is a 50/50 series. Magic and Michael clash! The 1996 Bulls do have an advantage where they can play Scottie on Magic to try and hamper Magic at times like they did in 1991 but the 1987 Lakers have a huge advantage at Center. Vlade isn't the Center in this series, it is Kareem. The team of the 80's vs the team of the 90's!

Re: Here would be the ultimate final 8 since 1977 post ABA

PostPosted: Sat May 16, 2020 12:34 pm
by 3Peatkb24
3Peatkb24 wrote:
3Peatkb24 wrote:
3Peatkb24 wrote:We have two Game 7's:

The 1987 Lakers vs the 2001 Lakers are 3-3 and the 1996 Bulls vs the 1986 Celtics are 3-3. Games will be determined over the weekend, Goodnight folks :rthup:


Game 7 has been decided between the 1987 Lakers vs the 2001 Lakers. I was torn on this because both teams were so great. I just can't see Showtime losing this series with 2 of the top 3 players of all-time on it (Magic and Kareem), not to mention having a top 50 player ever in James Worthy. Shaq and Kobe are incredible but that Showtime team was just deeper. It really had no weaknesses once they added Mychal Thompson to sure up the middle in 1987. They had too because the Rockets at that time had 2 legit Centers in Hakeem and Ralph. The Celtics also had a huge frontline. Game 7 basically came down to who had the ball last and as time expired Kareem was fouled. With the 1987 Lakers trailing 103-102, he stepped to the line and made both FT's giving the 1987 Lakers a 104-103 win. .02 was put back on the clock but the 2001 Lakers were out of timeouts and could do nothing with it. James Worthy led the Lakers in scoring with 28 Points (that is why he is called Big Game James), Magic had 22 Points and 11 Assists, Kareem added 20 Points. Kobe Bryant scored a game high 34 Points for the 2001 Lakers and Shaq added 32 Points. The 1987 Lakers win series 4-3.

This has been a heated topic on ESPN all week about who belongs on the Mt Rushmore in basketball? I have:
Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and LeBron James. The debate all week has been should it be Bill Russell or Magic Johnson who belongs. Their list of greatest players had Magic at #5. I think one huge criteria to be on Mt Rushmore is being the greatest player to play your position. Bill Russell wasn't the greatest Center ever, not even 2nd IMO (Wilt was 2nd and I am not so sure Shaq isn't 3rd). Jordan was the greatest SG, Magic greatest PG, Kareem greatest Center, and LeBron greatest SF who can even play PF. LeBron edges Bird out barely much like Jordan does Kobe.

Game 7 of the 1996 Bulls vs the 1986 Celtics has not yet been determined.


Game 7 is in and it's over. The 1996 Bulls defeat the 1986 Celtics 98-93 to advance. Michael Jordan was just too much scoring 40 Points, the 1996 Bulls defense was stifling in this one. Larry Bird did score 21 Points and Kevin McHale 20 but it wasn't enough for the 1986 Celtics. Dennis Rodman simply held his own against that great front line of the Celtics. Dennis had 17 Rebounds. The 1996 Bulls win series 4-3.

The Finals for greatest team ever comes down to the 1987 Lakers vs the 1996 Bulls. I have stated over and over that I think the 1987 Lakers have the greatest team ever but that doesn't mean they will win this series. They are going against a team that is pretty equal to them and the greatest player ever in Michael Jordan. I am not sure where I am going here? Of course I want to be bias and say the 1987 Lakers will win but I may not go that way so it isn't a given like many may think I will go. This will be worth following, just don't be mad at me if the 1996 Bulls win this. I damn near had the 2001 Lakers beating Showtime.

Tale of the tape going into the series:
Coaching - Pat Riley vs Phil Jackson = I say even

PG position - Magic Johnson vs Ron Harper = Advantage 1987 Lakers

SG position - Byron Scott vs Michael Jordan = Advantage 1996 Bulls

SF position - James Worthy vs Scottie Pippen = I say even

PF position - AC Green vs Dennis Rodman = Advantage 1996 Bulls

C position - Kareem vs Luc Longley = Advantage 1987 Lakers

6th man - Michael Cooper vs Toni Kukoc = I say even

a key 7th man for each team - Mychal Thompson vs Steve Kerr, 2 different players but I say even

-4 evens and 2 advantages the 1987 Lakers have and 2 advantages the 1996 Bulls have.

This series is a 50/50 series. Magic and Michael clash! The 1996 Bulls do have an advantage where they can play Scottie on Magic to try and hamper Magic at times like they did in 1991 but the 1987 Lakers have a huge advantage at Center. Vlade isn't the Center in this series, it is Kareem. The team of the 80's vs the team of the 90's!


Back to the Mt Rushmore talk, LeBron's natural position is SF not PG or PF. Magic is the best PG ever. How anyone can put Wilt ahead of Kareem is completely puzzling. Kareem won 6 League MVP's, 6 Championships, 2 Finals MVP's, and is the all-time leading scorer in NBA history. Kareem was the better player. Kareem even won a championship without Magic when he played for Milwaukee.

Re: Here would be the ultimate final 8 since 1977 post ABA

PostPosted: Sat May 16, 2020 1:51 pm
by 3Peatkb24
We have two Game 7's:

The 1987 Lakers vs the 2001 Lakers are 3-3 and the 1996 Bulls vs the 1986 Celtics are 3-3. Games will be determined over the weekend, Goodnight folks :rthup:

Game 7 has been decided between the 1987 Lakers vs the 2001 Lakers. I was torn on this because both teams were so great. I just can't see Showtime losing this series with 2 of the top 3 players of all-time on it (Magic and Kareem), not to mention having a top 50 player ever in James Worthy. Shaq and Kobe are incredible but that Showtime team was just deeper. It really had no weaknesses once they added Mychal Thompson to sure up the middle in 1987. They had too because the Rockets at that time had 2 legit Centers in Hakeem and Ralph. The Celtics also had a huge frontline. Game 7 basically came down to who had the ball last and as time expired Kareem was fouled. With the 1987 Lakers trailing 103-102, he stepped to the line and made both FT's giving the 1987 Lakers a 104-103 win. .02 was put back on the clock but the 2001 Lakers were out of timeouts and could do nothing with it. James Worthy led the Lakers in scoring with 28 Points (that is why he is called Big Game James), Magic had 22 Points and 11 Assists, Kareem added 20 Points. Kobe Bryant scored a game high 34 Points for the 2001 Lakers and Shaq added 32 Points. The 1987 Lakers win series 4-3.

This has been a heated topic on ESPN all week about who belongs on the Mt Rushmore in basketball? I have:
Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and LeBron James. The debate all week has been should it be Bill Russell or Magic Johnson who belongs. Their list of greatest players had Magic at #5. I think one huge criteria to be on Mt Rushmore is being the greatest player to play your position. Bill Russell wasn't the greatest Center ever, not even 2nd IMO (Wilt was 2nd and I am not so sure Shaq isn't 3rd). Jordan was the greatest SG, Magic greatest PG, Kareem greatest Center, and LeBron greatest SF who can even play PF. LeBron edges Bird out barely much like Jordan does Kobe.

Game 7 of the 1996 Bulls vs the 1986 Celtics has not yet been determined.

Game 7 is in and it's over. The 1996 Bulls defeat the 1986 Celtics 98-93 to advance. Michael Jordan was just too much scoring 40 Points, the 1996 Bulls defense was stifling in this one. Larry Bird did score 21 Points and Kevin McHale 20 but it wasn't enough for the 1986 Celtics. Dennis Rodman simply held his own against that great front line of the Celtics. Dennis had 17 Rebounds. The 1996 Bulls win series 4-3.

The Finals for greatest team ever comes down to the 1987 Lakers vs the 1996 Bulls. I have stated over and over that I think the 1987 Lakers have the greatest team ever but that doesn't mean they will win this series. They are going against a team that is pretty equal to them and the greatest player ever in Michael Jordan. I am not sure where I am going here? Of course I want to be bias and say the 1987 Lakers will win but I may not go that way so it isn't a given like many may think I will go. This will be worth following, just don't be mad at me if the 1996 Bulls win this. I damn near had the 2001 Lakers beating Showtime.

Tale of the tape going into the series:
Coaching - Pat Riley vs Phil Jackson = I say even

PG position - Magic Johnson vs Ron Harper = Advantage 1987 Lakers

SG position - Byron Scott vs Michael Jordan = Advantage 1996 Bulls

SF position - James Worthy vs Scottie Pippen = I say even

PF position - AC Green vs Dennis Rodman = Advantage 1996 Bulls

C position - Kareem vs Luc Longley = Advantage 1987 Lakers

6th man - Michael Cooper vs Toni Kukoc = I say even

a key 7th man for each team - Mychal Thompson vs Steve Kerr, 2 different players but I say even

-4 evens and 2 advantages the 1987 Lakers have and 2 advantages the 1996 Bulls have.

This series is a 50/50 series. Magic and Michael clash! The 1996 Bulls do have an advantage where they can play Scottie on Magic to try and hamper Magic at times like they did in 1991 but the 1987 Lakers have a huge advantage at Center. Vlade isn't the Center in this series, it is Kareem. The team of the 80's vs the team of the 90's!

Back to the Mt Rushmore talk, LeBron's natural position is SF not PG or PF. Magic is the best PG ever. How anyone can put Wilt ahead of Kareem is completely puzzling. Kareem won 6 League MVP's, 6 Championships, 2 Finals MVP's, and is the all-time leading scorer in NBA history. Kareem was the better player. Kareem even won a championship without Magic when he played for Milwaukee.

ESPN did their Top 10 players ever list, here is my updated list:
10. Tim Duncan
9. Bill Russell
8. Shaq O'Neal
7. Larry Bird
6. Wilt Chamberlain
5. Kobe Bryant
4. LeBron James
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
2. Magic Johnson
1. Michael Jordan
- I have the same 10 players they have but in slightly different order. Magic doesn't get his just due because he had his career cut short. He went to 9 Finals in 12 years, won 5 championships, shot a better career FG% than LeBron has, and was much better at that FT line than LeBron is. Magic won't have the huge numbers that LeBron will end up with but it is because he only played 12.5 seasons. Magic also won the championship as a rookie and Finals MVP, nobody in history has ever done that. The eye test alone tells anyone that Magic is the 2nd best player ever. He could do everything LeBron does except LeBron is a better defensive player but Magic was more clutch so it offsets. Magic was even just as tall so no advantage for LeBron there either. I can go on and on and LeBron is on my Mt Rushmore but Magic was better.