Lakers-Magic: The Black Mamba Turns Kobe-Haters into Motivators

Kobe Bryant sent a message to detractors who doubted his ability to win a fourth championship, and his first without Shaquille O’Neal. The Black Mamba is going to strike early and often, using all his potency to acquire the title he failed to capture after being thwarted by the Boston Celtics in last year’s NBA Finals. The relentless serpent attacked the Orlando Magic from all angles in a 100-75 Lakers win in Game One. Bryant proved that this was an entirely different year for his team and his seriousness resulted in his first 40-point game in his five NBA Finals appearances. The 2008 MVP immediately bombarded his opponent in an unpredictably disarming performance. Unlike the normally reserved first-half Bryant that we’ve seen throughout the playoffs, Bryant came out firing on all cylinders with an 18-point outburst in the first half. Minus this year’s NBA MVP LeBron James, the Finals could become the Kobe Showcase. According to Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy, ... (link)