Lakers vs. Celtics: The Next Chapter
Kobe Bryant going against Paul Pierce
When the words “Lakers vs. Celtics” and “Los Angeles vs. Boston” enter the minds of sports fans, it automatically is the priority event to see. When you combine this match-up with the NBA Finals, the demand to view this event live moves to the top of the list for most sports fans. Undoubtedly, this is the type of match-up the National Basketball Association dreams of. It brings in an increase in ratings, a ton of revenue and an overall greater appeal to the game of basketball. A series that consists of Magic vs. Suns or even Celtics vs. Suns, does not give much of a market appeal to sports fans across the world; but, when you bring in two big market cities like Los Angeles and Boston, it allows those cities to “show-off” their beauty and appeal to tourists and NBA fans across the world.
Nonetheless, there is major history and a historic rivalry between the Celtics and Lakers. The rivalry between these two teams involves the two most storied franchises in NBA history. Together, the two teams combine for a total of 32 NBA Championships, which is more than half of the 63 championships in NBA history. In their most recent finals appearance, the Celtics out-lasted the Lakers winning the series in 2008, 4-2, capturing their 17th NBA Title. Coming into this series, everybody is looking out for those individual match-ups between the players on both teams. For instance, the most featured match up is the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant vs. the Celtics’ Paul Pierce. In their last finals meeting, it was obvious who stood tall as Paul Pierce led his team to victory.
Additionally, the most underrated match up would be the two starting centers from both teams including Pau Gasol from the Lakers vs. Kendrick Perkins from Boston. Both men have been dominant throughout the year and playoffs; it will be interesting to see who brings the upper hand going into this series.
Putting everything aside, attending the NBA Finals is an exciting and enduring experience. I remember attending the Finals back in ’99 when my beloved Knicks (and yes, it is hard to be a Knicks fan these days, but good things are on the horizon this summer) climbed all the way to the top to face the San Antonio Spurs. It was the first time and only time currently in history that an 8th seed made it all the way to the NBA Finals. You have got to give the Knicks credit for that. However, the Knicks lost the series in five games to the awe-inspiring and dominant Spurs lead by Tim Duncan and David Robinson at the time.
Although the Knicks went on to lose the finals, the experience still was worth it. New York City was under the spotlight and everything was upbeat and exciting. City bars were filled to capacity and all of the premiere hotels were over-booked. It felt like the Big Apple came together as one to support their team in hopes of winning their first championship since ’73. Transitioning back to today, it will be a very similar setting in both Los Angeles and Boston; however, the only difference is that the fans in both cities are not as famished from a championship as the Knicks are.
Boston and Los Angeles are two great cities to visit. If you are looking to attend the NBA Finals, there are an abundant number of hotels to stay and things to do around both cities. If you want to stay close to the Staples Center in LA, there is absolutely no problem with that as the city recently built a hot spot across the street called LA Live. If you want to eat, see a show and sleep in the same vicinity, this is the place for you. The hotels across the street include a Ritz Carlton and J.W. Marriot. If you are looking for a bite to eat, stop by the new ESPN Zone and many other establishments including The Yard House, a rock and roll music themed restaurant, and The Farm of Beverly Hills, a restaurant with an innovative and sophisticated American Cuisine. If you want to get away from the Staples Center, check out a Dodgers game at Dodgers Stadium or bring the kids to see Disney Land and Universal Studios.
Although Boston is not as large as Los Angeles, there are also many things to do around the TD Bank Garden, home to the Celtics. Two popular hotels to stay at in approximate distance to the arena are the Onyx Hotel, the first luxury property to open in the urban-hip, North Station and Bull Finch Triangle Neighborhood, as well as The Liberty Hotel Boston, which is a popular hotel located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. If anything, Boston is greatly known for its seafood, and if you want a good meal, check out Neptune Oyster, an in-demand seafood establishment that includes an unforgettable experience, especially their famous New England Clam Chowder. The lines have been measured to be hours long during peak hours, so arrive early! Additionally, Boston is greatly known for its sports bars and pubs. The famous “The Fours”, was rated #1 Sports Bar in America by Sports Illustrated. It was named after legendary Boston Bruin (#4) Bobby Orr, and contains countless Boston Sports Memorabilia, Beers and Cocktails. Not to mention, their food is spectacular as well! Other entertaining things to do around the Boston area are to take a famous “Duck Tour” or catch a Red Sox game over at Fenway Park.
Whether you plan on attending this highly anticipated NBA Finals or watching it from home, you are bound for a treat. The entertainment value is high, the anticipation is high and frankly, I cannot wait for this series to get underway! Unfortunately, these are two teams that Knicks fans like me are taught to hate; however, if my team stinks, I have no choice but to enjoy the value of the game and historic rivalry itself.
Hey, if Donnie Walsh somehow puts together a team next year that includes Chris Bosh and King James (Lebron James) himself, maybe I’ll be talking about a different historic rivalry in the NBA Finals next year…a rivalry that consists of the New York Knicks.
