Lakers News: 2021 NBA Finals First Since Kobe Bryant And Paul Pierce In 2010 With Leading Scorers On Original Teams

Corey Hansford
3 Min Read
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The 2010 NBA Finals that featured Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers taking on Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics was the culmination of the longest-standing rivalry in the NBA and one of the greatest moments for many fans of the Purple and Gold. The 2021 NBA Finals between the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks doesn’t have anywhere close to that level of history but is connected to the 2010 edition in one way.

Unlike 2010, the 2021 NBA Finals will be a crowning moment for one of the biggest stars in the new generation. Either Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo or Suns star Devin Booker will hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy, and the two are linked to the duo of Bryant and Paul Pierce.

According to ESPN Stats and Info, this is the first time since 2010 in which the leading scorers on both teams are playing on their original team:

This era of the NBA is much different from prior generations as player movement is at another level than at any other point in the league’s history. In addition, most NBA stars play for multiple teams throughout their career, making this type of accomplishment something of a rarity.

However, there is one question revolving around this stat which does involve LeBron James during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers. In 2015 James led the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Technically, that would seem to fall into this category as Cleveland was LeBron’s first team. But with his time on the Miami Heat coming before this second Cavaliers stint, it doesn’t qualify.

Nonetheless, the 2021 NBA Finals is shaping up to be an outstanding showcase for the league’s new generation. Either Antetokounmpo or Booker will experience the greatest moment of their young careers.

Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.