The Latest on the Heat vs Lakers Christmas Day Game
The Miami Heat are perhaps the most hated team in the NBA today, and LeBron James is viewed as a villain by many. James embarrassed his hometown of Cleveland, and he upset the rest of the nation after his celebration ceremony. The Heat have been “booed” in nearly every arena they have gone to, and the Staples Center crowd will surely do the same to the Heat and James. [Los Angeles Times: Mike Bresnahan]
Tomorrow’s game will feature some of the best players in the world, as Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom will take on LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Not to mention the 11-time champion on the bench for the Lakers, Phil Jackson. The players and coaches may say the contest is only “one” game of many, but it is perhaps the most hyped matchup this season. [Los Angeles Times: Broderick Turner]
Pau Gasol and Chris Bosh will battle each other tomorrow, however both players share a similar story. Gasol and Bosh have been criticized for being “soft,” and these players have also changed sceneries for an opportunity to win a championship. Gasol has been successful, but we have to wait to see if Bosh made the right choice. [ESPN.com NBA: Tom Haberstroh]
The Lakers and Heat will face off tomorrow, and Lakers.com gives us a preview of the heavyweight showdown. [Lakers.com BasketBlog: Mike Trudell]
Despite the fact that Phil Jackson’s Bulls teams have been known for their toughness, his Lakers do not hold that quality. The Lakers seem to take games off, and they aren’t “tough” on their teammates. Yes, Kobe and Fisher occasionally criticize their team’s play, but their words don’t sink in with the team. [ESPN Los Angeles: Ramona Shelburne]
Ron Artest will announce the winner of his championship ring on Christmas, so now is your last chance to buy a raffle ticket. [LakersNation]
The Lakers have played on Christmas Day for several years in a row, and it has become a holiday tradition. Take a look back at the history of Lakers’ basketball on December 25th. [LakersNation]