The NBA’s first-ever single elimination tournament will culminate in an epic game between two conference rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers and Thunder played each other in the opening round of the 2010 playoffs, and the Thunder gave the Lakers a very tough time. The Thunder are a young-team, and their high octane offense is something the Lakers cannot defend. Luckily for Los Angeles, they will host the game due to a higher seed, so the Staples Center crowd will be a boost for the Lakers.
Just like last season versus the Boston Celtics, the Lakers played their best game all-season in Game 7. The Lakers are accustomed to playing in pivotal post-season games, so they will not be nervous in the National Championship. The game will be intense for a full 48 minutes, and overtime may be needed to crown a 2011 NBA Champion. However, Lakers fans know that Kobe Bryant is the best closer in the NBA, and that he will not fail his teammates late in a game.
The Los Angeles Lakers will prevail, and they will be the winner of the single-elimination tournament. The three-peat will be complete, and the Lakers will raise their 17th Larry O’Brien Trophy.