Cheering Against Lebron vs. Kobe

A championship series for the ages.  A titanic clash between the game's two best players to try and settle once and for, who is the best.  Drama, passion, history, who would not be fore that?  Well, apparently this guy.    >two thumbs pointed to my chest<

Now I know that I am in the minority, and I also concede that I am probably wrong for thinking the way I do, but as every coach in the world says "It is what it is."  But I do plan to explain myself and hopefully get everyone's point of view on the subject, I find people's sports fan philosophies interesting, and this seems like most timely topic to put that action into action.  So let's get started.

First off i want to dispel any of you who want to deem me a Lebron or Kobe "hater."  When concerning Lebron James, the dude is awesome.  He is a model team player or facilitates the ball to everyone.  James' personality is good for the league and he has proven to be a clutch, proven winner, who deserves to be in the conversation for overtaking Michael Jordan at some point in his career.  Anyone he works to critique Lebron James' game is prying to nit-pick.  The man is a beast and deserves all the accolades he receives.  So no, Skip Bayless is not writing this.

Now Kobe Bryant is a bit more difficult for me, based solely n the fact that he plays for the Lakers, a team that I can not stand.  This is mostly due to their success and the amount of bandwagon fans they have accrued over the years.  As most of you know, bandwagon fans are one of my huge pet peeves.  And they are the main reason this article is being written.  But Kobe is a true competitor, a man who wants to win at any cost.  A player with three rings, and even after so many years in the league, his game has not slowed down a bit.  Now his post game interviews are not nearly as colorful as Lebron's, sometimes borderline Belicheck.  Here's a good drinking game idea for some of you who enjoy those.  While watching a Kobe Bryant interview, take a shot every time he says any variation of the the word "execute."

So the basis of my stance has nothing to do with the two individuals, it all has to do with other outside forces, so let's get started.

What has mainly driven me away from this matchup are the people on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, or walking down the street shouting as though they preaching the unknown gospel of "Lebron is Awesome. He's my boy!"  Your "boy," really?  And this is coming from Mavs, Spurs, Rockets, and everyone other fan base in the country.  The amount of people who have become Cleveland Cavalier "fans" is sickening.  Now I'm not talking about enjoying the man play, or happy that Lebron has a chance to win a title.  As I have said, I am in awe of how gifted he is.  But there is no one in the league that will make me get as excited about a victory other than my team.  Yes, i jumped out of my seat when he hit that incredible shot in Game 2 with one second left on the clock.   Amazing happened.  But I did not try to tell everyone around me to be a "Witness" like I have followed the Cavs since I was four.  Now if you were a Cleveland fan before Lebron put on their jersey then kudos to you, and I truly say enjoy these playoffs and be proud of your team getting an amazing player.  But if you now define yourself as a Cavs fan after LEbron, then you are indeed a bandwagon fan.  That's not a put down, just a fact, you cheer for them because they are good, if they or he was not good you would not be a fan.  Don't deny it, just own it.  And don't act like you have discovered his greatness.  News flash, we all see it, no prophets needed.

As for Kobe, he plays for one of the most storied franchises in sports, thus he has many people on his side because they started cheering for the Lakers a long time ago, because they were good.  But he is also one of the best closers in the game, warranting him praise and respect around the league.  But when people from Alabama tell me to "Fear the Mamba" i get just as irritated.

Now I have been criticized, (and rightly so) as to being too devoted to teams and too closed minded about cheering for others.  Usually when my team is out, I cheer against rivals or teams with the most titles.  

But I am a football fan first, and I bring that mindset to every other sport I choose to watch.  In football, when I see another superstar in the league, I seem him as a detriment to my team, rather than someone to fall in love with.  

Let's use some examples, Time TeBow, quarterback for the Florida Gators.  Now as all of you know I am a current student at Texas, and I have been a fan of the Horns ever since I can remember.  Now what if next season, i get me a TeBow jersey and start telling everyone to watch out for "superman."  Would that seem weird?  But look at it.  He is a Heisman winner, a seemingly good guy who is highly involved in mission work.  He is a team guy and his presence in college football is good for the league.  So with that being said, if I walked around singing the praise of Tebow, would that be problematic to you Longhorns fans out there?  It would to me, but I want to hear from you.  

Also, what about Tom Brady.  He is arguably the best player at his position, a proven leader and winner, but I bet most of you Cowboys fans would not be happy seeing my wear his number 12.  So what's the difference?  Is it just a difference with the sports or am i missing something?

My other reason for not wanting the matchup is the media and the advertisers preordaining the event.  Don't get me wrong, the Nike puppets are hillarious, and the two "definitely get their vitamins," but i see that as a huge marketing risk, and for some reason it would give me some satisfaction to see them fall on their faces.  And also the sports media *cough* ESPN *cough* pumpig up the matchu before it has even begun.  You know they already have Lebron and Kobe highlights stockpiled so they can play them to "Requiem for a Dream."  I want to challenge their coverage, and make them have to do a 180 on their planned coverage.  I also want to see some crow eating for those who dismissed Orlando and Denver as mere speed bumps.

And this isn't the first time ESPN has jumped the gun.  They were crowning the 2005 USC Trojans as one of the best team sof all time, before the "pretty good" Longhorns knocked them out.  They did the same with the 2007 Patriots, comparing them to teh greatest teams of all time, before they went 18-1 (emphasis on the 1).  And now it is a forgone conclusion that Lebron will face Kobe in the Finals.  I don't know, i guess i shouldn't get that much enjoyment from their blunders, lol.  (p.s. I Love watching ESPN)

So that's my take,  some the reasons why I am looking for Kobe and Lebron to not meet this season for the title.  So now it's your turn, let me know, where and why am I wrong or right?  How do you feel about the issue?  Please let me know.  The floor is yours, and everyone is welcome to way in.