The Best Ever Teams

Sustained Excellence in Professional Sports - what does this mean? How about Best Winning Percentage, Most Playoff Appearances, and Most League Titles? Without further ago, The Best Ever

Basketball (NBA/ABA) - 1947 to present: Lakers (1949)

• won/loss

1. Lakers (.620) over 63 years
2. Celtics (.595) over 65 years
3. Spurs (.584) over 44 years

• playoffs

1. Lakers (58)
2. Celtics (49)
3. Sizers (46) over 62 years

• titles

1. Celtics (17)
2. Lakers (16)
3. Bulls (6) over 45 years

source: http://www.basketball-reference.com/

Football (NFL/AFL) - 1920 to present: Cowboys (1960)

• won/loss

1. Bears (.578) over 91 years
2. Cowboys (.576) over 51 years
3. Dolphins (.572) over 45 years

• playoffs

1. Cowboys (30)
2. Giants (30) over 86 years
3. Browns (28) over 65 years

• titles (Super Bowl + League Champion)

1. Packers (13)
2. Bears (9)
3. Browns (8)

• Super Bowl Titles

1. Steelers (6) over 78 years
2. Cowboys (5)
3. 49ers (5) over 65 years

source: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/

Baseball (AL/NL) - 1876 to present: Yankees (1901)

• won/loss

1. Yankees (.568) over 110 years
2. Giants (.538) over 128 years
3. Dodgers (.524) over 127 years

• playoffs

1. Yankees (40)
2. Dodgers (22)
3. Cardinals (22) over 130 years

• titles

1. Yankees (27)
2. Cardinals (11)
3. Athletics (9) over 110 years

source: http://www.baseball-reference.com/

NBA Finals - Game 5

ITS OVER! Lakers have secured 15th NBA Championship. And, how sweet this one is. I'm sure hoops fans would have loved another nail-biter. But, after that simply amazing second quarter run (16 to Oh!), it was all over. The only remaining drama was 1) would Kobe get a triple-double and 2) would anyone hurt themselves in the post-game celebration. Great great win by the greatest franchise in the NBA.

Lots of chatter about "best ever" with respect to KB24. This is kind of unfair to Kobe. Obviously, he has been compared to (and models himself after) MJ, but Kobe is still playing. Kenny Smith ranked him 10th ALL-TIME. And, he's still playing! He is the only guy around who can improve his standing. Nuts.

Here's a nice factoid for comparison on the NBA Finals stage:

Kobe Bryant averaged 32.4 points and 7.4 assists per game against Orlando during the Finals. The only player to match or surpass Bryant's averages in each of those categories in an NBA Finals series was Jerry West, who averaged 37.9 points and 7.4 assists per game for the Lakers in their 1969 Finals loss to the Celtics.

That, to me, is a measure of his greatness. The widely acknowledged best SG B.M. (Before Michael) and Kobe is right there. By the way, Jordan never got that close to the Logo. Just saying.

Some more on the impossible. Instead of saying "single best ever", I'll identify the best ever (no limit) at each position, ranked how I see them...

PG - Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson
SG - Michael Jordan (for now), Kobe Bryant, Jerry West
SF - Larry Bird (for now), Pending 1*, Julius Erving
PF - Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Reserved 1*, Reserved 2*
C - Wilt Chamberlin, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal

Pending 1 - this spot is waiting on Lebron James to get a title. No one gets on my list without winning a title.

Reserved 1 - this spot is reserved for Elgin Baylor. Simply the best player ever to not win a title - a true shame.

Reserved 2 - this spot is reserved for Karl Malone. The second best player ever to not win a title - ironic that both played for Lakers. :-|

That's the Top 16 players of all-time. I'd take that squad anytime. :-) Let's just run a few 8 vs 8 player team challenges - Wilt and Bill picking squads.

Some tweets from the sweet series clinching Game 5:

# @sportsguy33 We need the Revenge Series first - 2010 and Celts are going down! In 2011 we can have the Rubber Match , when Lakes get 17th
about 13 hours ago from TweetDeck in reply to sportsguy33

# The L.A. Lakers win their 15th NBA championship, beating the Orlando Magic 99-86. (via @cnnbrk) Wooo Hooo
about 14 hours ago from Twitterrific in reply to cnnbrk

# 10 minutes and I can already get the official "on the court" hat shirt DVD and towel...for 79.95.
about 14 hours ago from Twitterrific

# We Are The Champions!!
about 14 hours ago from Twitterrific

# "Dad. Can we watch the trophy presentation?" "You bet, son." 3:00 left in the game
about 14 hours ago from Twitterrific

# LOTS of Forum Blue and Gold in the stands. "Lucky." - Napolean Dynamite
about 15 hours ago from Twitterrific

# KB24 refused treatment on his hand at halftime-Finals MVP is wrapped up
about 15 hours ago from Twitterrific

# Screening (antonym): Dwight Howard
about 15 hours ago from TweetDeck

# Screening: ...His opponent can see him and, therefore, is expected to detour around the screen.
about 15 hours ago from TweetDeck

# Screening: ...he may be as close as he desires providing he does not make contact...
about 15 hours ago from TweetDeck

# Screening: When a player screens in front of or at the side of a stationary opponent...
about 15 hours ago from TweetDeck

# Traveling: a. A player shall not run with the ball without dribbling it. b. Hedo Turkoglu
about 15 hours ago from TweetDeck

Series fade out, with "We Are The Champions" in the background...

NBA Finals - Game 3

Where to start? Let's see. We have an underdog at home playing for its first ever win in the Finals - not a SERIES win but a GAME win. Quickest whistle in the league (Crawford) - check. Worst whistle in the league (Wunderlich) - check. Unconscionably bad free throw shooting by the road team - check. Absolutely torrid 1st half shooting by the home team (75%) - check. And STILL the Lakes were in it to the end.

Orlando fans take whatever you want from this game. But, I'm disagreeing with Mark Jackson (said in my JVG voice). The Lakers lost this game. If I'm Orlando and my win is hanging on Kobe missing 4 freebies and making two horrific turns at the end, I'm in serious trouble.

I said before that Orlando stretches it to 6. But, after that shooting pace and only be up 5 at half and 4 at the end? Wow. They should have won by 20. The Lakers can rest easy knowing they let a VERY winnable game slip through their fingers.

NBA Finals - Preview

Not sure if its the 2 cups of coffee, but I'm buzzing right now. Oh, wait. Its the NBA FINALS BABY! Its going to be a great Series and I'll be blogging one Lakers fan's viewpoint throughout.

For now, my thoughts (like you care THAT much) on the matchups...

PG - DFish vs Skip to my Lou - Advantage: even. Fish is slowing down but has the wiles and gumption to get even on this matchup. Skip has the wheels but I'm not sure how he handles the pressure and with Jameer Nelson in the wings, it can't be good. Backup note: Farmer/Brown kill anything that Johnson brings. I'm really hoping Shannon Brown can take it to the next level - he has a GREAT toolset for the triple post.

SG - Mamba vs Some Rookie - Advantage: no contest. Just to make it a little less lopsided, let's combine Courtney Lee and Mickael Pietrus and call him Mickney Leetrus. There is no reasonable scenario where Mickney hangs with Kobe. The stats are not THAT off (except pts) - 17.8|5.6|2.4|1.56 vs 26.8|5.2|4.9|1.46. But, Kobe commands dbl/tpl teams the entire time and Leetrus will be ignored a LOT. If you get wide open corner 3s the ENTIRE game, you better be able to notch 15+ a game. Guarding LBJ is tough. But if you think about it, LBJ's actually a bit predictable. Either he runs headlong to the rim or dishes to a teammate at first sign of trouble. Mamba don't run that way. He doesn't let you off the hook after the first move. Poor Mickney Leetrus is in for a LONG series.

SF - Ariza vs MJofT - Advantage: (slim) to Orlando. Hedo has the ball a TON but takes a LOT of late shots. Ariza has covered a couple bigger heavier guys. This will seem like a vacation for him. And if Ariza continues his torrid shooting, this matchup easily swings the other way.

PF - Pau vs Shard - Advantage: (big) to Los Angeles. Lewis will get lots of open looks from deep. But, he will get absolutely killed on defense. I can easily see Lewis averaging 18-20 ppg and Gasol getting 26-28 ppg and tons of assists on the drop pass to Bynum after Howard comes to help.

C - Bynum vs Superman - Advantage: (not as big as it seems) to Orlando. Bynum has the length and size to play Superman one-on-one. This will (hopefully) limit the touches/shots Howard gets. If Bynum commits himself to D and R (help us out here @kaj33), then this Series is over quick. If he doesn't, then Dwight goes nuts and Lakers have to roll a dbl to him - not good. We'll see how well the new D handles a serious post threat.

X - LO vs Nelson (I guess) - Advantage: Lakers. The Lake Show gets BIGGER and LONGER when they sub. I could easily see Odom subbing for Ariza first to get 3 bigs against the Magic top group. But, either way, Lamar should be able to abuse Lewis even more than Pau will. I had to use Pietrus to get the SG position in the ballpark. What else does Orlando bring? The Nelson question will be big and distracting - will he/wont he play... - this can't be good for a young team on the big stage for the first time.

Coaches - Zen vs Panic - Advantage: no contest. Granted SVG is a good Xs/Os guy. But, at this point of the season, it's about execution and energy. That's why Zen has 10 rings (and counting). Any good college or HS coach could have figured out the Cavs over a best of 7. This is Bright Lights time and I expect SVG is not so good this figuring out a (real) offense.

Intangibles - M(otivation) HUGE advantage for Lakers; E(xperience) HUGE advantage for Lakers; (lack of) R(espect) advantage for Magic; H(ome) C(ourt) advantage for Lakers.

Orlando...
Championships: 0
Last Championship: Never won title
Last Season: Lost in Eastern Conference semifinals

Los Angeles...
Championships: 14 (5 as Minneapolis Lakers)
Last Championship: 2002
Last Season: Lost in NBA Finals

I'm still expecting a long series. But, ultimately Lakers prevail. Unlike any other sport, the NBA requires getting close and failing before a team can win it all. This Lakers team had that hurdle last year. The motivation to atone for last year will trump the "we have nothing to lose" freeness the Magic will bring. Lakers close it at home in 6 games.

Ciao

Game 6 - Western Conference Finals

We're headed to The Finals!

This was a shockingly easy close-out game. The Lakes solved the Denver riddle and exposed them (again) as very weak defenders. And, when they couldn't make enough baskets to hang with the Lakers, the Nugs rolled over pretty easy.

Now, time to clear room on the bandwagon. Have already started to hear it. Good times.

Of course, with Superman coming to town, the Finals are shaping up to be a GREAT series. A Kobe/Lebron series would have inevitably focused on the two superstars going solo against each other. However, we should remind that the Lakers a VERY good team and so is Orlando. Watching the Magic swing the ball and end up with a easy flush for Dwight Howard TIME AFTER TIME against the Cavs should provide any motivation, if needed.

I've been hearing Lakers in 5 max. I'm going to say it goes seven and Lakers prevail at home, proving, yet again, how important home court is in the NBA.

Game 1 - Western Conference Finals

Really REALLY liked that game. It would have been better to not get in an early hole. But, the Lakes took the Nugs early energy and responded well. I think the Nuggets are in trouble. That was their best chance to steal a game and they crumpled.

Fish hitting shots, Ariza stealing passes, and Kobe driving hard. All good! I think I'm going to stick with my Lakers in 7 prediction. Even PJ was on his game. The early Kobe on Billups and late Kobe on Melo is a coup (hopefully KB24 can keep this pace). Then the "intentional" foul with <6s, no Denver TOs, and up by 3 strategy - JVG about popped a gasket praising that decision. Furious George is in WAY over his head.

Expecting an easy Game 2 win and then some INTeresting games in CO. Can't wait.

Getting a kick out of Laker Tweetville. @kaj33 tweets, @jeaniebuss tweets, then they get retweeted by @miketrudell. Fun to watch.

Game 7 - Western Semi-finals

Now, the (Lakerdom) world is back to normal (again). Just a great day of basketball. Lakes had an EASY time against a weak Houston squad and the Celtics got punk'd at home. Can't get any better.

Its funny watching the media rip the Lakers. I'm still looking for a columnist that brings something other than venom to the scene. At least there is the "from wire reports" angle to give us something straight.

Now, onto the Western Conference Finals. We're expecting a VERY entertaining series. Denver is a great up-tempo squad. I see this going 7 games. Though, truth be told, it could very easily be over in 4. But, much different matchups in this series favoring the Lakers overall.

A quick tale of the tape:

PG - Billups v. Fish - advantage (slight) for Denver. Lakers have better depth though (who is the Denver backup PG again?) and Fish will be able to stay with Billups.

SG - Jones v. KB24 - no contest. I had to go to ESPN to remind myself who starts at 2 for the Nugs. I say Jones gets tossed from at least two of the games.

SF - Melo v. Ariza - advantage (on offense) for Denver and (huge) advantage on defense for the Lakers. This matchup is closer than it might appear. Melo plays ZERO defense and can be "coaxed" into sticky ball, much like Ron-Ron. But, Melo is much stronger on O than Artest. So, while this is close to a toss-up, we'll give it to Denver. If Ariza can stay consistent with the outside shot (50% against Houston and 61% against Utah), then Lakes should be able to mitigate the Melo Effect.

PF - KMart v. Gasol - no contest. I love KMart's game - aggressive and attacking. But, he got KILLED by Dirk. Pau should easily exploit KMart's (lack of) size and (over) aggressive nature, which will allow Lakers biggest matchup to swing their way.

C - Nene v. Bynum - advantage to Lakers. Nene has been playing great ball. But, Bynum has the length and quickness to counter Nene's offense. When the Lakers have the ball, Nene will be spending a LOT of time helping KMart with Gasol. That will give Bynum MANY free looks. If he brings the same (home) energy to this series, twill be a short series.

Coach - Karl v. Jackson - um, next! Get Furious George some more candy.

Intangiles - Nuggets v. Lakers - advantage (duh) Lakers...

Denver Nuggets -
Championships: 0
Last Championship: Never won title
Last Season: Lost in Western Conference first round

Los Angeles Lakers -
Championships: 14 (5 as Minneapolis Lakers)
Last Championship: 2002
Last Season: Lost in NBA Finals

Can't wait. And, how soon til the Lakers can tender Ron-Ron the mid-level vet contract?

Game 6 - Western Semi-finals

Wow. Just wow. When you come out flat and then see what a horrific officiating crew can do, no wonder you end up in a big hole. But 21-3? Wow. I must say though that they fought back and made a game of it, even with nothing from Fish, Odom, and Bynum. I like that they showed some fight.

Now, about the refs. Seriously, there is no legitimate reason for Mark Wunderlich to referring any NBA game, let alone a playoff game. Gross incompetence! You gotta think that the fix is in. After the Donaghy fiasco, how can anyone allow this blatant corruption go on. At least we can do away with those Lebron/Kobe conspiracy theories.

Well, on to Game 7. I'm a little disappointed they didn't finish them off in 6. But, no one said the Rockets would be an easy out. LO has to get right fast or KMart is going to kill him. If one argues that the small quick guards give the Lakes trouble, then Denver will be a good match-up for them. We'll see.

Game 5 - Western Semi-finals

Now, THAT is what I'm talking about. Sweet precision resulting in a resounding victory. The Lakes took the Rockets early emotion, channeled it in the last half of the 1st quarter, then pounded them for the remainder of the game.

So many positives come from this game. Renewal for Bynum, rest for Odom, restored attacking from Kobe. The Rockets have a tall task in front of them for Thursday. If the Lakers bring ANY of this confidence to Texas, its all over. We're hoping that Dallas shows up tonight and can extend that series (really, it should be 2-2 right now).

Ok. Can't make it through a post without wondering why Apple is still playing. Why not split those minutes tween Kobe (with SB at the two) and Lamar? I can't even imagine the explosiveness of a Kobe, Trevor, Lamar, Pau, Andrew lineup. Sub-in Shannon Brown to check the quicker guards. This would allow Trevor, Kobe and Lamar to take turns beating up on Melo and then Lebron. Easy pickings but getting WAY too far ahead of things.

For now, let's look for a strong start - the team to lead at end of 1st has won each game. That's a good goal for now.

Ciao.

Game 4 - Western Semi-finals

What a pathetic effort. Hope this is an anomaly. Clearly, the Lakes felt like a split was enough. And, from our vantage, this loss wasn't unexpected - too much emotion for the Rockets. And, as feared, a lackluster start by the Lakers dug a (too) deep hole. Ah well.

The energy in the 4th was encouraging. The injury to Odom is not. Let's hope he comes back quick because Bynum is bringing nothing to this series.

Blah - that's it. Can't/Won't say anymore. Tuesday can't come soon enough.

Game 3 - Western Semi-finals

Ah! The world is back to normal. This game is, I think, a true reflection of these two teams. The emotion/rust has worn off and now they're playing about the way they should.

We'll see some interesting arguments about whether the Lakes are better with Farmar starting or not. I normally tend to agree with Mark Jackson. However, he is NOT the best point in this series. He did have a solid game. Nice to see and hope it carries over not matter how they play him in the remaining games.

I must admit that I've completely lost what little I had for Apple Turnover (aka Luke Walton). I continue to be amazed when he contributes to the team. He is very expensive for a back-up and can't make it as a starter. What do you do with him?

Felt bad for Artest. No way was that F2. Seems like over-reaction by referees based on Game 2. Too bad. Can't wait for the conspiracy guys to dredge that one.

I am LOVING the Vujacic/Wafer sub-plot. Two guys barely involved in his team's success just squaring off the entire time they're on the floor. Great stuff. I'm suspecting that if Sasha hadn't whacked him on the head Von would have gotten the offensive call. He basically did the same as D Fish but had the ball. If Sasha had just crumpled to the floor in the fetal position, he could have drawn the same F2 that Scola did.

Man, I hope Kupchak (Kup Check!!) figures out a way to get Ron-Ron into the Forum Blue and Gold next year!

Game 2 - Western Semi-finals

WOW! Lots of "physicality" in this one. We knew the Lakes would come out firing. While I don't condone violence, I'm glad that they responded to the Rockets rough tactics. It will be interesting to see if any additional penalties are handed out.

By the way Ron, you had your FOREARM jammed into Kobe's neck. Don't forget that when you're crying about a "wayward" elbow. If you're going to get physical, you can't whine when it comes back to you. Gotta think if Kobe gets pinched, then Ron-Ron rushing at THE marquee player in the NBA with venom in his eyes should draw something too.

By the way Luis, how much do you weigh? You have to be a LOT lighter than you look to go down that hard from a little tap from tiny Derek Fisher. If Fish is held out for next game, I don't see that as a big loss. At this point, his main contribution is "veteran experience". Jordan and Shannon seemed to have figured out how to play Brooks/Lowry.

Lost in the hoopla is 2 repeats from the 1st round - Lamar Odom is MUCH better for the Lakes as a starter right now. And, Yao is disappearing after a great Game 1. Rockets wont sweep at home this time though.

In the Big Picture, this is a good series. Rocks don't have enough to take Lakes in 7 games (remember it will be over in 6 anyway) but do have enough to challenge the Lakes "manhood". Denver series should be a vacation after this and Lakes will be ready for Cavs - who wont be tested til Orlando/Boston come to town (and maybe not even then).

Ciao.

Game 1 - Western Semi-finals

Disappointing...but luckily I couldn't see it. Seriously, does Sager look at the stuff the costumer brings him and say "Nope. That one isn't loud enough!" I'm really glad we didn't see the shoes. I might have had permanent eye damage.

And that, folks, is the best of what happened in Game 1.

True, the Lakers had a shot (and the lead in the 4th). I'm not too worried about the series. No way will the Rockets burn that good in the rest of this series. And, the Lakers have a LOT more left than the Blazers did. Lots of nice props for Rick Adelman (who I normally like a lot) but he can't hold a candle to PJ. There will be some nice drama and good ratings for the series. But, I said Lakes in 6 and I'm holding to it.

Why can't I find a clip of Pacman's blowout of Hatton on youtube yet???

Ciao.

Round 6 - splat

Awful...abysmal...atrocious...and that's just the officiating. The announcers, the crowd, the fakers in green...absolutely horrible - there was NO WAY the Lakers were getting that game.

But, still, the Lakers played the most horrible game I've seen in forever. Basketball is a simple game - drive the ball, force the action, find the open man and REBOUND. The Lakers did none of this. Kobe will get the blame for this AGAIN. But, seriously, with Vujacic and Radmanovich jacking early 3s and playing ZERO defense, even Jordan wouldn't have won.

Kupchak still has some work to do - a big nasty to clear the board - wherever the next Charles Oakley is, he's got to trade Odom.

Bah....I hate the celtics.

Round 5 - another exhale

Lakers squeek through - they are not in championship form. :-( An omen for the bloodbath to follow.

Round 4 - crushed

Arrghhhhhhh.







Well, we'll see what this team is made of. An historic collapse. Enough said.

Round 3 - finally an exhale

The ship has righted and all is good again in the World. Lakes got rewarded for their aggressiveness - too bad they couldn't make the freebies. Form is holding and Game 4 will start to show us the real tenor of this series.

In a long series, the team that can successfully make the right adjustments will win it. I'm giving the edge to the Lakers on this one. If the C's can somehow steal 4 (not likely) then, different story. But, if it goes the distance, the Lakes have the biggest advantage. I'm really looking forward to that Game 6 - close em out in Boston!! 21 years seems like only yesterday.

Round 2 - the fix is in

After 30 years of watching NBA basketball, I will agree that the officiating is generally horrible. But, tonight, for Laker fans, it was atrocious. Its been awhile since I've seen suck erratic and one-sided calls (38-10 free throws!!). Almost like they said "Let's put LA in a huge hole and see what happens". Amazingly, they almost pulled it out. Looks like 3 straight for LA in LA - more familiar rims and home-cooking calls.

I'm still holding to the 2-0 Celtics, 3-2 Lakers and tense game 6 to C's and Game 7 to the Lake Show. We'll see.

Round 1 is in the books

Quite a frustrating night. Not unhappy but frustrated. Lakes have seen the best the C's have and came up short. The C's have *not* seen the best the Lakes have. That's why it was frustrating.

Clearly, if the C's win, PP will get the MVP. He is that important to the team. When he was out in the 3rd, Lakes made a huge run. If Pierce is compromised at all, Lakes have an easier path.

On the other hand, Kobe doesn't mean any less to the Lakers. Off night (off as in choppy) for him. They had sooo many open shots. Felt disjointed and rushed. Twill be interesting to hear the post-game chatter.

I still feel good about the series. Looking like 7 games for sure. 1/2 for C's 3/4/5 for Lakes 6 for C's and Seismic Game 7. Getting shivers thinking about that last - tho I'd love for Lakes to go 4 straight and close it out in Game 6. But, this already smells like a 7 Game Knock-down Drag-out affair (rubbing hands).

Larry Bird is the antichrist...

If it's truly possible to quiver with excitement, this week is it...for basketball fans. The best NBA team ever (Lakers) against the beantown bozos. The best part is we get a steady diet of highlights from the TEN NBA Finals between these two teams.

This reminded me that Larry Bird is such a despicable player. And, he is NOT the "basketball jesus" contrary to what many say (here and anything related to basketball by Bill Simmons). If he was, why haven't the Pacers won anything since he's been running the show (they did win 3 ABA championships)?

Plus, he's a Celtic. That, by definition, makes him evil.

Its funny but anyone under 30 probably doesn't realize the malice that Lakers and Celtics fans have for the other's teams. Even The Truth knows the Celtics are evil - you know he was laughing and had his fingers crossed!!

And, he was captain of the ugliest starting five in the history of basketball - Danny Ainge, Dennis Johnson, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish.

And, he was in those stupid commercials with Jordan. Ugh!

Go Lakes!!!