Magical

"I'mma need a day off, I think I'll call Ferris up..."


Kanye West - Gotta Have It

Things have been very interesting around the NBA the past 2-weeks, as the Heat, and Thunder continue to win...while Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin is getting on the job training.


Consistency


It's the All-Star break and while 90-percent of the league is enjoying the much needed time off...the other 10-percent have arrived in Orlando ready for the 61st midseason classic. I am currently watching the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge high above the court in section 202 of the Amway Center...however what's more important is what will happen from the moment this weekend ends, and the second half of the season begins?


Will the Lakers make a trade, where will Dwight Howard go, are the Clippers for real, and can the 76ers get their groove back?


The month of March is around the corner and the answers to these questions and many others will soon be revealed.


Words: @axgilbert


Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

The Next Movement

"We hit 'em like the EL at 60th and Market..."

Black Thought - Adrenaline

The Philadelphia 76ers have been playing well all season. In fact they are leading the Atlantic Division with a 18-8 record, however when it comes to national recognition, things seems to fall apart.

The Return

On Thursday night the NBA announced the All-Star reserve rosters for the east and western conference teams. February 9, 2012 is a date that should remain as a point of reference in the minds of the Sixers faithful...as Andre Iguodala was named to his first All-Star team, which will be played later this month in Orlando. 

I wanted to get his take on making the mid-season classic, so I sent out 2-text messages and a tweet to congratulate him on his recent accomplishment. He replied via text saying, "It hasn't even hit me yet..I'm thinking about the Clippers tomorrow!"

His response is a microcosm of what the Sixers are all about, with their all business, team first approach to every practice and game...and that's the difference between them and a lot of other teams around the league.

Things are changing for the better, as the 76ers continue to make believers out of people.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Michael Perez/Associated Press

Points of Interest

"Phife this, Phife that, where you going, where you at?"

Phife Dog - Butter

Yesterday Jorge Posada retired from the New York Yankees, after a a storied career which spanned 17-years in pinstripes. What was most intriguing, is that he played entirely with one club, and in this day something like that is as rare as it is admirable.

Change

The NBA is heating up, after a late post lock-out start. The complexity that is the National Basketball Association is always interesting, and now that the dust has settled...the talk of free-agency continues to loom large over a few teams. There are two names that keep owners, general managers, agents, and fans alike up at night...hoping, and praying that they can sign the likes of Deron Williams, or Dwight Howard.

Williams and Howard are the flavors of the month, and it won't stop until one or both of them are traded before the deadline in March. Deron Williams wants to stay with the Nets if they land Dwight Howard, and interestingly enough, Howard has New Jersey at the top of his list because of his former Olympic teammate Deron Williams. I see a theme here, nevertheless if nothing happens, which I highly doubt...they can sign with any franchise as free agents this summer.

As I stated at the outset it's extremely rare for an athlete to stay put for the duration of their career, no matter what the case in Orlando, if Dwight Howard stays or leaves...he became the all-time scoring leader for the franchise as of yesterday surpassing Nick Anderson.

Stay tuned sports fans, as this season will only bring more surprises.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Associated Press

Faith

"I'm super fly, I'm super high, you gettin' yours...I'm gettin' mine..."

Rick Ross - Super High

I haven't been myself lately...anyone that knows me...understands exactly what I mean, on paper I'm sure I look great...I'm a college graduate with job, and bright future. However I haven't been up to par...best way I can explain it...I'm starting to mirror a certain team in South Florida.

Goodfellas

I think Jay-Z said it best, when he stated..."it was all good just a week ago"...now things haven't spiraled to the point of no return, but if you check your twitter time line, or read the your ESPN app regularly, then you would think the Miami Heat had lost their glass slipper, and turned into a pumpkin at midnight.

Currently they are playing less than advertised with 15 games in the books (8 wins, 7 losses), however when a team like this is assembled in the free agency fashion it was...you need time for it to coagulate.

Every great team has a superstar or two (Lakers), and the Heat have that...what they lack is the experience of playing together, front court defense, and health. In these times of 24-hour instant access, I believe that the average, fly-by-night, bandwagon, fan doesn't have the patience to wait for DWade and company to fulfill the championship promises.

Miami is stuck in neutral, and with 67-games to go...things can change for the better...the Heat's biggest concern is not when they turn things around...it's the more established teams in the East, like Orlando, and Boston.

This is not the year LeBron makes good on his quest for the title...that day is still a little further down the road. Until that time comes, games like James' return to Cleveland will have to do for highlights, and headlines of this season.

Have faith everyone, Rome wasn't built in a day.

Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

October

"I got a decent set of manners, and a job that fills up any empty schedule or planner..."

Drake - Unstoppable

This is my favorite time of the year because it usually means that the Yankees are in the World Series.

Brand New

April and October are the best months for baseball because they signify both the beginning and the end. The Yanks will not play to defend their '09 crown, and part of me can appreciate that nothing is guaranteed in life, and the Bronx Bombers can begin preparing now for next year.

As for the Philadelphia Phillies...they lost too, so as far as I'm concerned...it's officially basketball season. I expect the Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, and Boston Celtics to play and battle on a higher than average level...while the Miami Heat have endless potential that will make this first season watching them one to remember.

I want to wish the San Francisco Giants, and Texas Rangers all the best in the fall classic, however when Game 1 begins on Wednesday...I plan to watch the 76ers play against the Heat.

Baseball season ended a little early for me, however the spring will be here before you know it, and all will be well with the world again.

The NBA saga however...continues on October 26th.

The Fifth Element

"There's a long list of high profile celebrities..."

Nas - Get Down

It's been slightly over a year since the Lakers defeated the Magic for the title...but before we take a trip down memory lane...it was merely a few weeks ago, when they did the impossible and repeated as champions.

Rivalry

Ron Artest, and Derek Fisher stepped up in the final two wins... nevertheless, Kobe Bryant received all the credit. However this was the best of one team in the Lakers, against the fire power of another...the rival Celtics. Anytime a best of 7-series goes the distance, the teams are evenly matched and it's the little things that go a long way. For example Kobe had a terrible shooting night in the finale, however he still managed to grab 15 rebounds...and Sasha Vujacic knocked down 2 critical free-throws down the stretch to help seal the victory.

Now that both teams have beaten one another for all the marbles in the last 2-years...it is safe to say that the heated rivalry from previous decades are back...which is a great thing for the fans and the overall popularity of the league.

What I didn't appreciate is how it seemed everyone cheered for the C's and they weren't even Boston fans. Much respect to my friend Ariana, who is legit and bleeds green...nevertheless, now that the season is over, it's time for the rookies to make a name for themselves, and for free agency to make everything topsy turvy.

It's July, and I can hardly wait for next season to begin.

The Phoenix

"United we can get over..."

Willie Hutch - Brother's Gonna Work It Out

Basketball is an unfair game. It's the type of contest that even when you give your best effort...you still lose. Nothing in this league happens overnight, so as the Lakers continue to play on, their first round opponent will be back next season in full force.

Degree of difficulty

Kobe Bryant has endured through an extremely rough season, and while he presses on through all the injuries, I find it interesting to hear that people believe his career is over. I don't feed into who is better, or the best...basketball on this level is a business and the bottom line is about winning. Nevertheless he finished with 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.

The Lake Show are the reigning champions and if their fearless leader has anything to do with it, they will capture this year's crown. Bryant is sure to show and prove, and when Russell Westbrook needed a hand in his face, Kobe Bean expressed interest in applying the necessary pressure.

There are two things I learned from the Lakers/Thunder series:

• The OKC Thunder have no fear, what they lacked in this round was depth in the front court, and playoff experience. They will add to their roster this summer, and next year every team needs to be on alert.
• The Lakers have all the tools to repeat, however they do not always play to their strength. As they move forward, I believe they will make the necessary tweaks to return to their superior form.

As for everything going on back east...two words: Orlando Magic

Photo: Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images

Focused

"The Lakers beat the SuperSonics..."

Ice Cube - It Was A Good Day

As a child, whenever I had a bad day, I'd go to the park and shoot hoops until I felt better. Now as an adult...I still play make those lonely trips to the playground, however...sometimes I'll run a few miles, or even write.

Habitual

The NBA playoffs officially kicked off last weekend...with the Cavs, and Magic playing exactly as expected, while the Trailblazers continued to amaze and win despite their injuries. Nonetheless, it was the Los Angeles Lakers that had all eyes on them. The Lake Show are the rock stars of the league, and reigning champs or not, the light always shines brightest in the city of angels.

After defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 87-79, everyone questioned the Lakers play and poor shooting from Kobe. For some reason a lot of people felt compelled to call and text me...my response is simply this...it's the playoffs and all wins are good wins.

I expect Los Angeles to win the series, and move on to the second round. The Thunder will benefit greatly from their playoff experience, and next year they will be better, stronger, and faster...until then...keep your eyes on Orlando, Cleveland, and the Lake Show, because things are about to get exciting.

It's a marathon, not a sprint...first team to 16 wins, captures the crown.

Photo: Evan Gole/NBAE via Getty Images

Ubiquitous

"They never leave, they're here to stay..."

Mos Def - History

Nobody remembers who came in second place...so when you talk about the 2009 NBA Finals, the Orlando Magic have become can afterthought.

Definition

If the season ended today, many people would pencil in the Lakers and Cavaliers in a highly anticipated Kobe versus LeBron, Nike Most Valuable Puppets championship...however basketball like everything else in life has no guarantee.

The Magic with a pillar in Dwight Howard and floor general in Jameer Nelson have the components to make return trip to the promise land. Atlanta, Boston, and Cleveland are playing well, and because of that fact, the reining conference champions are left without their proper respect.

I asked a few of the Magic players what their thoughts were on the topic:

AXG: What's the state of this team?

Dwight Howard: It's a different team from last year for one...and now we're starting to gel together, so the biggest difference from last year's team is that last year we had all been together for a long time so we had great chemistry, and now we're just trying to learn to play with each other.

AXG: Where is the love and respect for this team?

Dwight Howard: We are still the only people who believe in us. There are still people that think we won't get as far as we did last year, but our main concern is finishing out the regular season strong without any injuries. I don't think they respect us...we still have to get that respect from people. We are the defending Eastern Conference champs and you let everybody else tell it...it's like we didn't even win it. We understand that, we are just going to continue to work on our game, and come playoff time we're going to be ready.

AXG: Jameer...you and Dwight sat and watched the Lakers celebrate the championship last year...can you speak on that?

Jameer Nelson: I did it with him...he wanted me to stay out there to soak it in...because you don't want anyone to celebrate on your home court, and we don't want that feeling anymore. What we did was try to soak it in, and use that as motivation.

AXG: How will that help your team as you make this run into the playoffs?

Jameer Nelson: Well we know the feeling...and we don't want that again, so like I told the guys earlier...each time we step on the court, it's a different experience and it prepares you for another game, and another situation similar to it.

AXG: Can you explain your last meeting against the Lakers, and Kobe Bryant specifically?

Matt Barnes: With great players like that you have to make them work. I think a lot of attention came to it because it was the Lakers and they [Magic] played each other in the Finals last year. I just thought it was a physical game...back and forth and the fact that it was Kobe and someone was standing up to him...everyone made a big deal about it, but you have to really make someone like him work. He's the greatest player in the world and you can't let him have the mental advantage over you as well. So I tried to stay in it and make him take as many shots as possible to get his points.

AXG: What do you bring to this team?

Matt Barnes: I'm trying to change the mentality around here. You know word on the street and around the league was that Orlando was soft, and it's nothing that one person is going to change, I think it's a team overhaul and mentality that you're not just going to come into our house and push us around. I think the team has taken to that and that's a good thing to roll with.

Photo: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Imagaes

Superman

"You need a baller like I..."

Jay-Z - What They Gonna Do

I've been a fan of comics for a good number of years...and like sports there are triumphs and tragedy.

Heroic

About five years ago I was asked to be a guest on a college radio show at UNC Chapel Hill...and when the host introduced me...he said that I was the Clark Kent of the sneaker game. I was flattered by his words, as I grew up reading about and watching Superman.

I never asked him what he meant by that, nevertheless I understood...because Kent is the secret identity of Superman...which leads me to Dwight Howard. His nickname is Superman because of what he can do on the basketball court, so he and I are on opposite ends of the spectrum, yet on the same page.

His new "This is Sportscenter" commercial is classic, as I look forward to seeing it on television.

The Magic are playing well, and with a former Orlando center now taking residence in Cleveland, the upcoming playoffs are certain to be nothing less than monumental.

Stay tuned!

Versus

"Quit acting like I'm the only one to blame..."

The Dream - Love vs. Money: Part 2

I have always taken a stance to shy away from serious issues, and with the recent changes in the Washington Wizards organization...I've decided to ignore the problem and move forward as always.

Back to the Future

I cover every NBA team and I'm usually on assignment in Philadelphia, and DC. In light of what the Wizards are going through, on any given day, I'm front and center of what's going in the nation's capital...in fact I'm sitting in section 104 of the Verizon Center as I pen this biased piece.

Two years ago I interviewed David Falk, and he told me that the best writers cover all things great and small, good or bad...which led me to think that I should give my thoughts on Gilbert Arenas.

First and foremost this started as a joke that went too far, and now the future of Arenas' basketball career is in jeopardy. The fact that it was Gilbert with his usual playful antics...enabled him to continue to push the envelope and "make light" of everything. I wish one of the powers that be would have stopped this before it was too late, however to no avail, things got out of hand.

I don't gamble, nevertheless I can understand the life and camaraderie on the road. Things happen and some things should never happen. I think that this "joke" made the NBA to come down on him with force...in essence an example had to be made, and like it or not, that's how the game of life is played.

I want things to work out, because I feel that everyone makes mistakes and should have a chance at redemption. The question becomes...if eligible will the Wizards organization bring Gilbert back? He hasn't played in over 2 seasons due to injury and the team became accustomed to playing without him. He's been playing well this year, however in their first official game without him, the Wiz played great defense with a consistent offensive attack, and was able to defeat the Magic 104-97.

It's all a numbers game...as the organization was looking to move a player or two for financial purposes before this happened, and if Arenas' $111 million dollar contract becomes void, then things will change in a major fashion for both Gilbert and the Wizards' bank accounts.

For now its wait and see.

Photo: Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images

Lord of the Ring

"I spit a story backwards...it starts at the ending..."

Nas - Rewind

I covered the NBA Finals this year, and with it being my first time and all, I not only interviewed the players from both teams, but I also filmed a lot of behind the scenes footage. I think the video turned out pretty well, and I'm already looking forward to the upcoming season. I'm thinking about flying out to LA for the ring ceremony in October...stay tuned.

The Five Deadly Venoms

Four

Love

Fresh

Family

Focus

"Trying get that Kobe number...one over Jordan..."

Kanye West - Swagga Like Us

The NBA season concluded Sunday night in Orlando, as the Poison Clan closed out the Finals with a stellar 99 - 86 victory over the Magic.

Mission Statement

No one believed in the Lakers more than themselves. I was in Orlando last week...and even I was on the edge of my seat after what happened in Game 3, but with determination, teamwork, and a few mishaps from the home team, the Lake Show made it happen over the next two games...capturing their 15th title in franchise history.

I had an hunch that things would be different in Game 4 and 5, because after I conversed with Kobe, and Odom before and during the media availability (Wednesday afternoon) they both spoke candidly about staying the course and closing the Magic out. They were so relaxed that we started talking about things other than the game, as it was just really good to catch up.

This was a special year for me, as I witnessed some classic moments this season...from Andre Iguodala's buzzer beater in LA, to LeBron's crab dribble, as well as the 61-points posted by Bryant in Madison Square Garden...its been quite a show.

In covering the 76ers, Wizards, Cavs, Magic, and Lakers this year...I must admit that I began to see the evolution of each team. The 76ers showed promise in making the playoffs two years in a row, and while the Wizards had a tough season, they were able to develop JaVale MaGee which will come in handy next year. I was surprised by both the Cavs and the Magic, as I thought Cleveland would advance to the Finals, and not Orlando, but that is why the games are played, won, and lost. Last but not least what I noticed from the Poison Clan was a growth and maturity that very few teams have. Losing to Boston last year changed the Lakers, as they learned to win by losing.

Let's see...I covered the Lake Show in the following cities: Philadelphia, DC, New York, the Meadowlands, Los Angeles, and Orlando. They won all but 2 games, with one of the losses in Game 3...and while they didn't always play well, it was usually good enough to win. The formula worked for them to the tune of "I Love LA" and another championship banner.

Consequently, the parade and celebration is tomorrow in the City of Angeles. I firmly believe that this team can win again, and we will have NBA deja vu with the Celtics and Lakers trading championships. Last year is 1984 in which the C's took it all, and this year is '85 with the Lake Show victorious.

The Poison Clan wins again, Kobe and Fisher have 4, Phil has 10, and I have a feeling that the Magic will be back again.

Stay tuned sports fans.

Photos: Garrett Ellwood/NBAE, Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE, Anthony Gilbert/AXG

The Super Friends

Strength

Will

Style

"I had to lose myself, so I can love you better..."

Lauryn Hill - Lose Myself

I'm in Florida for the NBA Finals, and while it looks a little like Southern California...things are somewhat different, yet the same.

Superman

The Amway Arena is a welcome change of venue for the Orlando Magic as they...like the Poison Clan have won at home, while losing on the road. These are my first of any NBA championship series so I too had to shake off the pregame jitters. It was quite surprising as I've been writing for a few years, but once I was able to soak everything in, the game began and Kobe Bryant put on a 1st quarter show.

Blue Magic had an excellent game from start to finish aside from their inability to stop turning the ball over, however they were able to play a great swarming defense to cause a few key turnovers, including one on Bryant in the waning seconds. In the end they outlasted the Lake Show 108-104. 

LA leads 2 game to 1...

My keys to the Magic's Game 3 win are as follows:

• Orlando playing at home (They are a great team overall, but nothing beats playing at home)
• Play and composure of Skip to my Lou...says Alston, "The league is a make-and-miss league - first two games I'm missing...I look horrible. Tonight I'm making, I look good. That's what this league is about. It's a make-and-miss league."
• Magic offense highlighted by 4 players in double figures, none with less than 18 points
• Total team defense, described by Kobe as "They threw the whole kitchen sink, and they did a great job staying on my body. They brought help from the weak side, simple as that."

Today at the media availability after the Lakers practice/Magic shoot around, I was able to catch up with Bryant, and Odom, as well Jameer Nelson, and Courtney Lee. I noticed that the teams were extremely loose and comfortable, and have forgotten about the previous 3 games, as they focus on tomorrow and Game 4.

I spoke to everyone in the designated media areas, except for Kobe who I saw along with legendary trainer Tim Grover in the hallway adjacent to the court. The first thing he said was that he saw me last night, but he didn't have an opportunity to say hello. Coincidentally, as I typed that sentence above Dwight Howard walked past the media work room, and politely said hello and waved.

I'm really loving it here...

VENOM

Genesis

"The day begins with a grin, and prayer to excuse my sins..."

KRS - ONE - Why Is That?

I watched Game 1 last night as the Lakers cruised to a 25-point win over the visiting Orlando Magic. In the aftermath,I turned to ESPN 2 this morning for further analysis and entertainment. Much to my surprise, instead of talking about the ins and outs of the game...one of the topics on First Take was the authenticity of Kobe Bryant's scowl/game face.

West Side Story

I don't want to drag out the foolishness that I saw on First Take, however I found it interesting that the wrong focus of the game is being portrayed by the media. Everyone knows that in this business perception is reality and that just isn't fair to the athletes. Which leads me to my next point...why do people hate and hate on Kobe? I'm from the school of thought that says you shouldn't hate, or dislike someone that you don't know...besides we shouldn't hate people for no reason anyway.

So to all of you Kobe Bean Bryant detractors, how many of you actually know the man, and have been offended by him?

I wasn't going to write this story because I hear the dumbest reasons why people dislike KB24...let's see:

• He's trying to be like Jordan. Okay so did I, and if you lived in Italy and France as kid, who would you look up to? Oh and to set the record straight Kobe's favorite player is Magic Johnson.
• Kobe is cocky and arrogant. Show me a top tier athlete or business person that doesn't have an edge and I'll show you a person that doesn't excel on an elite level.
• He shoots too much...so what NBA team do you play for, I mean come on...he is the best player in the world.
• Here's a favorite...he's not really from Philly...on the contrary friend, he was born in this crazy city and lived here before moving overseas. If Brooklyn can claim Michael Jordan, then it should be easy for Bryant to recognize Philadelphia and vice versa.
• Kobe said that he is an LA guy and that he doesn't have love for Philly. Okay so this was a quote taken out of context when Jim Gray from NBC asked Kobe about playing the Sixers in the 2001 NBA Finals. And let's look at another fact...his father Joe is a Philadelphia basketball legend (John Bartrum H.S., LaSalle University), Kobe loves his family, and his city.

All in all the brother is talented, and it's sad that people cannot appreciate him for being a basketball player. He won a gold medal for team USA, and he never fails to keep you on the edge of your seat during the season.

I'm not sure if the hate will ever cease but in closing I'd like to issue a challenge to all of you that "cannot stand" him. If you ever cross paths with him, I wonder if you would actually tell him that you don't like him? What if Kobe attended your BBQ or family reunion, I bet you would be the first person in a picture next to him...I've seen it happen.

Everyone has a favorite basketball player, but are they anymore "perfect" than Kobe Bryant...just remember that the media has helped determine a lot of "reasons" why you dislike this man, because just like they are attacking LeBron James right now...they have, and will again go after Bryant. 

Live your life, mind your business, and the world will turn.

Peace be unto you.

Poison Clan

Heart

Unsatisfied

Back to back

"If I were you, I'd take precaution..."

Bell Biv DeVoe - Poison

I wrote a story yesterday entitled Antidote...so today's entry is about something so potent that nothing can help the victim once the venom is introduced into their system.

Hunger

The Los Angeles Lakers enter Game 1 of the NBA Finals tonight with the stigma and stain from an embarrassing championship loss a year ago in Boston. With that pain still fresh in their hearts and minds, you can expect the Lake Show to play with a heightened sense of urgency.

Kobe Bryant...also known as the Black Mamba is the most deadly professional basketball player on planet Earth. Recently he has been more focused than usual, as I'm sure he can all but taste the sweet nectar of victory. I do not want to take anything away from Blue Magic as they have some serious weapons, not too mention the current Defensive Player of the Year in Dwight Howard. 

Like I always say...I don't make predictions, I just watch the games and interview the athletes...nevertheles below are the keys to a Lakers win, and parade in the City of Angeles:

• Kobe Bryant would like nothing more than to win another championship. He has told me this numerous times this season and just like last year, I truly believe that he will continue to practice and play until he quenches his insatiable thirst.
• Luke Walton comes off the bench, however he does all the little things that are add up to the team's success. Between that, his veteran leadership, and his goal of winning his 1st title in 3 tries is enough to fuel the fire within him. You must remember that his Hall of Fame father Bill Walton has 2 rings (Portland '77, and Boston '86), and Luke would like to join him ASAP.
• Lamar Odom played extremely well during the last 2 games against the Nuggets, and if he can keep that up, then it could prove costly for the Magic.
• Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum individually will have their problems with Dwight Howard, but as a united front, they can be unstoppable. The offense is there...its the defense that the Lakers front court needs to focus on.

Photos:  Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE, Doug Pensigner/Getty Images

Versus

"Turn to my nemesis..."

Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam)-  Go

I watched this on youtube, and I had to post it on GAME TIME...and once I was got over my laughter...I thought about it...only Dwight Howard can stop Dwight Howard. The Orlando Magic's future will continue to rely on his broad shoulders.

Antidote

Champion

Unity

Beast of the East

"For me giving up is way harder than trying..."

Kanye West - Champion

The best two teams in the association will vie for league supremacy once the NBA Finals begin on Thursday. 

Blue Magic

I was watching Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals last week with my friend Madeleine, and I expressed to her that the it didn't matter who won the contest because either team would have to play against the Lakers and their ultimate weapon Kobe Bryant.

She's not too high on Kobe, and I tried to explain that anytime your nickname is the Black Mamba, which interestingly enough is Africa's most dangerous and feared snake...then opposing teams had better pack a lunch, because its going to be a long day.

I often refer to her as a "tough crowd", because she doesn't go for the popular vote or opinion...and she calmly turned to me and said that Dwight Howard is the antidote to the Mamba's poison. 

Touche'...point well taken.

If Orlando is in fact a remedy to what the Lake Show can do, then it would rely on the factors below:

• Dwight Howard is the most dominant center in the NBA. With a name like Superman...he can do it all. In this era of power forwards that moonlight at the center position, Howard is young, nonetheless proven as he anchored the Magic to the championship round. He had 40 points, and 14 rebounds in the deciding game against the Cavaliers.
• Rashard Lewis has played well this season as an All-Star, and he has continued to raise the level of his game throughout the playoffs. His height allows him play various positions on the court, making him difficult to defend.
• Hedo Turkoglu proves to be just as difficult to guard as he uses his size, ball handling skills, and sharp shooting to carry his team in victory.
• Standout Rookie Courtney Lee has been playing like a savvy veteran, on both ends of the floor, with hustle, offense, and defense.
• Jameer Nelson was an All-Star this year as the Magic had three players for the Eastern squad, however he did not play in the mid season classic because of a shoulder injury, which has also hindered him from playing for the entire second half of the year. He has proven to give the Los Angeles Laker serious trouble with averages over 20 points per game, and if he can contribute on a high level then his "X" factor could pay great dividends for Orlando.

Photos: Nathaniel S. Butler, Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images