His legacy is at stake.
Kobe Bryant has long been compared to the great Michael Jordan, and now they are in a bout as to who is greatest to lace up his sneakers in the history of the NBA. However, the majority of fans are, at the moment, undecided as to who is the better player. But, if Kobe Bryant wins an NBA Championship tonight, then that could all change.
If he wins tonight, then he will have won his fifth title, which is one shy of Jordan's six championships. But, he will have accomplished something that Jordan never did in his illustrious career: He will have won an NBA Finals Game Seven being down three games to two.
That is the definition of clutch in the NBA.
Kobe will have had his back against the wall twice in the biggest playoff series of them all, against the best Boston Celtics team in 25 years.
If he is able to pull off this monumental feat, then he will by a slight margin, be regarded as the best player the NBA has seen. In addition, he will have won two championships without Shaquille O'Neal. That is a feat that many thought was impossible.
Do you see a theme here?
One game has the potential to decide Kobe Bean Bryant's lasting legacy. If he wins, he will surpass Michael Jordan as the best player to ever play the great game that is basketball, but if he loses, he will be recognized as number two for the rest of his life.
That is indeed much pressure to put on Kobe in one game. But, I feel that the pressure will motivate Kobe to win Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals.
Score Prediction: Lakers 91 Celtics 83
(What is your opinion on Game Seven? On Kobe Bryant's legacy? Comment below.)
