Would LeBron and Shaq become the NBA's most dominant duo, or would Kobe bring multiple titles to multiple teams and outshine LeBron in his own shoes? Today we're going to find out for sure, as we're going all the way back to the 1996-97 season where LeBron's stepping into what was Kobe's rookie year. Now as the newest member of the Los Angeles Lakers, over two decades before it happened in real life, putting on a show fitting for Hollywood as the NBA's rookie of the year, and fitting in as the perfect sidekick to Shaquille O'Neal, who thanks to an MVP season of his own, would lead the Lakers to the NBA Finals in just LeBron's rookie year. That's all I needed.

レブロンとシャックがNBAで最も支配的なデュオになるのか、それともコービーが複数のチームに複数のタイトルをもたらし、自らのシューズでレブロンを凌駕するのか。今日は、レブロンがコービーのルーキーイヤーに足を踏み入れた1996-97シーズンまで遡りながら、その真相を確かめよう。ロサンゼルス・レイカーズの新メンバーとして、NBAのルーキー・オブ・ザ・イヤーとしてハリウッドにふさわしいショーを披露し、シャキール・オニールの完璧な相棒として溶け込む。それだけで十分だった。

It became personal with me. But in the end, the Lakers duo would be humbled by the Chicago Bulls, who are led by his heiress Michael Jordan, as he'd be winning title number five of his career.

個人的な思い出になったよしかし結局、レイカーズのコンビは、彼の後継者であるマイケル・ジョーダンが率いるシカゴ・ブルズに屈し、キャリア5つ目のタイトルを獲得することになる。

So while LeBron could potentially be his successor as a face of the NBA, despite his impressive rookie season, he has a long way to go. Especially as we move on to 1998, where the Bulls would keep it up to win yet another title. Both LeBron and eventually Kobe are going to change NBA history a ton moving forward. But one of the few things that is going to stay the same is Jordan retiring with six titles. So keep that number in mind as we enter 1999. And while we're at it, let's properly put the spotlight back on LeBron, as he's now averaging an elite 24 points per game, which is good enough to crack the top 10 in overall scoring. And his running mate Shaq wouldn't be too bad himself. He's finishing in second. But most importantly, LeBron and Shaq would be extremely strong going into the playoffs. Starting with the Golden State Warriors in round one would be nothing more than a stepping stone to a Lakers sweep. Followed by the Timberwolves led by Kevin

だから、レブロンがNBAの顔として彼の後継者になる可能性がある一方で、印象的なルーキーシーズンにもかかわらず、彼には長い道のりがある。特に、ブルズが再びタイトルを獲得した1998年に向けては。レブロンもコービーも、これからNBAの歴史を大きく変えていくだろう。しかし、ジョーダンが6つのタイトルを獲得して引退することは、これからも変わらないだろう。1999年を迎えるにあたり、この数字を心に留めておいてほしい。そしてついでに、レブロンにスポットライトを戻そう。彼は今、1試合平均24得点のエリートで、総合得点ラ

Garnett in round two. It's another 4-0 victory for LeBron and Shaq. But in the Western Conference

第2戦はガーネット。これもレブロンとシャックの4勝0敗。しかし、ウェスタンカンファレンスでは

Finals, they'd flat out be up against the worst possible matchup. The San Antonio Spurs led by the twin towers of Tim Duncan and David Robinson. And while both LeBron and Shaq would protect home court with a win in game one, the wheels would immediately fall off and then some. We'd see Tim

ファイナルで、彼らは最悪の対戦相手に立ち向かうことになる。ティム・ダンカンとデビッド・ロビンソンのツインタワーが率いるサンアントニオ・スパーズだ。レブロンとシャックは第1戦に勝ってホームコートを守るだろうが、すぐに歯車が狂うだろう。ティム

Duncan immediately bounce back in both games two and three. And while LeBron and Shaq would be able to scratch off a win in four, the Spurs would do what they do best, play amazing team ball to outperform expectations to win the next two and send the Lakers home in six. On two different occasions, LeBron has almost tasted a championship. Right now, he's going to have to wait at least one more year. San Antonio is back on top once again. With that being said, though, the 2000 season will be a great opportunity for LA to redeem themselves. After all, it was when Shaq and

ダンカンは第2戦、第3戦ともにすぐに立ち直った。そして、レブロンとシャックが第4戦で勝利をもぎ取る一方で、スパーズは彼らが得意とする、予想を上回る素晴らしいチームプレーで次の2試合に勝利し、レイカーズを第6戦でホームに送り出すだろう。レブロンは2度、優勝を味わいそうになったことがある。今、彼は少なくともあと1年は待たなければならないだろう。サンアントニオが再びトップに返り咲いた。とはいえ、2000年シーズンはLAにとって汚名返上の絶好のチャンス。結局、シャックと

Kobe started to win their titles, so LeBron will have the chance to show that he can be a champion level player as well. And the losses he's experienced have made him stronger. 25 points and seven assists would be the average, and it's more than enough alongside Shaq. So while in the second round of the playoffs, LA would be slightly underperforming, down 3-1 during a rematch with Kevin Garnett's

コービーが彼らのタイトルを獲得し始めたのだから、レブロンにもチャンピオンレベルの選手になれることを示すチャンスがあるだろう。そして、彼が経験した敗戦は彼を強くした。25得点、7アシストがアベレージだろうし、シャックと並んでも十分すぎる。プレーオフ第2ラウンドでは、LAはケビン・ガーネットとの再戦で3勝1敗と、やや劣勢に立たされる。

Timberwolves. LA's duo would power forward to win the next three games and advance to the conference finals, now in Dallas for a matchup with Dirk and his Mavs. But while he's great, he's no Tim Duncan. While the Mavs are very good, they're not the Spurs. The Lakers would be returning to the NBA finals for the first time since LeBron's rookie year. We all remember how that turned out. However, this time it's completely different. While they're up against another star shooting guard in Ray Allen and his Milwaukee Bucks, he's definitely not MJ and they're definitely not the Dynasty Bulls. The Lakers would be finishing off the series in style, winning

ティンバーウルブズLAのデュオはその後3試合に勝利し、カンファレンス・ファイナルに駒を進めたが、今度はダラスでダーク率いるマブスと対戦する。しかし、彼は偉大ではあるが、ティム・ダンカンではない。マブスはとても良いが、スパーズではない。レイカーズは、レブロンのルーキーイヤー以来のNBAファイナル復帰となる。その結果は誰もが覚えている。しかし、今回はまったく違う。相手はレイ・アレン率いるミルウォーキー・バックスだが、彼はMJではないし、彼らはダイナスティ・ブルズでもない。レイカーズは、このシリーズを見事に完封

LeBron and Shaq the first championship as a duo at the most perfect times. And it could even be the start to a historic three-peat, just as the Lakers did in real life. But in the case of LeBron, there's a little bit of unfinished business. Shaq would be winning the finals MVP over him, which will certainly be a point of discussion when looking over his legacy. And that's important because there's a basketball prodigy out in Akron, Ohio who might be able to win a bunch of his own.

レブロンとシャックのコンビが、最高のタイミングで初優勝。そして、現実のレイカーズのように、歴史的な3連覇へのスタートになる可能性さえある。しかし、レブロンの場合、少しやり残したことがある。シャックは彼よりもファイナルでMVPを獲得している。そして、オハイオ州アクロンには、彼自身が何度も優勝できるかもしれないバスケットボールの天才がいるのだから。

But for now, let's keep it rolling entering 2001, because that three-peat I mentioned earlier might actually happen. LeBron and Shaq will be heading to Orlando for their second straight finals up against none other than Tracy McGrady, a dominant scorer who thrives from every spot on the floor and is ironically the closest player to Kobe in this universe. So while he and LeBron will definitely cross paths in the future, right now we're kind of getting a glimpse as to what that could look like. Both wings would go back and forth, eventually starting off the series tied 2-2. But Game 5 in LA wouldn't be the homecoming that LeBron and Shaq would expect, as TMac would be the star to shine the brightest, snatching the momentum away from the Lakers to now go up 3-2.

しかし今は、2001年に向けてこのまま転がり続けよう。先に述べた3連覇が実際に起こるかもしれないのだから。レブロンとシャックは2年連続でオーランドでのファイナルに臨み、相手はトレーシー・マグレディだ。彼とレブロンが将来交わることは間違いないだろうが、今はその可能性を垣間見ることができる。両翼は一進一退を繰り返し、最終的にシリーズは2勝2敗のタイでスタートする。しかし、LAでの第5戦はレブロンとシャックが期待するようなホームカミングにはならず、TMacが最も輝くスターとなり、レイカーズから勢いを奪って3勝2

He's one win away from his first title. However, after facing such difficult opponents in the past, no deficit is too much for LeBron and Shaq, as they'd bounce back and give themselves a shot to win in the final moments of Game 6, up by three and one stop away from forcing Game 7.

初タイトルまであと1勝。しかし、過去にこのような難敵と対戦してきたレブロンとシャックにとって、どんな負けも許されない。

TMac's gonna launch it, it's off, rebounded by Shaq, but he has hit the free throws. Shaq is at the line, first free throw is no good. If he misses this next one, Orlando will have a chance to tie it.

TMacがシュートを放つが、外れてShaqにリバウンドされる。シャックはライン際、最初のフリースローはダメ。次の1本を外せば、オーランドは同点に追いつくチャンスがある。

LA trying to force Game 7, bring it back to LA, Shaq makes it when it counts. And with that free throw from the 2011 League MVP, this one is basically over. Because even with Orlando going all out, it's still a four-point game with just seconds left to play. Good defense by Rick Fox, rebounded by, oh my god, Grant Hill! It's 0.2 seconds left, it's over. Which means that LeBron,

LAが第7戦を強行し、LAに持ち帰ろうとする中、シャックが大事な場面で決める。そして、2011年のリーグMVPのフリースローで、この試合は基本的に終わった。オーランドが全力で攻めても、残り数秒で4点差。リック・フォックスの好ディフェンス、グラント・ヒルのリバウンド！残り0.2秒で試合終了。ということは、レブロン

Shaq, and the Lakers are barely surviving, and they're heading back home for Game 7. That Shaq free throw was huge. And thankfully for them, they'd play the season's final game at home. Despite the challenges they faced to get to this point, in 48 minutes, they could be champions. But the conclusion to the 2001 season wouldn't be so simple. With the game so close again, we might actually need more than those 48 minutes. They pass it down to Shaq in the lane, the double team.

シャックとレイカーズはかろうじて生き残り、第7戦に向けてホームに戻る。あのシャックのフリースローは大きかった。そして彼らにとってありがたいことに、ホームでシーズン最終戦を戦うことになった。ここまで来るのに直面した困難にもかかわらず、あと48分で、彼らはチャンピオンになれるかもしれない。しかし、2001年シーズンの結末はそう単純ではなかった。今回も接戦となったため、実際には48分以上の時間が必要かもしれない。レーンでシャックにパス、ダブルチーム。

Wow! Wow! But with the game going into overtime and staying extremely close, it would give Shaq a major shot at redemption. Derek Fisher, six seconds on the clock, they're gonna pass it down to Shaq, the ultimate redemption! It rolls in! So the only box left to check for LA would be for the other half of the duo to seal the deal in double overtime. As with 17.9 seconds left on the clock and LA down by one, number eight would have the chance to end this roller coaster of a game, roller coaster of a series, and roller coaster of a year with a championship. Let's see,

ワオすごい！しかし、試合は延長戦に入り、非常に接戦となったため、シャックに大きな名誉挽回のチャンスが訪れた。デレク・フィッシャー、残り6秒、シャックにパスを出す！それが転がり込む！というわけで、LAに残された唯一のチェックボックスは、ダブルオーバータイムでコンビのもう片割れが試合を決めることだった。残り17.9秒、LAが1点差に迫ったとき、背番号8はこのジェットコースターのような試合、ジェットコースターのようなシリーズ、そしてジェットコースターのような1年を、優勝で締めくくるチャンスを手にすることになる。

LA, what do you have in store? Will Shaq have another roller coaster final possession? Will

LA、何がある？シャックはまたジェットコースターのような最後のポゼッションをするのだろうか？果たして

LeBron take the shot? Will they go to a pick and roll? It looks like it, 10 seconds on the clock,

レブロンがシュートを打つ？ピック＆ロールに行くのか？そのようだ、残り10秒、

Shaq does not set the screen, they're gonna pass it down to him, the double comes out to LeBron for the win! The championship! 2.1 left, no timeout set for Orlando for the championship, no good! And just like that, both LeBron and Shaq have came through in the most important game of their lives, with LA securing their second straight title. And while LeBron's still waiting on that finals MVP, you already know that he's not complaining. With such a difficult series behind them, anything in comparison is going to be easy. And as we enter 2002, the Lakers would be back in their third straight finals. But to get to the point, the Indiana Pacers team in their way of a title really has no business being here. The face of their franchise, Reggie Miller, is 35 years old and on the back end of his prime. So it goes without saying that LeBron and Shaq would dominate again. And while it's an easier path to a title this time, it's definitely not making their achievement any less sweeter, as they've completed the first three peats since the Bulls did it with

シャックはスクリーンをセットせず、レブロンにパス！優勝だ残り2.1秒、オーランドにタイムアウトを与えず！そして、レブロンとシャックの2人は、人生で最も重要な試合で勝利し、LAが2連覇を達成した。そして、レブロンはまだファイナルMVPを待っているが、彼が文句を言っていないことはもうお分かりだろう。このような困難なシリーズを経験したのだから、それに比べれば何でも簡単だろう。そして2002年に入ると、レイカーズは3年連続でファイナルに戻ってくることになる。しかし本題に入れば、タイトル獲得に邪魔なインディアナ・ペ

Jordan back in the 90s. It looks slightly different, but history's repeated itself. But can that same history change in the 2003 season with a Laker four-peat? Right now it's unclear, but what is changing for sure is LeBron cementing himself as the face of the team, as he's now averaging 31-8-8 to just barely win the league MVP over Shaq. And considering that

90年代のジョーダン。見た目は少し違うが、歴史は繰り返されてきた。しかし、同じ歴史が2003年シーズンにレイカー4連覇で変わることができるだろうか？今はまだわからないが、確実に変化しているのは、レブロンがチームの顔として確固たる地位を築きつつあることだ。そして

Kobe's just one year away from the NBA, LeBron's hitting his peak at the best possible time. But on the other end, it can't be easy going from a three-time finals MVP to sidekick in a blink of an eye. And the question is, will Shaq be able to accept his new role? Such uncertainty would be coming at the worst possible time, as the Lakers wouldn't be cruising to the finals as they have in the past couple years, as they'd be back in San Antonio for a rematch with Tim Duncan and his

コービーはNBAからあと1年、レブロンは最高のタイミングでピークを迎えている。しかしその一方で、3度のファイナルMVPから瞬く間に相棒になるのは容易なことではない。そして問題は、シャックが新しい役割を受け入れられるかどうかだ。レイカーズはここ数年のように、ティム・ダンカンと彼のチームとの再戦のためにサンアントニオに戻ってくるので、ファイナルまでクルージングすることはないだろう。

Spurs, who recently added two more future Hall of Famers in Manu Ginobili plus Tony Parker. So with the Lakers team chemistry in question and the Spurs now having a new big three, they'd be launching floaters, Euro stepping, and Banks shotting their way to go up 3-0 in the series, absolutely destroying any momentum the Lakers might have had. And that's not to mention a serious hit to team chemistry. But what the Lakers do have is the MVP, and he's the best person available to make a generational comeback. So LeBron would put the team on his back, winning Game 4 to make it 3-1, Game 5 to close it in at 3-2, and Game 6 to tie it up, now on the brink of the league's greatest comeback ever. But in the end, the big fundamental would be sending the Lakers home in their own gym. Not only ending LA's bid for a comeback, but also using it as momentum to eventually win the title a few weeks later. And it's safe to say the chemistry between LeBron and Shaq will never be the same. So as you can see while LA is in turmoil, Cleveland would be electrified shortly after with the drafting of Kobe Bryant. However, the party would end just as quickly. As far as teammates go, it's not looking good at all. So while we wait for Cleveland to become a title contender, let's focus in on the feuding Laker duo, especially Shaq, who'd be visibly worse than in previous years. When you combine it with some weird additions to the team, it's honestly a miracle they're on the doorstep of the final. LeBron and Shaq hate each other, but they're one game away from the finals, they'll be playing Toronto if they make it.

スパーズは最近、マヌ・ジノビリとトニー・パーカーという将来の殿堂入り選手が2人加わった。そのため、レイカーズのチームケミストリーには疑問符がつき、スパーズには新たなビッグスリーが加わったことで、彼らはフローター、ユーロステップ、バンクスシュートを放ち、シリーズを3-0とし、レイカーズの勢いを完全に破壊することになる。チームケミストリーへの深刻な打撃は言うまでもない。しかし、レイカーズにはMVPがいる。だからレブロンはチームを背負い、第4戦に勝って3勝1敗とし、第5戦は3勝2敗で接戦に持ち込み、第6戦は同点

And eventually both stars would be able to take down Sacramento to move on to Toronto for the finals, where they'd surprisingly be up against Vince Carter and a rookie Chris Bosh. But all in all, considering LeBron is an MVP level player, plus Shaq still being more than enough to dominate a rookie in the paint, the scale would obviously be tilted in the Lakers direction, with them going up 3-2 in the series. And in game 6 on the road, despite it being close, LeBron would break out a brand new signature move, which would basically sum up the finals in one play. Who knows, the 2k logic, it's an adventure. LeBron just spun right through the defender, the kick out to Gary

そして最終的には、両スターがサクラメントを倒してトロントの決勝に進み、そこでビンス・カーターとルーキーのクリス・ボッシュと対戦することになる。しかし、レブロンがMVP級の選手であること、さらにシャックがペイント内でルーキーを圧倒するにはまだ十分すぎる選手であることを考慮すると、明らかにレイカーズに軍配が上がり、シリーズ3勝2敗となる。そしてアウェーでの第6戦では、接戦だったにもかかわらず、レブロンが真新しいシグネチャームーブを繰り出し、基本的にファイナルをワンプレーでまとめるだろう。2Kロジック、それは冒

Payton. LeBron just spun and phased through, he went through Jalen Rogue. And as you can see by the right side of the screen, where Chris Bosh thinks he's teammates with LeBron, the Lakers are winning their 4th title. But with this title, there would be a catch. LeBron would be winning his first finals MVP, but Shaq would be nowhere to be found. His intentions are clear, and he wants out of LA. Cause in the 2005 season, Shaq would demand a trade to Miami in his search to be the face of a team again. But while that's not going to happen as Miami already has a star in their hands, the main thing we gotta focus on is how much worse the Lakers got. As they're dropping all the way to a 42-40 record on the year, which is absolutely abysmal for a team that just won the title, not even being enough to make it into the postseason. Okay, the Lakers were the 9th seed, they missed the playoffs by one game. But on the other end, Kobe would be leaving here with something, as the Cavs would win 43 games, which would be enough to get them into the eastern side of the bracket. And while he's not winning the title yet, he's at least walking away with a first round victory over the Pacers under his belt. So while that would be the only postseason win he would have for the year, on paper, he had a better season than LeBron. And while we're on the topic of LeBron, since he's not running the west, Steve Nash's sons would win the 2005 title. And when we move on to 2006, we would see a very familiar face win number 4. That being Tim

ペイトンレブロンはただスピンしてフェイズスルーし、ジャレン・ローグを通り抜けた。そして、クリス・ボッシュがレブロンとチームメイトだと思っている画面の右側を見てわかるように、レイカーズは4度目のタイトルを獲得した。しかし、このタイトルにはキャッチがある。レブロンは初のファイナルMVPを獲得するが、シャックの姿はどこにもない。彼の意思は明確で、LAを離れたいのだ。2005年シーズン、シャックは再びチームの顔になるためにマイアミへのトレードを要求した。しかし、マイアミはすでにスターを手にしているため、それは実現

Duncan and his Spurs yet again. As you can see, the Lakers are nowhere close to title contention.

ダンカンとスパーズお分かりのように、レイカーズはタイトル争いから遠ざかっている。

And if we look at the teammates around LeBron, it's really no surprise.

レブロンの周りのチームメイトを見れば、それも当然だろう。

This man was a bonafide scrub. So with the Lakers in serious trouble, it would give none other than

この男は正真正銘のクズだった。というわけで、レイカーズが深刻なピンチに陥っている今、この男が与えてくれるのは他でもない

Kobe Bryant a massive opportunity to take over the NBA and take over LeBron's spot as the face of the league. Because despite LeBron being the one to win MVP for the year, he wouldn't be able to carry the Lakers by himself in the playoffs, as he'd be matched up with former rival Tracy

コービー・ブライアントは、NBAを支配し、リーグの顔としてのレブロンの座を引き継ぐ大きなチャンスを得た。なぜなら、レブロンが年間MVPに輝いたにもかかわらず、プレーオフではかつてのライバル、トレイシーとマッチアップするため、レイカーズを一人で背負うことはできないからだ。

McGrady, Yao Ming, and the Houston Rockets in the first round. And as you can see by the fact that they're down 3-2 in the series, and they're about to lose in Game 6, this one didn't go so well. TMac, he's about to pass it down to Yao in the post. Yao with the hook shot. And this one is over. LA's nightmare, it's going to continue. So in the end, TMac has gotten his revenge for the 2001 Finals. And despite changing his number, LeBron's season is ending similarly to the last couple years, with an early playoff exit. But as far as Kobe goes, who is a runner-up for the MVP at 32 points per game, he would make it past New Jersey, the Washington Wizards, and Detroit Piston to make it all the way to his first Finals. And as far as those Finals go against the Houston Rockets, let's just say TMac's a bit unlucky, as Kobe would be sealing the deal to win his first title of what's going to be many, while in the process carrying what some say is a relatively average roster all the way. So now that he's got the ball rolling, how many titles will he win before we hit the modern day? And will it be more than LeBron's? There's only one way to find out, starting with the 2008 season, where LeBron would request a trade to the Chicago Bulls. But fortunately for

マック・グレーディ、ヤオ・ミン、そしてヒューストン・ロケッツとの第1ラウンド。そして、彼らがシリーズで3勝2敗となり、第6戦で敗れようとしていることからもわかるように、この一戦はあまりうまくいかなかった。TMac、ポストでヤオにパスしようとしている。ヤオがフックショット。そしてこれは終わった。LAの悪夢、まだまだ続きそうだ。結局、TMacは2001年ファイナルのリベンジを果たした。そして、背番号を変えたにもかかわらず、レブロンのシーズンはここ数年と同じように、プレーオフの早期敗退という結末を迎えている。し

Laker fans worldwide, that specific trade wouldn't happen. Instead, they would be making a much smarter decision, as they would be trading for Pau Gasol, a future Hall of Famer in his own right, and one of the best power forwards of the 2000s. So it's safe to say the Lakers are contenders again, off the strength of their new dynamic duo. But out East, we'd be seeing a different style to winning, as the defending champs would go as Kobe goes, with him taking by far the most shots out of anyone in the entire league. In the end, averaging over 35 points per game to win his first MVP.

世界中のレイカーファンは、そのようなトレードは実現しないだろう。その代わりに、将来の殿堂入り候補であり、2000年代最高のパワーフォワードの一人であるパウ・ガソルとトレードするのだから。というわけで、レイカーズは新しいダイナミック・デュオの力で、再び優勝候補に返り咲いたと言っていいだろう。しかし、イーストでは、ディフェンディング・チャンプがコービーの思うがままに、リーグ全体の誰よりも多くのシュートを放ち、勝つための異なるスタイルが見られるだろう。結局、1試合平均35得点以上を記録し、自身初のMVPを獲得し

So which style is actually better? LA's dynamic duo, or Cleveland's one-man army? We'd find out soon enough, as the number one seeded Lakers and the reigning champs would be meeting in the NBA finals, with Kobe and LeBron competing for the Larry O'Brien trophy for the first of what could be multiple times. But not only is a championship at stake, but the title for best player in the league. Right now it's LeBron James, let me say this. I know Kobe's gonna lead his team to victory, and to me, LeBron still just leads the league in showboating. But unfortunately for Skip Bayless, that showboating will lead LA to a win in Game 1. However, the Staples Center is comfortable ground for Kobe, and he would bounce back immediately to tie it up in Game 2. And when the series shifted to Cleveland, it wouldn't be much different. LeBron would take Game 3, followed by Kobe who'd tie it up again at two apiece. The 2008 finals is now at a standstill, but one team eventually has to pull away. And in Game 5 back in LA, the man who's donned the purple and gold for over a decade now would shine the brightest, as LeBron James would dominate, giving the Lakers a 3-2 lead, now being on the doorstep of title number 5. And we also have to mention that he's on the brink of handing Kobe his first finals loss. But you already know that the Black Mamba isn't going home so easily, and that he'll do anything to extend the series.

では、実際にどちらのスタイルが優れているのだろうか？LAのダイナミック・デュオか、クリーブランドのワンマン軍団か？第1シードのレイカーズと王者がNBAファイナルで対戦し、コービーとレブロンが何度目かのラリー・オブライエントロフィーを争うのだから、すぐにわかるだろう。コービーとレブロンがラリー・オブライエン・トロフィーをかけて戦う。今はレブロン・ジェームズだ。コービーがチームを勝利に導くのは分かっているし、僕にとってはレブロンはまだ目立ちたがり屋でリーグをリードしているだけだ。しかし、スキップ・ベイレスにと

Cause if we look into the final minute of Game 6, both teams would be separated by just 4 points.

というのも、第6戦の最後の1分を見れば、両チームの差はわずか4点。

And considering that the Cavaliers have the ball here, he'll have a chance to provide the spark that'll get his squad into a Game 7.

そして、キャバリアーズがここでボールを持つことを考えれば、彼はチームを第7戦に導く火種を提供するチャンスがある。

And in the end, after those LeBron free throws, this one would be over.

そして結局、レブロンのフリースローの後、この試合は終わった。

The Lakers are winning their 5th title since he was drafted, and it just so happens to be his first without Shaq. But on the other end, where does Kobe go from here, as we just saw he really can't count on his teammates. Before we see what's in store for him, let's quickly move on to 2009, where LeBron would be winning his third MVP, only to be sent home by Carmelo Anthony and his Denver Nuggets, who actually went all the way to win the title a few weeks later.

レイカーズは彼がドラフト指名されて以来5度目のタイトルを獲得し、偶然にもシャック抜きでは初のタイトルとなった。しかしその一方で、コービーはこれからどうなるのだろうか？レブロンが3度目のMVPを獲得するも、カーメロ・アンソニー率いるデンバー・ナゲッツにホームに追いやられた。

So now it's time to move on to 2010, and if you thought Kobe's teammates were already bad, it's not getting much better with the addition of an old Shaquille O'Neal.

コービーのチームメイトはもう最悪だと思っていたら、年老いたシャキール・オニールが加わったことで、これ以上良くなることはないだろう。

And that's important to note because Kobe is by far the best person to prevent LeBron from winning a title. But with the Cavs squad not improving over time, while LBJ now has a legit co-star, the 2010 season would be ruled by the Lakers, who'd go into Boston for the finals and prevent all of KG, Pierce, and Rondo from winning their first chips. LeBron James now has 6 titles in Kobe's shoes, and this one is coming at a crucial time as he doesn't have that many years left to play in the NBA. So keep that in mind, as eventually we'll be focusing exclusively on Kobe. But as we enter 2011, the spotlight would be on him anyways, as he's about to make a decision that'll change the NBA forever. As you can see, Kobe will be leaving Cleveland in favor for Miami, and he would immediately be rewarded with a title, his second to be exact.

なぜなら、コービーはレブロンのタイトル獲得を阻む最高の人物だからだ。しかし、キャブスのチーム力が時間とともに向上するわけではなく、一方でLBJには正統な共演者がいるため、2010年シーズンはレイカーズに支配されることになる。レイカーズはファイナルでボストンに乗り込み、KG、ピアース、ロンドの初優勝を阻止する。レブロン・ジェームズは現在、コービーの後塵を拝して6つのタイトルを手にしているが、NBAでプレーできる年数がそれほど長くはないため、このタイトルは重要な時期にやってくる。だから、最終的にはコービーだけ

And it's also worth mentioning that for those two championships, Kobe was able to do what LeBron couldn't. LeBron's first go around with Cleveland in real life resulted in a finals loss, and his season with the Heat was more of the same. In some ways, Kobe's way farther ahead, but how many more championships can he win in his final 3 years with the team?

そして、この2度の優勝で、コービーはレブロンができなかったことをやってのけたことも特筆に値する。レブロンのクリーブランドでの初優勝はファイナル敗退に終わり、ヒートでのシーズンも同じようなものだった。ある意味、コービーの方がはるかに先を行っているが、チームでの最後の3年間であと何回優勝できるだろうか？

But for his second year, 2012 to be exact, it wouldn't be off to a hot start.

しかし、2年目、正確には2012年のスタートは決して好調とは言えなかった。

As in the conference finals, the Miami Heat would be down 3-0 to Derrick Rose's Chicago Bulls.

カンファレンス・ファイナルと同様、マイアミ・ヒートはデリック・ローズ率いるシカゴ・ブルズに3-0で敗れていた。

And unfortunately for Kobe, the series wouldn't last much longer than that. He's not wasting any time, he's, that's it, that's a sweep. Kobe just got swept. So just like that, Kobe's been sent home. And like I said earlier, he's the best opponent to stop LeBron from winning more chips.

コービーにとっては残念なことに、このシリーズはそれ以上長くは続かないだろう。彼は時間を無駄にしていない。コービーはスイープされたんだ。そうやって、コービーは家に帰されたんだ。先ほども言ったように、彼はレブロンがより多くのチップを獲得するのを阻止する最高の相手だ。

Which would be extremely notable, as the 2012 NBA Finals would be between the Lakers and the Bulls.

2012年のNBAファイナルはレイカーズとブルズの対戦となるため、これは非常に注目すべきことだろう。

And while both players would go dunk for dunk to eventually tie the series at 3-3 with the game 7 on the way, in that game 7, it would be the LeBron Show. And he's walking away with championship number 7. His second of which since Pau Gasol joined the team, while Shaq was never able to win a title without him. And as the cherry on top, he's passing up Jordan's 6 championships.