Blending Eras: The Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers

The mid-90s Orlando Magic and early 2000s Los Angeles Lakers perfectly blended eras in basketball. Shaquille O'Neal's dominant post play represented the physicality of the 90s, while Anfernee Hardaway and Kobe Bryant showcased the future of versatile, perimeter-based guard play. The Magic, with this mix of power and finesse, reached the NBA Finals but couldn't fully realize their potential due to Shaq's departure. In Los Angeles, Shaq and Kobe perfected the formula, leading the Lakers to three consecutive championships and becoming one of the most unstoppable teams in NBA history.

Bias against the bigs needs to stop

Why is it difficult for fans to give great NBA Big Men their credit? The eye test, not having the ball in their hand all of the time, and a lack of appreciation for their role on the court are reasons that I have noticed. If the Milwaukee Bucks win the NBA championship tonight, Giannis Antetonkounmpo should win the Finals MVP, not Khris Middleton. As Shaq would say, "Stop it!"