Maybe Next Time, LeBron

     In the 1980's, Ted Dibiase was always trying to get the WWF Title. He had the money, the skills, and everything it took to get that belt, but he never could. And then, "The Million Dollar Man" came up with his most devious plan. He had Andre the Giant fight, and defeat, WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan. Once he was awarded the belt, he gave to Ted DiBiase. A dastardly move by a dastardly man. Of course, it didn't last long, we soon found out that an evil twin ref was used and there was a fast count, and the Million Dollar Man's plan was foiled.

     And over twenty years later, the good guys won again. No matter how good Ted DiBiase's team was, (Chris Bosh is Virgil) Hulk Hogan prevailed. Like he always does, Hulk showed up in the end. The bad guys can try to beat him, physically or mentally, but Dirk wouldn't let his team or his fans (Mavamaniacs?) down. Fadeaways, free throws, spin move layups, and three pointers. It seemed like whatever the situation, Dirk has the answer.

     Over a decade of 50 plus win seasons, coaches and players changed around him, but Dirk was a constant in Dallas. When they blew a series against the 8th Golden State Warriors a few years back, it seemed like Dirk's chance was 2006. A postseason marred by a referee scandal, a 2-0 series lead was blown, and that seemed like that's the last time we'd hear from the Mavs. The Lakers got better, much better, the Spurs wouldn't die, the Hornets showed flashes, as did the Suns and Nuggets. The Mavs seemed lost in the shuffle.

     Then came the summer of 2010. A ton of star players could, and would move around. One player didn't move, Dirk. The Mavs were an older team, and a lot of people thought Dirk might leave to chase a ring, but he was too loyal to the team that took him 13 years earlier. When the playoffs came around, the Mavs looked like an also ran. The Lakers looked to three-peat in Phil's last hoorah, the Thunder were a sexy pick, and the Spurs had the best record in the league. The Celtics, Heat, and Bulls loomed in the Eastern Conference. But, in Hulk Hogan fashion, Dirk took his team to another level. No matter the odds, they just couldn't be stopped.

     One day, I'll be writing about LeBron's championship, he's just too good to not have a title. Many times, he's the best player on the court. He's the most amazing physical force in the NBA since a young Shaq. If it wasn't this year, it could be next year, or the next. As long as he's healthy, any team with LeBron James in the lineup is a legit title contender. It didn't work out this year. Maybe next time, LeBron