Jun 02 2009
While Watching Kobe Vs. Superman, Don’t Forget Their Wingmen
The NBA and the folks behind the Kobe Bryant-LeBron James puppet ads almost got their dream match-up in the NBA Finals. But Dwight Howard and company threw a monkey wrench into those plans, so Thursday night will tip off the battle for the rings between the L.A. Lakers and the Orlando Magic.
From a hobby perspective, it’s still not a bad pairing. The Lakers are the Lakers, of course, and despite some trials and tribulations, Kobe is still one of the most sought after players among basketball collectors.
Orlando’s cupboard has been a little bare until Superman Howard came along, but the Magic do have some cardboard history on their side thanks to the time when Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway were the hot young players on the block back in the 1990s.
Still, as LeBron can no doubt attest, an NBA title can’t be won by one player, no matter how talented he might be. With that in mind, I’ve put together rookie card checklists for one player on each team likely to be the key second fiddles to Kobe and Howard.
Though Rashard Lewis and Pau Gasol both play different positions and different roles for their respective teams, they’re similar in that they were both miscast as primary options for previous clubs. Now that they have superstars to take the pressure off of them, they have a great chance to become the Scottie Pippen of their generation - and win over some collectors in the process.
You can check out complete checklists of rookie cards for Lewis and Gasol at the links below.
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