The Golden State Warriors are not only champions of the basketball world, but the team also has bragging rights in California. The Clippers and Lakers can only look on enviously as the Warriors are golden right now in the Golden State.
With several of their top players under age 30, it looks like the Warriors will be a force for several years to come. League MVP Stephen Curry, who averaged 28.3 PPG while shooting lights out from three-point range, is just 27 years old. Klay Thompson, another scoring threat, is only 25.
Yes, the “Splash Brothers” made quite a splash this season. The other players fit their roles very well, especially the late emergence of Andre Iguodala, who was named MVP of the NBA finals and gave the Warriors a spark after trailing Cleveland 2-1 in the series.
Ah, and what of the Cavaliers? The Cleveland curse continues as that poor city has now gone without a pro championship for 51 years and counting. Once again, bad luck played a role as two of Cleveland’s best players — Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love — were both injured and had to sit out the finals.
And what will become of “The King,” who is now 2-4 in NBA finals. Although Lebron James can opt out of his contract and become a free agent, odds are he will stay in Cleveland and try to give his home state a championship before he retires. But at 30 years of age and having been battered throughout his career, James clearly could use some more assistance from teammates.
Will Kevin Love be in Cleveland next year to help out? Love also can bolt as a free agent and you have to wonder if he’s getting sick and tired of the cold, snowy Midwest winters and is dreaming of returning to California.
This brings up an intriguing possibility of Love perhaps wanting to play for a title contender in warmer weather, such as the Los Angeles Clippers. Clearly, the Clippers need something to get them over the hump. The bitter disappointment of losing a 3-1 series lead to Houston in the playoffs still probably lingers with coach Doc Rivers and superstars Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.
But perhaps the brand new uniforms and logo will bring new luck for the Clippers. And team owner and tireless promoter Steve Ballmer looks like he will do whatever it takes to get the Clippers a long-awaited championship.
As for that other L.A. team — the Lakers — don’t count on a return to glory for the Purple-and-Gold for at least a few years. Kobe Bryant has often hinted that next season will be his last, and he doesn’t exactly have championship talent surrounding him.
But the Lakers have some hope, at least, in that they got lucky with the lottery and will have the second overall pick in the NBA draft. Whoever they pick is sure to help out immediately, but it’s still doubtful the Lakers can make the playoffs in a very difficult Western Conference.
So many questions for next year, fresh off one of most compelling and highly-rated NBA finals. Stay tuned.
