- The Chicago Bulls had many chances to recruit top superstars
- Los Angeles failed miserably with Dwight Howard and it’s a shame
- If the Lakers acquired Chris Paul, does Kobe Bryant have more rings than Michael Jordan?
In the realm of sports, few discussions captivate fans and analysts alike more than the tantalizing “what if” scenarios. What if injuries had been avoided? What if key trades had swung differently? What if certain players had crossed paths at the peak of their careers? These speculative musings provide an avenue for imagination to run wild, allowing us to explore the uncharted territories of alternate sporting realities.
Two teams stand as iconic powerhouses that have shaped the NBA landscape in unique ways: the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers. The mere mention of these franchises conjures up memories of unforgettable championship runs, legendary players, and heated rivalries. But what if fate had dealt them a different hand? What if certain turning points had gone the other way?
The Chicago Bulls had a former MVP in Derrick Rose, whose prime was cut significantly short due to career-altering injuries. Rose had an elite defensive center with him in Joakim Noah, the 2013-14 Defensive Player of the Year. But the Bulls were the favorite team of Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade, who actually played for Chicago in the 2016-17 season. What if Wade managed to get LeBron James and Chris Bosh with him as well, instead of creating the “Heatles”?
For the Lakers, there have been two major “what if” acquisitions: Dwight Howard and Chris Paul. While the Lakers did trade for Dwight Howard in the 2012-13 season, the center dealt with back issues and did not get along with Kobe Bryant. What if Howard was fully healthy and Kobe managed to accept his different personality? Of course, the iconic moment when Commissioner David Stern vetoed the trade that would have sent Chris Paul to Los Angeles still hurts Lakers Nation until today. Can one imagine how great Bryant and Paul would have been together?
Let’s re-write history and create two “what if” squads. It is time to uncover one of the greatest 7-game series’ ever as the Bulls and Lakers combine their “what if” talents and compete until the final whistle. But first, here is how the starting lineups shape out for both sides.
Team Rosters
Chicago Bulls: Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Joakim Noah
Los Angeles Lakers: Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Pau Gasol, Dwight Howard
With both sets of teams having elite star powers on the court in every position, it is time to see how the player-by-player matchup goes and also how the 7-game series turns out. Will it go to seven games? Here is a little spoiler: every game will come down to the finest of margins.
Derrick Rose vs. Chris Paul
In a captivating hypothetical matchup between Derrick Rose and Chris Paul, two basketball icons from different eras, their distinct styles and strengths would collide on the court. Derrick Rose’s explosive athleticism and fearless scoring would contrast sharply with Chris Paul’s calculated playmaking and leadership. Rose’s ability to attack the rim with electrifying speed and create highlight-reel finishes would pose a unique challenge to Paul’s defensive prowess.
Conversely, Paul’s masterful ball handling, court vision, and ability to control the pace would test Rose’s defensive capabilities and strategic decision-making. The series would likely witness a dynamic interplay between Rose’s scoring bursts and Paul’s orchestration of team play, resulting in a strategic chess match where momentum could shift with every possession.
Dwyane Wade vs. Kobe Bryant
Dwyane Wade’s explosiveness and versatility would be set against Bryant’s unparalleled scoring prowess and iconic footwork. Wade’s ability to attack the rim with acrobatic finishes and his knack for elevating his team’s play would be tested against Bryant’s legendary fadeaway jump shot and scoring versatility. The series would likely unfold as a showcase of offensive creativity and strategic mastery, with each player aiming to outshine the other in clutch moments.
The defensive aspect of the matchup would be equally riveting, with Wade’s agility and quickness challenging Bryant’s signature offensive moves. Beyond skills, their leadership and competitiveness would drive their respective teams, making every game a battle not just of athleticism but of determination and heart. In this imagined showdown, fans would witness the convergence of two eras of greatness, leaving an indelible mark on the history of basketball.
LeBron James vs. Ron Artest
In an intriguing matchup between LeBron James and Ron Artest, contrasting playing styles and roles would take center stage. LeBron’s all-around excellence as a transcendent playmaker, scorer, and defender would be pitted against Ron Artest’s tenacious defense and physicality. LeBron’s unparalleled combination of size, skill, and court vision would challenge Artest’s defensive prowess, while his ability to elevate his teammates’ performances would be a key factor.
Artest’s defensive grit and reputation as a lockdown defender would pose a significant challenge to LeBron’s offensive dominance, potentially disrupting his rhythm. The series would likely see a fascinating battle of wits as LeBron’s versatility attempts to counter Artest’s defensive aggression. Beyond the court, the mental and leadership aspects of the matchup would also play a pivotal role, with both players known for their basketball IQ and impact on team dynamics. In this imagined duel, fans would witness a captivating clash between a multi-dimensional superstar and an elite defensive specialist, illustrating the intricate dynamics that make basketball a game of strategy and skill.
Chris Bosh vs. Pau Gasol
Chris Bosh’s modern stretch-four capabilities, with his ability to shoot from outside and operate in the post, would contrast with Gasol’s crafty footwork, impeccable passing, and soft touch near the basket. His athleticism and agility would test Gasol’s defensive adaptability, forcing him to guard both inside and out.
On the other end, Gasol’s well-rounded offensive game and high basketball IQ would challenge Bosh’s defensive instincts and positioning. The series would likely feature a showcase of offensive versatility and tactical adjustments, as both players seek to exploit each other’s strengths and vulnerabilities.
Beyond the individual skills, their leadership and intangibles would also play a crucial role in determining the series’ outcome. In this envisioned matchup, the battle in the paint would symbolize the chess match that unfolds when two skilled big men bring their unique styles to the hardwood.
Joakim Noah vs. Dwight Howard
Joakim Noah’s tenacious energy, elite shot-blocking, and passing ability would be set against Dwight Howard’s unmatched athleticism, rebounding prowess, and shot-altering presence. Noah’s defensive versatility and intensity would challenge Howard’s dominance in the paint, while his ability to facilitate the offense would offer a unique dimension to the matchup.
Dwight Howard’s raw power and rim protection would pose a considerable obstacle to Noah’s offensive contributions. The series would likely showcase a battle of wills in the paint, emphasizing defensive stops, contested rebounds, and the impact of interior defense on the game’s outcome. In this face-off, basketball enthusiasts would witness a showdown between two archetypal big men, embodying the essence of grit and athleticism that define the center position.
Who Wins A Best-Of-7 Series?
The series opener sets a frenetic pace as Derrick Rose channels his explosive athleticism, leading the Bulls to a narrow victory with a 28-point, 7-assist performance. Rose’s lightning-quick drives challenge Chris Paul’s defensive skills, while Dwyane Wade’s veteran presence helps keep Kobe Bryant in check as much as possible. The Lakers counter with efficient ball movement orchestrated by Paul, but the Bulls’ combination of LeBron James’s all-around brilliance and Joakim Noah’s tenacious defense proves pivotal. The Bulls win 110-108 despite a late surge from Bryant and Pau Gasol, who combine for 15 points in the fourth quarter.
The Lakers, seeking to even the series, adjusted their defensive strategy to minimize Rose’s penetration. Kobe Bryant showcases his scoring mastery, dropping a game-high 33 points, while Pau Gasol exploits his versatility against the Bulls’ bigs as he finishes with 13 rebounds and five assists. Ron Artest’s defensive intensity frustrates LeBron due to supreme physicality, leading the Lakers to a controlled victory. The Lakers win 102-94 thanks to a complete all-around performance.
Shifting to Chicago, the Bulls ride the home-court advantage as Joakim Noah’s energy ignites the team. Dwight Howard’s shot-blocking is a formidable obstacle, but the Bulls’ balanced attack, with Chris Bosh stretching the floor, keeps the Lakers on their toes. LeBron’s all-around performance and timely shots from Wade secure a narrow win. Bulls win 98-96, as James and Wade combine for a monster 59-point performance. No doubt, this was as close as it gets as Wade nails the mid-range jumper at the buzzer for the win.
In a pivotal game, both teams showcase their defensive prowess. Chris Paul orchestrates precise plays, exploiting openings in the Bulls’ defense. However, Derrick Rose’s clutch shooting and Wade’s ability to create in crunch time give the Bulls a crucial win, maintaining their series lead. Wade finishes with a game-high 29 points on 11-17 shooting, and the Bulls win 105-102. With a 3-1 lead, the Lakers have to find a way to bounce back as soon as possible.
The Lakers find their rhythm, with Kobe Bryant unleashing a scoring clinic. The Bulls struggle to contain Bryant’s mid-range game, while Gasol’s finesse near the basket becomes a deciding factor. LeBron battles through double-teams, but the Lakers regain momentum, taking the game convincingly. The Lakers win 116-98, as Bryant drops 40 points, including 20 in the second half. The Lakers survive, but this was expected from the iconic “What If” squad.
With the series on the line, the Lakers’ ‘What If’ lineup plays with urgency. Derrick Rose’s explosiveness and court vision lead to a high-tempo game that suits the Bulls’ strengths. Noah’s defensive hustle disrupts the Lakers’ rhythm, and Bosh’s outside shooting pulls Dwight Howard away from the paint. However, things change in the fourth quarter. Chris Paul goes 3-3 from the three-point line, Bryant battles double-teams but finishes with four assists, and even Artest goes 1-1 from the three-point line. The shooting and teamwork mean the Bulls need to find a way to win in Game 7 as the game ends 112-104.
In the ultimate showdown, the Lakers and Bulls leave everything on the court. Chris Paul and Derrick Rose engage in a point guard duel (9 assists apiece), showcasing their playmaking brilliance. Kobe Bryant’s legacy is on full display as he scores consistently (31 points), while LeBron James thrives as both a scorer and facilitator (30 points, 10 assists). The game remains tight until the final moments. Ultimately, Dwyane Wade’s clutch shot-making and Joakim Noah’s defensive heroics secure a dramatic game-tying play for the Bulls as the game heads to overtime.
In the overtime period, the Bulls stifle Bryant by double-teaming him, but he manages to find his teammates, including Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol for easy buckets. With the game tied 111-111, a double-team on Bryant on the final possession leads to a Chris Paul lob to Pau Gasol, but he is fouled 0.2 seconds before the buzzer. Gasol misses the first but drains the second, and the Heat try an in-bound tip that rims out, meaning the Lakers win the series by an iconic 1-point margin. Due to his scoring efforts, Kobe Bryant wins Finals MVP.
Final Result: The Lakers “What If” Team vs. The Bulls “What If” Team 4-3
Finals MVP: Kobe Bryant
