What If NBA

rockmass: What if another decision was made what would happen?

rockmass: If Lebron instead of going to the Miami Heat went to the Lakers.

Lebron has an ability to decimate the playoffs but loses in the finals.
Kobie has the ability to decimate a series but can't make it to the finals.
Lebron has a preparation technique that improves longevity.
Kobie has a preparation technique that improves shooting ability.

Imagine Kobe Bryant with the longevity of Lebron and Lebron with the clutch skills of Kobe!

If this one decision was made for Lebron to join the lakers, I would think that Phil Jackson would stay the head coach, eventually, head coach in name only with Brian Shaw being the real coach. Phil Jackson will move to General Manager in 2014, where Brian Shaw officially takes over as head coach.
Phil Jackson will draft Kristaps Porzingis as the Lakers center.
Paul Gasol would stay a Laker playing till he retired (he is still playing today).
The Lakers would win the next 8 championships.
Giving Kobe 12 rings.
Lebron would have 7 rings at Kobe's retirement.
Lebron would retire at 13 rings.
Introducing Lebron Jr. to the Lakers for further championships.

Look at the past winners of the last Finals:
2009 Los Angeles Lakers Phil Jackson VS Orlando Magic Stan Van Gundy
2010 Los Angeles Lakers Phil Jackson VS Boston Celtics Doc Rivers
2011 Dallas Mavericks Rick Carlisle VS Miami Heat Erik Spoelstra
2012 Oklahoma City Thunder Scott Brooks VS Miami Heat Erik Spoelstra
2013 San Antonio Spurs Gregg Popovich VS Miami Heat Erik Spoelstra
2014 San Antonio Spurs Gregg Popovich VS Miami Heat Erik Spoelstra
2015 Golden State Warriors Steve Kerr VS Cleveland Cavaliers David Blatt
2016 Golden State Warriors Steve Kerr VS Cleveland Cavaliers Tyronn Lue
2017 Golden State Warriors Steve Kerr VS Cleveland Cavaliers Tyronn Lue
2018 Golden State Warriors Steve Kerr VS Cleveland Cavaliers Tyronn Lue
2019 Golden State Warriors Steve Kerr VS Toronto Raptors Nick Nurse

This is what I predict the finals would be:
2009 Los Angeles Lakers Phil Jackson VS Orlando Magic Stan Van Gundy
2010 Los Angeles Lakers Phil Jackson VS Boston Celtics Doc Rivers
2011 Los Angeles Lakers Phil Jackson VS Chicago Bulls Tom Thibodeau
2012 Los Angeles Lakers Phil Jackson VS Boston Celtics Doc Rivers
2013 Los Angeles Lakers Phil Jackson VS Indiana Pacers Frank Vogel
2014 Los Angeles Lakers Brian Shaw VS Indiana Pacers Frank Vogel
2015 Los Angeles Lakers Brian Shaw VS Atlanta Hawks Mike Budenholzer
2016 Los Angeles Lakers Brian Shaw VS Toronto Raptors Dwane Casey
2017 Los Angeles Lakers Brian Shaw VS Boston Celtics Brad Stevens
2018 Los Angeles Lakers Brian Shaw VS Boston Celtics Brad Stevens
2019 Los Angeles Lakers Brian Shaw VS Toronto Raptors Nick Nurse

Of course, I am assuming Kobie still ruptures his Achilles in 2013.
Comes back and plays limited minutes but ultimately retires in 2016.

Lebron continues to win despite the talent around him, taking the mamba type persona.

Some would contend that the Golden State Warriors would be an issue for the LA run.
In 2016 Golden State fell 2-1 in the Finals with Lebron only.
Do you think they would win against Kobie, Lebron, Paul, and Kristaps?
But the Golden State Warriors were not nearly as strong as they were in 2016.
And in 2016 they fell 3-1 to OKC. Do you think if that was the Lakers with Kobe and Lebron they would fail to close the deal on a 3-1 lead?

Some would contend the issue of Kevin Durant joining the Golden State in 2017.
I would question if Kevin would want to Join Golden State without proof they could win it.
So that is the only criteria, that could stop the show, but it is a coin flip.
Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Kevin Durant, Zaza Pachulia
VS
D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Lebron James, Paul Gasol, Kristaps Porzingis

I would contend Kevin Durant would rather join Lebron, right after Kobe's departure.

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