NBA 2K11: How a Michael Jordan Lakers team would fare with Boston, Miami; 95-96 Bulls superior to current Lakers
Lakers forward Ron Artest says he can't wait to buy NBA 2K11 because it features his rap single "Champion." Lakers forward Kobe Bryant says in an ad he can't wait to buy the newly released video game so he can add Michael Jordan to his team. And I couldn't wait to play it either so I could see how such a scenario would turn out.
NBA players, Bryant among them, like the video game because of its realistic game play and graphics.
You may be left scratching your heads about how on earth I maneuvered a trade involving Lakers guard Sasha Vujacic for Jordan from the '95-'96 Bulls team. It's like this: Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak somehow acquired Pau Gasol and a second-round pick from Memphis in 2008 for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Marc Gasol, Aaron McKie and two first-round picks. So don't consider this far-fetched, even if the Lakers prove unsuccessful in getting Vujacic off the books before this season's trading deadline and the move puts the team way over the luxury-tax threshold.
With M.J. and the Black Mamba side by side, I pitted the Lakers against the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat, the two Eastern Conference teams I thought had the best shot in meeting the Lakers in this season's NBA Finals. The results: The Lakers beat Boston rather handily, 103-85, but lost to Miami 105-99.
I also matched up the current Lakers team with the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls team that still holds the regular-season record for most wins (72), a feat this year's Lakers team, Heat team or any team won't surpass anytime soon. And the Bulls proved their dominance in that one, with M.J. dropping 56 points in a 114-106 victory over the Lakers.
Clearly things didn't turn out the way Bryant would've imagined in the ad below.
Below the jump, watch the highlights for yourself.
Game 1: Lakers' 103-85 victory over the Boston Celtics
Lakers' top performers: Bryant (36 points, 13-of-24 shooting), Jordan (29 points, 12-of-24 shooting)
Celtics' top performers: Kevin Garnett (15 points, seven-of-22 shooting)
What happened: Bryant and Jordan playing side by side brings an immediate thought: They will produce way too many SportsCenter highlights in a 48-minute game. The duo's insatiable work ethic would do wonders for a team's hunger and intensity in both practices and games. And there would likely be some friction over who gets to run the team.
Against Boston, the two formed a perfect combination, finding their own shots when they were open. With Jordan starting at shooting guard and Bryant at small forward, both worked in the post position with ease. (On a side note, the Lakers starting lineup featured Andrew Bynum at center, Pau Gasol at power forward, Bryant at small forward, Jordan at shooting guard and Shannon Brown at point guard. Derek Fisher has strong feelings about starting. But Lakers Coach Phil Jackson thought Fisher and Lamar Odom would provide valuable leadership for the second unit.
It truly gave the Celtics fits as they were outscored 26-18 in the third quarter and 36-15 in the fourth quarter. Boston's frustration went beyond Bryant and Jordan. The Lakers' defensive intensity proved too much, as Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen set a 17-of-46 clip (36.9%).
Game 2: Lakers' 105-99 loss to the Miami Heat.
Lakers' top performers: Bryant (31 points on 12-of-23 shooting), Gasol (26 points on nine-of-18 shooting and 24 rebounds), Jordan (24 points on 10-of-24 shooting).
Heat's top performers: Bosh (34 points, 14 rebounds), James (26 points on nine-of-24 shooting), Wade (18 points on six-of-18 shooting)
How it happened: The game featured multiple lead changes, multiple dunks and multiple momentum shifts that really could have gone either way. But the game became more lopsided in the end for three reasons. Miami led 89-79 with 7:14 left in the game after going on a 13-0 run. Jackson waited to insert Bryant, Jordan and Fisher in the lineup until the 2:43 mark, with the Lakers trailing, 98-88. And though Jordan's baseline jumper, Bryant's three-pointer at the top of the key and Bryant's mid-range jumper cut the lead to 100-96 with 55 seconds remaining, the team misfired afterward on numerous opportunities.
Gasol grabbed the rebound off Wade's missed three-pointer on the next possession and threw an outlet pass to Fisher. He found Bryant open on the near-side perimeter, but his three-point attempt hit off the front rim. Jordan then attempted an open baseline jumper, but that shot hit off the back iron. With the Lakers trailing 102-96 with 14 seconds left, Bryant's trey from the top of the key went off the rim. The last few plays didn't feature Bryant and Jordan hogging the ball and fighting over who would be the hero, however. It actually showcased two superstar players not afraid to take the open shot. Unfortunately for the Lakers, the ones that seemed automatic for them most of the game fell short in the final minutes.
Game 3: Lakers' 114-106 loss to the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls.
Lakers' top performers: Bryant (35 points on 15-of-29 shooting), Gasol (26 points on 12-of-22 shooting and 13 rebounds.
Bulls' top performers: Jordan (56 points on 27-of-36 shooting), Pippen (33 points on 13-of-28 shooting).
How it happened: For the last two seasons, some in the media and the team itself wondered if the Lakers were capable of surpassing the Bulls' 72-win mark they set during the 1995-96 season. But the Lakers fell short in reaching that mark, finishing 65-17 in the 2008-09 regular season and 57-25 in the 2009-10 regular season. It proved several things, including: The Lakers don't exactly share the same personality as the Chicago Bulls. Jordan's demand for winning universally trickled down to the rest of his team, while Bryant's demand for winning only partially trickles down. It also proved that milestone a false barometer anyway because the Lakers weren't equipped to reach it, and they won an NBA championship anyway. When it comes this year's Lakers team, owner Jerry Buss boasts it may be his best team yet. But they're still not good enough to surpass the 95-96 Bulls.
The answer: Jordan. He dropped 56 points because of his brilliant shooting and quickness toward the basket, and possibly because Jackson (of the Lakers) may have zinged him for getting favorable treatment from officials. Then again, that probably wouldn't have happened considering 11-ring Jackson wouldn't have dared to criticize Jordan, and three-ring Jackson likely would have said something back.
The Lakers weren't completely out of it. They did hold an 88-87 lead with 9:53 left in the game, Bryant held his own against Jordan, scoring 35 points and a few highlight reels at Jordan's expense, and some of Gasol's 26 points came on late-game putbacks. But Jordan scored at will and rarely missed.
-- Mark Medina
E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Interesting...but color me skeptical! The Lakers with Kobe and MJ losing to the Heat? Wouldn't happen. It's not going to happen without MJ so it def wouldn't happen with him.
Posted by: LRob | October 11, 2010 at 08:03 AM
It's a lot more likely, that you just suck as a video game player.
Posted by: Logan | October 11, 2010 at 08:16 AM
Logan - lol not really. This was on simulation so it's not me playing; it's the computer simulating the entire game
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | October 11, 2010 at 08:19 AM
Does anybody know what the heck a Luc Longley is? Luc Freakin Longley, the Bulls Center. Now you gonna tell me The Freakin LA Lakers Couldn't defeat The Bulls and a Freakin Luc Longley? LMAO!!!
Posted by: mamab24 | October 11, 2010 at 08:29 AM
Can't wait to play this game!
Posted by: D_DARK | October 11, 2010 at 08:29 AM
MM - I think you left the Stern Setting on when you played the Heat game. You have to scroll through the "preferences" menu on the game, and buried deep down is a little thing you have to "uncheck": the Stern Setting. It changes how the refs officiate the game towards the Heat, and makes every player on the opposing team get a foul every time they come within five feet of Lebron or DWade.
It's automatically initialized, and most people don't even realize it. Turn it "off," and you'll get a more realistic result. There's also the "Don't Cry Like a Little Byatch and Fold Under Pressure" Setting that's useful to turn off as well, though it doesn't make as much of an impact as the Stern Setting.
Posted by: 63 Footer | October 11, 2010 at 08:34 AM
Don't diss big Luc, he was a very large body at 7-2. He couldn't do much but he could play his man straight up so you never had to double the post with him in the game. Can't beleive I'm defending him but there's a reason he was the starting center for 3 rings.
Posted by: Mike | October 11, 2010 at 08:39 AM
You have to scroll through the "preferences" menu on the game, and buried deep down is a little thing you have to "uncheck": the Stern Setting. It changes how the refs officiate the game towards the Heat, and makes every player on the opposing team get a foul every time they come within five feet of Lebron or DWade.
It's automatically initialized, and most people don't even realize it. Turn it "off," and you'll get a more realistic result. There's also the "Don't Cry Like a Little Byatch and Fold Under Pressure" Setting that's useful to turn off as well, though it doesn't make as much of an impact as the Stern Setting.Posted by: 63 Footer | October 11, 2010 at 08:34 AM
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ROTFLMAO!! I'm sorry folks the RCOTD may be called the Rick Friedman Award but for today I'm sure Rick wouldn't mind if we give it to 63 Footer!
SO SAY WE ALL!!!
OUT FREAKIN STANDING SIR!!!
Posted by: mamab24 | October 11, 2010 at 08:41 AM
Don't diss big Luc, he was a very large body at 7-2. He couldn't do much but he could play his man straight up so you never had to double the post with him in the game. Can't beleive I'm defending him but there's a reason he was the starting center for 3 rings.Posted by: Mike | October 11, 2010 at 08:39 AM
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And that Mike is a very good point. Thank you sir.
Posted by: mamab24 | October 11, 2010 at 08:46 AM
Uhmm...MM...weren't you the coach who left the starters on the bench for too long? Let's be honest.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | October 11, 2010 at 08:49 AM
Jamie - hah no. As I said in the post, it was a computer simulation. I had nothing to do with the outcome of the game. The computer simulated the entire game. So blame it on Phil lol
Posted by: Mark Medina | October 11, 2010 at 08:51 AM
MM - you had the "Phil Thinks It's A Regular Season Game" Setting on. You gotta turn that one off, too, or he NEVER calls a time out, and leaves weird player groupings on the floor far too long.
Posted by: 63 Footer | October 11, 2010 at 09:04 AM
Fantasy video, we're again fantasizing while waiting for hard news. The reality of the moment Lakers lost in two practice games. That is a lot for someone dreamin', talkin', bandwagonin' of 3peat. Best move is get back to the court, forget MJ, get healed, hone some more skills in shooting and start winning and less talking. In this unemployment-riddle recession, there is no substitute for hard work focusing on substance, less on fantasy.
Just one man's opinion.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 11, 2010 at 09:08 AM
MM - you had the "Phil Thinks It's A Regular Season Game" Setting on. You gotta turn that one off, too, or he NEVER calls a time out, and leaves weird player groupings on the floor far too long.Posted by: 63 Footer | October 11, 2010 at 09:04 AM
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63 Footer You are on a Roll today sir!
Posted by: mamab24 | October 11, 2010 at 09:11 AM
Off-topic...but add me onto the list of folks who prefer to see the Blog Faithful's profiles posted before the newbies. Many of us have blogged together for going on 5 years now and we're eagerly anticipating matching names to faces and all that.
Not a diss, MM. Just a preference.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | October 11, 2010 at 09:12 AM
Fantasy video, we're again fantasizing while waiting for hard news. The reality of the moment Lakers lost in two practice games. That is a lot for someone dreamin', talkin', bandwagonin' of 3peat. Best move is get back to the court, forget MJ, get healed, hone some more skills in shooting and start winning and less talking. In this unemployment-riddle recession, there is no substitute for hard work focusing on substance, less on fantasy. Just one man's opinion. Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 11, 2010 at 09:08 AM
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And a damn good opinion too Sir!!!
Posted by: mamab24 | October 11, 2010 at 09:12 AM
Good Morning Laker Fam!
Jon. K,
I'm a few days late on commenting on your comment about BSPN and all the Lebron hype during highlights of the game. It's not even the Heat they're hyping it's simply Lebron. On Saturday night BSPN showed highlights or lowlights of the Spurs vs the Heat. The Heat lost by 17 points and every lowlight was Lebron. Ricidulous!!!
Some say it was the same way with Kobe and the Lakers, I don't think so. ESPN never had to try and make Kobe look good after he did something as self-centered as the decision this summer.
BSPN is not helping to change the perception of Lebron as a Lejerk in the slightest, instead the 24/7 coverage is making him just a little more despised by many because it's not justified when his team loses by 17 points.
Posted by: Fan of the Mamba | October 11, 2010 at 09:45 AM
Luc Longley was like Tom Boerwinkle, without the attitude.
Posted by: Lone star laker fan | October 11, 2010 at 09:53 AM
BSPN is not helping to change the perception of Lebron as a Lejerk in the slightest, instead the 24/7 coverage is making him just a little more despised by many because it's not justified when his team loses by 17 points. Posted by: Fan of the Mamba | October 11, 2010 at 09:45 AM
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Good morning Fan of the Mamba. I love it The Princess' popularity drops in proportion to the Heat's coverage. IT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING! But I caution you, just remember The Princess is taking notes!
Posted by: mamab24 | October 11, 2010 at 09:57 AM
Fan Of The Mamba,
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Yeah, it's a little weird.
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I mean, do they really think we're that stupid that we don't noticed how imbalanced the covereage is?
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Personally, I find it to be insulting.
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What do we play for? RINGS!!!
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Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
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GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 11, 2010 at 09:57 AM
Didn't these same simulations have us losing to the "insert-your-favorite-derogatory-reference-to-that-green-team-from-the-east here" in last years' finals?
Posted by: htj | October 11, 2010 at 09:58 AM
I know I'm definitely in the minority here, but I'm not a big fan of video games.
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I'd rather go play basketball than play a video game pretending to play basketball.
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What do we play for? RINGS!!!
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Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
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GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 11, 2010 at 09:58 AM
Luc Longley was like Tom Boerwinkle, without the attitude.
Posted by: Lone star laker fan | October 11, 2010 at 09:53 AM
Yep! Dang, you guys know your Bulls!
Posted by: mamab24 | October 11, 2010 at 09:58 AM
Happy belated birthday, Phil! Hope you're pleasantly hung over right now.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | October 11, 2010 at 05:28 AM
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That's very accurate....
I found these bball games very hard to play, too many buttons to press...But I might give it a shot.
Posted by: Magic Phil | October 11, 2010 at 09:58 AM
MM: FULL DISCLOSURE PLEASE . . .
Perhaps it is time for MM to remind everyone of the results of his 7-Game Simulation he did on video game that was supposed to predict results of Lakers-Celtics 2010 Finals? As I remember, your exercise led to the Celtics winning the series, correct?
Not picking on you, MM. Justa saying... :-)
Mike
Posted by: LakerMIKE | October 11, 2010 at 09:59 AM
Didn't these same simulations have us losing to the "insert-your-favorite-derogatory-reference-to-that-green-team-from-the-east here" in last years' finals? Posted by: htj | October 11, 2010 at 09:58 AM
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And finally we have the definative word from HTJ!! Yes, bro.they absolutely did!...OUT FREAKIN STANDING SIR!!
Posted by: mamab24 | October 11, 2010 at 10:01 AM
Jon K - I'm with you on the whole video game thing. I mean why should I sit there on my couch like a lump, playing a game when I could be sitting there on my couch like a lump, WATCHING a Laker game and excercising my elbow?
(Raise drink to lips... back down... raise drink to lips... back down...)
SOOOO much more beneficial - don't you think?
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 11, 2010 at 10:36 AM
Hiya LakerMike - say hi to MrsLakerMike will ya? And don't forget to tell her she MUST be on here this year. Or else LOL!!! Justa sayin...... :)
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 11, 2010 at 10:39 AM
LakerMike - Hah. you are indeed correct. NBA 2K10 predicted the Lakers would lose to Boston in five games. But you have to give them credit. They were correct in the Lakers advancing past OKC, Utah and Phoenix lol
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | October 11, 2010 at 12:11 PM
Even if you may not like the results of the simulation, you guys should definitely check out the videos in the post. Some really cool highlights
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | October 11, 2010 at 12:12 PM
Neither of those teams would stand a chance vs this year's Lakers with MJ on it.
I think this is another example of the game sim going foul
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | October 11, 2010 at 12:15 PM
This is absolutely shameless paid advertising for a video game, dab-smack in the middle of a supposed newspaper. I thought prostitution was illegal in Los Angeles, but apparently everyone involved is up for selling themselves for a few advertising dollars.
Posted by: Ivan Los Angeles | October 11, 2010 at 12:40 PM
Ivan - It's fair to either like or dislike the post. But there was absolutely no influence from NBA 2K11 to publish this. If they benefit from this type of exposure, it's completely coincidental
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | October 11, 2010 at 01:21 PM
Mamba 24,
I'm just getting a chance to log on to the blog. Good Afternoon sir!
He's taking notes huh? So I am! bruhahahahahahahahahaha!
Posted by: Fan of the Mamba | October 11, 2010 at 02:58 PM
I can see Lakers wasnt playing the triangle so they lost...
Posted by: Nonoy | October 11, 2010 at 04:12 PM
how can "Celtics' top performers: Kevin Garnett (15 points, nine-of-22 shooting)" happen?
9 Makes, 15 points?
Posted by: Lake N Bake | October 11, 2010 at 09:09 PM
Why would they have Kobe at small forward and Jordan at shooting guard?
Posted by: FBF: Female Basketball Fanatic | October 12, 2010 at 12:51 AM
Of course they had the Celtics winning in the Finals vs LA. There is no "Stern hit the red button when he realized that even with no Perkins and a hurt Sheed in Staples the Lakers weren't good enough to beat Boston, so we have to have a 20-6 free throw differential in the 4th quarter" option in the game.
Because let's be real here, nobody on earth expected the Celtics to be the better team in that game. And the league would look REAL bad if they let the Celtics win, so they did what they had to do.
It is a business after all.
I wonder if in a video game in the finals if a team can get 10 of there last 15points from the free throw line.
the funny thing, for a game that would be called unrealistic. But when it happens, it's legit.
that's comedy
Posted by: JD | October 12, 2010 at 09:59 PM
Lame article.
Who is really watching them videos?
Posted by: complexity | October 13, 2010 at 01:20 PM