Pope of Basketball.

Summary

The chapter details the competitive dynamics between the Celtics and the Lakers, emphasizing the Celtics' strength over Yang Rui's past experiences. Delonte West's playoff performance is highlighted, showcasing the Celtics' balanced attack with stars like Pierce and their ability to exploit weaknesses in the Lakers' defense. Despite Kobe's struggles in the finals, his supporters defend him against criticisms of his performance and shot selection. Yang Rui reflects on the Lakers' shortcomings, particularly the decline of players like Eddie Jones and the mixed potential of younger players. The chapter also discusses the Finals MVP award going to Pierce, despite Garnett's efforts. The aftermath includes online debates about Kobe's legacy and the Lakers' future, with Yang Rui contemplating the draft and his next steps as a coach, ultimately selecting Donte Greene and DJ White while considering the challenges ahead for the team.

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