Comments on: When March Went Mad…A Review

By: Kurt

Kurt — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:37:28 +0000

Kings preview up

By: kwame a.

kwame a. — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:32:41 +0000

Wondahbap-I was referring to local ratings, but I would guess that the Cavs have garnered higher ratings nationally than the C’s this season. Especially since the 1st of the year. I’d love for the Magic to take both of them out and see the look on Stern’s face.

By: wondahbap

wondahbap — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:27:39 +0000

Alex,

Yeah. I also believe that the NBA (from a business standpoint) would rather LBJ not win in Cleveland, so it’s easier for him to leave for NY and take over there.

The NBA is in a good position right now.

By: alex v.

alex v. — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:13:32 +0000

For me personally, “Lakers coast to Finals” is more of a nightmare than a fantasy. Three rounds of play-offs that are like last night’s NCAA final? Other than a chance for the Lakers to perfect the lead-blowing skills they’ve been working on all season, it wouldn’t be very interesting to watch. Then in the finals we suddenly have to face a team that’s amped up and hardened from series that were actually challenging…

FWIW, I think a Celtics/Lakers rematch draws the casual fan that doesn’t watch the NBA much, but Kobe/LeBron isn’t far behind, and is probably easier to market with highlight plays and shoe commercials. (Just realized I’m saying the same thing as Wondabap/50 – Kobe/LeBron definitely plays better for the future, especially if the LeBrons relocate to NYC in 2010.)

By: wiseolgoat

wiseolgoat — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:50:48 +0000

On a lighter note, check this out:

http://lakers.freedomblogging.com/2009/04/07/vujacic-still-gets-kicks-over-new-shoes/14807/

I guess Chinese companies will settle for a shoe endorsement from any NBA player…

By: wondahbap

wondahbap — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:42:09 +0000

Kurt,

I know from marketing standpoint, it is better to have Kobe v. Lebron. I admitted that. My contention is this year, Lakers vs. Celtics might be better from a ratings standpoint.

Long term the Kobe vs. LeBron is as good as it gets. Win/Win for the NBA. Even better if the Lakers win. They get a legend in Kobe solidify his legacy, and can still play the LeBron’s quest angle. LBJ’s reign seems inevitable anyway, so personally, it’s better for the NBA to hedge their bets and see Kobe improve his career. If LeBron won, then they can delve into LBJ’s reign faster.

The media will be making excuses for LBJ, should they lose because the Lakers are supposedly more talented. If the cavs lose, they were supposed to. If they win, LBJ is god.

By: Snoopy2006

Snoopy2006 — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:37:08 +0000

Drrayeye makes a good point. If you think about it, this is the first time that this Lakers team have gone through an entire season and will head into the playoffs as favorites. Yes, after Pau we were #1 last year, but that was a late season turn, and we weren’t as overwhelming favorites for so long. This is a very young team, not too many veterans. Can they maintain that mental poise and sharpness (or at least find it again)? Normally I’d say with Phil it isn’t a problem, but the bench has been worrisome.

By: Kurt

Kurt — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:29:12 +0000

So long as the Lakers make it, the NBA Finals will draw huge numbers. But the NBA marketing machine has always been about stars over teams. LeBron v. Kobe is an easier sell for them than Lakers v. Celtics.

By: wondahbap

wondahbap — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:11:42 +0000

Kwame,

Locally or nationally? There’s a huge difference.

By: Renato Afonso

Renato Afonso — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:02:22 +0000

wondahbap,

Think global… While Lakers/Celtics is more suitable for the USA and Europe, I believe that Kobe vs. Lebron would be bigger in Asia without any significant dropoff in ratings in USA/Europe… But maybe one of our asian mates can help us with that.