Then, as you held your breath, it appeared before you. Middle name Jeffrey, last name Jordan was all you needed to see to realize you had hit the adolescent lottery of sports memorabilia.
The exhilarating rush of excitement would last for hours as you bragged to your friends about your latest treasure that they did not possess.
NBA commissioner David Stern probably experienced the same sensation and ensuing moments of "I (our league) just hit the jackpot!" pride, following Chris Bosh's and then LeBron James' announcements that the two were headed to Miami to team up with Dwyane Wade and the rest of the Heat.
Mixed Emotions What do we make of the South Beach trio?
Now imagine, eight months from now, Stern's reaction if the Heat reach the 2011 NBA Finals and face...wait for it...the Los Angeles Lakers.
Forget one-on-one, LeBron vs Kobe for seven games, try a one-of-one limited edition Michael Jordan autographed basketball card with a game worn jersey fused into it as if NASA, and not Fleer Ultra, were responsible. Ya, Stern and the NBA would hit a much needed payday.
Like the young boy at the counter of his local card shop ready to add another No. 23 to his collection, the Lakers versus Heat is the NBA Finals most fans will crave this coming June.
But thanks to Whatifsports.com's NBA simulation engine, you don't have to wait that long. We have simulated a Lakers versus Heat Best-of-Seven series 1001 times. In this simulation we gave the Miami Heat home court advantage in the 2-3-2 NBA Finals format.
One other...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
