Reddit User Dmc15 Has Some Interesting Stats on Kobe Era Lakers and Heat

Read it at reddit.com.

Last summer, just before the Finals, I started noticing coincidences between the Miami Heat team (’06 – present) and the post-Shaq Laker team. After Miami managed to equalise the series 3-3 last night, I was reminded of these events, and how they have perfectly carried on. There are differences between the teams, and I’m not saying that these mean anything, but they are quite interesting to see:

• 2002 – Los Angeles Lakers win title with Shaquille O’Neal
• 2006 – Miami Heat win title with Shaquille O’Neal

2 Years Later

• 2004 – Shaquille O’Neal leaves the Lakers, Lakers become lottery team
• 2008 – Shaquille O’Neal leaves the Heat, Miami become lottery team

After that

• 2006, 2007 – After missing the playoffs, the Lakers have back to back 1st round exits. Their first playoff bout ends in 7, their second in 5. During this time, the team is essentially Kobe Bryant (A top-5 player) and garbage.
• 2009, 2010 – After missing the playoffs, the Heat have back to back 1st round exits. Their first playoff bout ends in 7, their second in 5. During this time, the team is essentially Dwayne Wade (A top-5 player) and garbage.
• 2008 – The Lakers’ solid offseason/trade deadline allows them to become one of the best teams in the league.
• 2011 – The Heat’s solid offseason/trade deadline allows them to become one of the best teams in the league.
• 2008 – The Lakers make it all the way to the Finals, without much competition, only to lose in 6 to a defensive minded team full of hungry veterans. Their star player recieves a ton of hate for his poor performance.
• 2011 – The Heat make it all the way to the Finals, without much competition, only to lose in 6 to a defensive minded team full of hungry veterans. Their star player recieves a ton of hate for his poor performance.
• 2009 – The Lakers make it back to the Finals, and get matched up against an unexperienced team featuring one of the brightest young stars in the NBA.
• 2012 – The Heat make it back to the Finals, and get matched up against an unexperienced team featuring one of the brightest young stars in the NBA.
• 2009 – The Lakers win in 5, proving all the doubters wrong
• 2012 – The Heat win in 5, proving all the doubters wrong
• 2010 – The Lakers make it back to the finals, matched up against a former title team with it’s core still in tact.
• 2013 – The Heat make it back to the finals, matched up against a former title team with it’s core still in tact.
• 2010 – The Lakers go down 3-2, but win Game 6 to force Game 7 at home.
• 2013 – The Heat go down 3-2, but win Game 6 to force Game 7 at home.
• 2010 – The Lakers manage to win game 7, claiming the NBA title and winning back-to-back.
• 2013 – The Heat ????