Here on Saipan, those who did not blink their eyes at the never-ending saga can’t help but, like all people all over the world, place their bet on either of the two teams that turned the court into a theater of human drama.
Elias Rangamar, president Baskeball Association of Northern Mariana Islands will cheer for Lakers.
“Lakers is my team. It’s the first basketball team I’ve ever saw the first time NBA games were played in NMI televisions about three decades ago,”
He liked watching Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Magic Johnson.
Tyrone Omar, member, Northern Marianas Athletic team predicts Celtics will win the NBA Championship.
“It’s not actually my team but with Kobe playing without the likes of Shaq, I don’t think he’s gonna make it,”
Omar was thinking about anybody who could help Kobe in a way Bull’s Pippen and Rodman did with Jordan.
He’s afraid Kobe will end up carrying the load for Lakers single-handedly “and against Paul Pierce and Garnett?” Omar shook his head.
Joe Villacrusis, player of Northern Marianas College— Intergovernment/business Basketball Tournament places bet on Lakers.
“I believe it’s about time for Kobe to prove himself without Shaq, He already won the MVP in the regular season. Now, he has to prove it further.”
Jacque Wonenberg NMI athlete national team member, says she will go for Celtics.
Willie Sele, weight lifter says he would bet on Lakers.
“I’m not really a basketball fan but I’ll go for Lakers.”
Joe Wabol, NMI top golfer says, he has been for Celtic every since, and a big fan of Larry Bird.
“But this time, I want the Lakers to win. I want to see how Kobe will prove himself without Shaq by his side,” he said noting that the last time Lakers won the NBA Championship, it was their tandem who carried the team.
Now let’s see how he’s gonna carry it alone.
Joe Mettao, community development specialist of Department of Community and Cultural Affairs’ Sports and Recreation Division says, he has been for Lakers ever since and a big fan of Magic Johnson.
Now even without the likes of Jabbar, Thompson and Divac, “I’ll bet for Kobe without Shaq,”
Lawrence Camacho, community volunteer says he grew up watching Lakers won several championships.
He saw Celtics-Lakers rivalry in the 80s, and now with new faces, “I’ll still bet for Lakers,”
