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Coming into the regular season, anticipation and excitement reigned in Lakerland with the NBA’s version of the Fantastic Four; Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Gary Payton and Karl Malone. As the season wore on, it became obvious the situation was more like Batman and Robin with Payton and Malone not contributing as much as expected

During these playoffs and especially after game 2 of the NBA finals vs. the Detroit Pistons, there is only one superhero on display.

Kobe is Superman. His Jordan-like performance in the 4th quarter and overtime sent a clear message to both teams and everyone watching: he is head and shoulders above anyone else.

He hits the big three point shot to send the game into overtime. He makes two incredible drives to the basket past Tayshaun Price to build up the Laker lead and deflate the hopes of the enemy.

Where would the Lakers be without him? In a world of hurt. He is basically defending Rip Hamilton and Chauncey Billups by himself on the defensive end. He is called upon to handle the ball and make a play every time down on the offensive side of the court. His ability to get to the front of the rim through Detroit’s swat specialists so far has been uncanny.

Can you actually remember the last time one player had to shoulder such a load in a battle for the NBA championship? I thought so.

This championship is one Bryant probably craves more than any other. With all of the doubt surrounding his life over the past 12 months, there would be no greater experience for him than to lead the Lakers to the title.

Don’t expect the millennium Jordan to let up when the series moves to Motown either. Like his hero, Kobe thrives on playing on the road, dominating his foes and ripping out the heart of the fans. If Los Angeles is going to win this series, Bryant will have to lead them.

Malone, as valiant as he has played, has injuries that are slowing him down to the point that he can contribute little. Payton, as has been the case throughout the playoffs, has contributed nothing. At this point “the Glove” has too many holes and does not seem capable of making an impact anymore. Shaq is still Shaq. However, he is going to tire battling all that beef Pistons coach Larry Brown has thrown his way. Expect O’Neal to battle fatigue the longer this series go.

Now you see why Kobe has to be the bell cow? As everyone knows, Kobe has idolized Jordan since he was a young kid. His seems as if he practices every Jordan mannerism from his walk to his talk to the kicking out the leg on a jump shot. Now on his sport’s grand stage he has an opportunity to pay the biggest compliment to his hero and dominate the remainder of this series and lead the Lakers to the trophy.

If that happens we could officially remove the “heir-apparent” tag and start to give him serious consideration as Jordan’s equal.

Sports Journalism has stepped up its game with writer Step Clay! Comments? Questions? Contact Step at Stephen.clay@comcast.net.