A Fool’s Bet
A long time ago (probably around 2004, after the Lakers lost in the Finals to the Pistons, and after the Lakers traded Shaq), my friend Shaariq and I were talking a little NBA basketball over IM. I don’t remember the specifics of the conversation, but I’m sure it involved a little heckling on my part about the Lakers loss and offseason situation. Being the biggest Dirk hater in the world, my friend offered this bold prediction (and I paraphrase):
Kobe will win another title before Dirk wins his first.
The bet was simple: if Dirk wins a championship first, Shaariq has to wear a Dirk jersey. If Kobe wins his 4th before Dirk wins his 1st, I have to wear a Kobe jersey.
Of course, things were looking pretty good for me. 2006 rolls around, and the Mavericks make it all the way to the Finals. Needless to say, it was not meant to be.
2009 is here, and Shaariq is kind enough to remind me of our friendly wager back in 2004. It’s time for me to pay my dues:
My punishment for losing the Kobe/Dirk bet
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a Mavs fan, but I’m not a Kobe or Laker hater by any means. I’m happy for them; I just wish the Mavs had capitalized on their golden opportunity in 2006.
Anyway, consider my crow eaten, the music faced. Until next time, go Mavs!