[Menierofe]

The problem is those that are conspiracy theorists act as though it is fact. I think the chances that Stern is playing puppet master to handpick the Finals opponents every year are pretty slim.

Consider that we've seen the Spurs, Mavs, Pistons and the Cavs (before it was a ratings draw) in the Finals throughout this decade. You think all these matchups were what they wanted?

If Stern is handpicking this stuff, he's doing a pretty shitty job....including in these playoffs. I doubt he'd have picked the Magic in the ECF or the Nuggets in the WCF.

You have four players who are arguably the top four in the league;

Kobe - Los Angeles
LeBronna - Cleveland
Dwight - Orlando
Carmella - Denver

Along with a somewhat decent supporting cast;

Pau Gasol - Los Angeles
the referees - Cleveland
Hedo Turkolu - Orlando
Chauncey Billups - Denver

I think this has been etched out in the preseason, and it is just coming to fruition right now.