Lakers vs. Cavaliers: 2009 NBA Finals

I have been watching the NBA Playoffs a lot lately since I haven’t been able to find a job, and let me say that with all this idle time I have been able to gather some opinions about the NBA.  During the Playoffs there have been many commercials shown, and one of the most prominent is Dos Equis, and the other is Vitamin Water.  My issue here is with Vitamin Water’s commercial and how I feel the NBA might have fixed this NBA Finals, for Corporate Benefits.

Here is the Video:

Now all of us sports fans are well aware of the controversy with the NBA’s officiating, most notably the 2005 NBA Playoffs where Dwyane Wade single handily destroyed the Dallas Mavericks.  Yes, this could be another topic of discussion, but my deal is in argument about the whole entire NBA.  If the NBA Finals is Lebron vs Kobe, does it give us any reason to believe this wasn’t fixed?  Honestly I’m not really sure since both teams have the best records in the league, but it is seemingly strange that the 2 most marketable players in the league have a deal with Vitamin Water, and Vitamin Water is a Sponsor of the NBA.  Anyone remember Lakers Vs Celtics or how bout Spurs Vs Cavs, both these Finals were completely different, but had a storyline that could be used for leverage by the NBA.  Personally I feel that this is good for business and an amazing marketing strategy, but honestly I do feel this is an issue. 

For the players in the NBA who are not aware of this should be, because all the hard work they put into a season could go to waste. The league has it’s two most Beloved/Hated athletes going up against each other, and this commercial seems like the perfect leverage for this rivalry.  You might be wondering if I have a problem with Vitamin Water doing the ad with Kobe & Lebron, and my answer is No I don’t have a problem with it unless it is being a precursor in something they knew about.  Since Michael Jordan retired, there have been story lines in and out of the league but nothing has ever been able to be so great.  This new era of players are amazing, and deserve recognition.  If you have read through this article and feel that hey, the refs were encouraged by Las Vegas to do what they did you are correct, but don’t tell me that the NBA didn’t have a little something in that operation.  

These days money speaks more than morals, and values in the corporate world, so as a little corporate stan all I can do is follow the rules.  I appreciate you for reading my concerns and opinions about the situation, and remember that I do not have any personal vendetta against the NBA or Vitamin Water, my only concern is valuing the players efforts fairly regardless of who shows up in the NBA Finals.