As I'm sitting here watching Roger Federer beat up on the 23rd ranked player in the world to win his first French Open title, I'm reminded of the Lakers/Magic Final.  Federer desperately needed to win this title to solidify his place in history, as this was the only major championshiop that he had never won and it would allow him to tie Pete Sampras' record of 14 major championships for a career.  Federer had been in the French Open championship match in the past, but he would always run into Rafa Nadal and come up short.  This year, though, Nadal was a bit hurt and ended up getting beat early.  The other potential challenger to Federer on the big stage is Novak Djokovic, but he too lost early before he ever got to Federer.  Thus, Federer is winning the biggest championship of his career without having ever having to even face any of his biggest challengers.

Likewise, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers stand poised on the verge of a title that Kobe despearately wants.  This is the championship that would finally prove that Kobe could win without Shaq, validating for many his place at the top of the game.  Kobe's Lakers made it to the Finals last year, but they ran into the Celtics and came up short.  This year, though, the Celtics were injured and ended up getting beat early by the Magic.  The other potential challenger to Kobe on the big stage is LeBron James, but he too lost early before he ever got to Kobe.  Thus, Kobe is poised to win the biggest championship of his career without ever having to face any of his biggest challengers.

I didn't want Federer to win, and I don't want the Lakers to win.  Even if I did, though, I'd like to think I'd be pulling for them to have to beat the champs in order to be the champs.  Federer and the Lakers can only play the teams in front of them, so it takes nothing from their accomplishment no matter who they play.  But for me it just feels...anticlimactic.