The corniest thing that has happened in Kobe's absence is the parade of random posters making references to Kobe's absence with terrible jokes for cheap daps by people who hate Kobe stans. Like people I've never seen recognized before. Yes, even cornier than Swagnificent's desperation (this nikka is ex-communicated right....). I don't know a single real NBA fan, or fan of basketball and competition that really wanted to see the Lakers play without Kobe. You'd have to be a Lakers or Kobe hater to the umpteenth degree to want that. The same people who were

at the idea of Duncan retiring are out here fronting like Kobe left no void at all. "We all know it's not the same without Kobe out there." - LeBron
As for this finals, individually I like the Heat's big 3 more than the Spurs as a whole, but I think I'd almost rather SA win. The Spours are the Patriots of the NBA