From NBA.com
In an interview with NBA TV, President Obama said he expected the Los Angeles Lakers to repeat as NBA Champions. He also discussed similarities between basketball and politics, among other topics.
Obama sat down with play-by-play announcer Marv Albert on the outdoor basketball court at the White House for the 11 minute interview.
On the court, the Phoenix Suns challenged Obama’s prediction by winning Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals 115-106. Kobe Bryant scored 38 points for the Lakers, but it wasn’t enough as the Suns pulled away late in the fourth quarter. Amare Stoudemire scored 21 points for the Suns, who have won both games at home to even the series at 2-2.
The series will continue in L.A. at 9 p.m. on Thursday.
In the Eastern Conference, the Orlando Magic avoided elimination on Monday night by beating the Boston Celtics in Boston. The Celtics still hold a 3-1 series lead, and will hope to solidify their spot in the NBA Finals tonight at 8:30 p.m.
“Rondo’s become one of the best point guards in the league in no time,” Obama said when asked about his pick to win it all. “But, I’ve got to go with the Lakers again. I think [Pau] Gasol may be the best big man in the league right now. … Kobe is the fiercest competitor in the league. … They’re going to be formidable.”
