nba title

Fate can certainly be a cruel mistress. Dirk Nowitzki and LeBron James were already superstars coming into these NBA Finals but one is going to be elevated at the expense of the other in the coming days by finally securing the game's biggest prize.

Who's the new NBA title favorite? What have we learned about Miami? Why has Chicago looked so pedestrian? As Round 2 nears its end, our analysts answers those questions and more.

Last year's two NBA finalists -- the Lakers and Celtics -- both trail 0-2. It would be foolish to write them off, says Zach Lowe.

In fact, you could argue every team still has real title hopes.

LOS ANGELES Andrew Bynum had fallen earlier, sending shockwaves through Lakerland, and his MRI on a hyperextended right knee set for this morning will still chart the course of the Lakers ' possible third consecutive NBA title run.

The Los Angeles Lakers have unveiled their latest NBA championship banner on the west wall of Staples Center.

Not so fast, LeBron. Playing under Boston's 17 championship banners, the Miami Heat team put together to win its own NBA title couldn't win its first game, as the new Big Three lost to the old Big Three of the Celtics, 88-80 on Tuesday night.

James scored 31 points, but the other members of the trio struggled.

The Boston Celtics' new Big Three will stay together to try for a second NBA title.

The Lakers rallied in the fourth quarter and squeezed by the Celtics 83-79 in a defensive slugfest to claim their 16th NBA title.

Pau Gasol led the way with 19 points and 18 rebounds.