Soaring above his Kingdom like no other King before or since this young Skywalker defied the traditional way to rule the Basketball Universe with his variety of Aerial Attacks against all comers. His Airness’ first reign was a March through the NBA that showed no mercy. First, His Airness along with Elder Philip and Pippen the Versatile conquered the Motor City Barbarians and sent them home like dogs with tails between their legs. On his Path to the Promise, Lord Michael dethroned Earvin the Great Magician once and for all to take his rightful place in the Basketball Castle. Lord Michael would also torch the likes of Sir Clyde of Portland and Sir Charles of Phoenix while capturing numerous MVP and Scoring Crowns to add to his illustrious Trophy Case of Greatness. Lord Michael of Chicago dominated with Jedi like athleticism and efficiency, something that amazed the Basketball Kingdom. His Army was Bullish as the Windy City Kingdom ran roughshod across the Basketball Countryside, conquering villages big and small. It would seem like the Windy City Reign would last forever, but suddenly His Airness abruptly relinquished his Crown in 1993 to explore the far -away lands of Major League Baseball. The throne was vacant until…

IX- 1994-96: Prince Hakeem of Houston “The Dream King”

Challengers: Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone

At just the age of 23, young Prince Hakeem (Akeem at the time) would show that he was destined for greatness right away. The silent assassin would lead his Rocket Army into battle against the Celts Emerald Kingdom, but Larry the Legendary and his knights were at the peak of their powers as they obliterated the young Nigerian Warrior and his troops. As Prince Hakeem recharged in the lowlands of Texas, he witnessed his contemporary Lord Michael Jeffrey of Chicago supplant him as the heir apparent to Magic and Bird. However, the Chicago Skywalker would explore new lands after conquering the Land of Basketball for the third straight year. Without making a sound, Prince Hakeem would seize the Basketball Throne as his Dream became a reality. Prince Hakeem, the Dream King conquered International rival St. Patrick Ewing of Jamaica as the Rockets of Houston defeated the Knicks of Yorkshire. This was Hakeem’s revenge for their encounter in the land of the NCAA in 1984. Along the way, the Dream King would capture the NBA MVP and second straight Defensive Player of the Year while winning his first Finals MVP Award. The Dream King finally brought the Basketball Crown to the Land of Houston, Texas. The Rockets of Houston would refuel after a slow start by reuniting Prince Hakeem with his fellow College soldier Clyde the Glide Drexler from their Phi Slamma Jamma days. The Dream King would conquer the likes of Sir Charles of Phoenix, Sir Karl Malone and Sir John Stockton of Utah and MVP David the Admiral of San Antonio on his way to another Battle in the Finals. In the Finals, Prince Hakeem would conquer Shaquille The Hun of Orlando as the Rocket Army would conquer the Magic Army of Orlando. The Dream King would rule with his mighty sword over the Basketball world for two full Seasons…

1996-’98: Return of the Ruler

The Dream King would descend just as fast as he had ascended because the Ruler returned to reclaim his Throne. Michael rejoined Zen master Phillip and Pippen the Versatile en route to winning another three straight Championships, becoming the first King along with Emperor William of Boston to win in his final battle.

X- 1999-2005: Shaquille The Hun “His Royal Dominance”

Challengers: Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Karl Malone

Rising from the Mongol Swamps of Louisiana, this great 7’1″ force could move many mountains (including Mt. Mutombo and others) along with backboards. Shaquille The Hun traveled from the Land of Orlando to the Land of Los Angeles to revive a Great Dynasty. With a power that could not be matched, Shaquille was both the Irresistible Force and the Immovable Object. This was a King of Epic Proportions, the kind that the Basketball Universe had not seen since the likes of King Wilt and Kareem the Wise. With his young Warrior sidekick Prince Kobe by his side, Shaquilla the Hun would lead the Lakers in Los Angeles to three straight Championships. His dominance in battle was reminiscent of Lord Michael Jeffrey of Chicago during his early reign from 1991-1993. Although Shaquille’s reign was magnificent, it was cut short. Perhaps due to injuries and the inner conflict between him and his successor. Their in-fighting led to a fracture in the Western Dynasty as Shaquille The Hun would relinquish his throne as the Southwestern Dynasty was born…

XI- 2003-2008: Kaiser Duncan The Fundamental

Challengers: Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, Tracy McGrady

Known as Timmy the Fundamental, this selfless King’s attitude and devotion to Country led to his army’s many victories. Kaiser Duncan’s Greatest weapon was his deadly bank shot, which helped him conquer even the greatest of foes. While showing undying loyalty to the land of San Antonio, many still believe that his reign was the greatest. Kaiser Duncan and his soldiers fought with precision, and fundamentals as they functioned like a well-oiled machine ready to destroy. Though his reign lacked the pomp and circumstance, King Duncan’s discipline helped him see the greater picture. The Spurs of San Antonio would become one of the most respected Dynasties in the Land of Basketball.

XII- 2006-2011: Caesar Kobe

Challengers: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard

As Shaquille The Hun led the Western Dynasty in the early 2000’s, a competitive young prince fought by his side.

This prince was known as Caesar Kobe of Los Angeles. Young Kobe was a prince that had a ruthless approach to winning, while also dividing other troops. Caesar Kobe pulled the ultimate betrayal among in 2004 when he orchestrated Shaquille’s exit from the Land of Los Angeles.

After a year of Exile from the Playoffs, Kobe returned to bring back to back titles to Los Angeles. During this Era, a younger King would fight for Caesar Kobe’s throne.

XIII- 2006-Present: King James The Chose One “The Decider”

Challengers: Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Garnett, Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard, Tim Duncan, Derrick Rose, Stephen Curry

The Current King is unlike many others. His talents are never to be denied, but his motives have often left others wondering. King James made his arrival in 2003, as he would take the Basketball Land by storm. He was a force to be reckoned with, much like Michael, Magic, and Larry. During his initial reign in Cleveland, LeBron’s army would fall to the San Antonio Spurs. Young LeBron would also win back to back MVP Crowns. After seven grueling seasons, King LeBron left his home of Cleveland for the land of South Beach. Many viewed him as a vagabond with no desire to take over the throne or have any stability. King James would establish his place on the Basketball Throne with two championship reigns. When his Kingdom in South Beach crumbled, King James returned to his hometown of Cleveland. He would lead the Cavaliers of Cleveland to the Promise Land with an NBA Crown.