The NBA Playoffs may not be thrilling just yet, but they haven't been predictable either. Who would have thought we'd see all these blowout games? Or that Manu Ginobili would crush young James Harden's hopes and dreams? Who knew the Celtics would make it so far? Or that Zaza would be the new Bruce Bowen? But no matter how the first few rounds play out, the one certainty is that it will end the same way: with LeBron James in the Finals.
In fact, the last time King James was not in the Finals was June 2010. After his Cavs lost in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Celtics and Lakers became the last teams standing. The Lake Show went on to take the title, and sitting at home was so painful for LeBron that soon thereafter he made a Decision that would ensure he'd never miss the Finals again. As LeBron prepares to make his seventh straight appearance, let's take a look at what life was like the last time he wasn't the star of the show.
Jay Z was King of America.
Kyrie Irving was finishing his senior year in high school.
Kobe Bryant was Finals MVP for the last time.
The Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup for the first time in 49 years.
The Blackhawks beat the Philadelphia Flyers 4–3 in overtime to clinch the title.
You had to send nudes the old-fashioned way.
Couldn't slide in the DMs, either.
A blonde Jessica Alba was on the cover of Complex.
The Black Eyed Peas were a thing.
Diddy was in some kinda singing group.
Ciara hadn't met Future or Russell Wilson yet.
Pharrell still ran around with N.E.R.D.
A Canadian rapper by the name of Drake released one of the most anticipated debut albums ever.
We had a president who didn't leak classified information to the Russians.
Groupon was one of the Top 10 iPhone apps.
We were obsessed with sparkly vampires.
The country was in a panic over an outbreak of bedbugs.
From subway cars in New York to Koreatown in LA to the UN Headquarters.
But the only song you'll remember is the one with Rihanna.
Remember when John McCain tweeted Snooki?