Jordan wasnt just he best player in the game, he was the closer, the distributor, the marketer's dream, etc. They could have won 8 consecutive if he didnt retire to play baseball. He was that good. In the playoffs, he wasnt going to be beaten once he perfected his game.
The NBA needed the Celts and Lakers, but they really need another Bird-Magic. Transcendant players on marquee teams who both are winners. Kobe is that player in LA. Lebron was supposed to be that player, but he has been surrounded by such a pile of s*** that he hasnt had the supporting cast to help.