This is a list of the sports teams/players I currently root for. I have favorites, as well as underdogs who I believe will be top contenders in due time.
NBA
Favorite: Los Angeles Lakers
My favorite team of all time. It all began in '96-'97, when Shaq joined the lineup. Eventually, it became the familiar squad of Shap, Kobe, Fisher, Fox, and Horry. Although now it's not the team that it was when it dominated the early part of the decade, Kobe is playing better than ever, and the Lakers-Celtics rivalry is looking to be reheated. They can go the distance.
Underdog: Atlanta Hawks
They finally made it back to the playoffs last year, and almost stole the series from the heavily-favored Celtics. Joe Johnson looks really good, and they appear to be making quite a run this year. They were a powerhouse team when Jordan was around, and hopefully they will return to that caliber soon. Plus, their logo is bad-ass. Not to mention the fact that my Fountain Valley League team was named after them.
NFL
Favorite: New York Giants
It all started when I played with them in Madden '02. When Eli came around, nobody was giving him any credit, and I felt for him. He still doesn't get the recognition he deserves, much like the organization in general. When the Giants made the playoff run last year against the Cowboys, Packers, and Patriots, it was like a dream come true for me. I hadn't felt so good about a sport since the Lakers went for a three-peat. The Giants didn't win it this year, but they'll be back.
Underdog: Miami Dolphins
Not so much an underdog as my favorite team in the AFC. I was a fan of their squad back in '98, when I was playing NFL Blitz with Dan Marino as quarterback. Since then, the Dolphins have been a headache. There were so many problems with the team, especially with Ricky Williams, that I just about gave up on them. This past season, though, Bill Parcells, Tony Sparano, and Chad Pennington got into the mix, and now the Dolphins look to be a post-season caliber team.
MLB
Favorite: Anaheim Angels
Underdog: Milwaukee Brewers
NHL
Favorite: Pittsburgh Penguins
Underdog: Columbus Blue Jackets
PGA
Favorite: Tiger Woods
Underdog: David Duval
