From 30 teams, only two are standing: the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics. This match-up brings back the two teams that have dominated the NBA over the past decades. Boston has 16 banners hanging while L.A. has 14, the two teams that have reached the lofty plateau the most. This is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, with a plethora of star-power that includes the likes of Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett. These are the two best teams in the League. I will be surprised if this series does not go six or seven games.
The best player who will step on the court will always be Kobe Bryant, barring any injuries or an act of God. The way he has played in the playoffs has been so surreal. In Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, Kobe Bryant scored 17 points in the fourth quarter -- taking the entire team on his shoulders and winning. There is no reason why Bryant should not be able to do score 30 points night-in and night-out against the Boston Celtics.
An advantage that goes to the Lakers is Bryant's prowess defensively. Bryant can have the ability to guard Ray Allen or Paul Pierce and still go crazy on the offensive end of the court.
That is not the case vice-versa. Therefore, expect to see a lot of playing time given to James Posey, the former champion with Miami whose defense and rebounding was useful against Detroit.
Kevin Garnett holds the edge over Pau Gasol. Both are good players, but I have to give the slight advantage to the person who is more versatile and athletic. It should be a nice battle down low for rebounds, which are a key indicator as to who will win the game. I expect Garnett to take Pau Gasol out to the perimeter and take him off the dribble; even occasionally running him off screens to create mis-matches.
Some important factors for the Lakers are Lamar Odom and their bench. Derek Fisher holds the experience over Rajon Rondo. Vlad Radmonovic will not stand a chance against Paul Pierce. However, Lamar Odom could be an x-factor. KG will probably take turns guarding Gasol and Odom. A plus for the Lakers will be in the open court. Lamar Odom has the uncanny ability to rebound the ball and instantly start a fast-break. He is a point-forward. You will see Phil Jackson utilizing that frequently.
The Lakers have one of the most underrated benches in the entire League. Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic have been nice, young players for Los Angeles. Ronny Turiaf's enthusiasm and athleticism is something not seen too often. With Boston, it's Sam Cassell, PJ Brown, and James Posey. All three are above 30, and two are older than 37. I expect the young legs to out-duel to the old bones.
With several players either trying to get their first ring or add another ring to their respective collections, the battle between the coaches will be crucial. Phil Jackson holds the advantage here. He has nine rings. He has been there, done that. Doc Rivers is an excellent young coach who has played for the Lakers, but the advantage has to go with Phil Jackson because of his experience.
In a hard-fought series, I expect the Los Angeles Lakers to hoist it up in seven games.
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