NBA Finals Preview

Will Kobe lead the Lakers to a championship ring?

By Stanley

The Magic come in as the underdog, even after upsetting the tournament-favorite Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.  Orlando has a really well-balanced team: they can take it to the low post with Dwight Howard, knock down three's with Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis, and drive to the hoop with just about everyone else.  However, they were very unsuccessful in stopping Lebron James in the East Finals.  What does this mean?  Look for Kobe to have a monster series.

Although the Magic were able to overcome Lebron's attack, Kobe has a much better supporting cast.  Bryant can count on players like Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom for help, while Lebron really had no one to look towards for support.  Orlando is really going to have a tough time stopping Los Angeles defensively.  The Lakers also should be able to contain Dwight Howard a bit better than the Cleveland Cavaliers.  The Lakers can rotate several players in to face Howard, while the Cavs barely even have a big man.  Advantage: LA.  

This series is going to be extremely close and well-fought.  However, I do believe that the Lakers will win in 6 games.  LA's combination of a balanced offense and a really solid defense will give the Magic a tough time.  If Jameer Nelson can come back for Orlando at near 100% (a near 100% impossibility), then the Magic may have a chance.  Unfortunately, Rafer Alston just does not give Orlando that edge at the point guard that they will need to beat the Lakers.  

Kobe here will win his 4th ring, and will have a huge series to take home championship MVP honors.  The Magic won't really have an answer for the abilities of Pau Gasol.  Look for one of the more intriguing matchups to be Turkoglu/Lewis against Lamar Odom.  If Lamar Odom plays terrible, then the Magic may have a chance to continue their excellent playoff shooting percentage to upset LA.  But don't expect anything like that.  The Lakers will take home the hardware Game 6 at the Staples Center.  

Stanley's Pick: Los Angeles Lakers in 6

Scott's Pick: Lakers in 6 (I'm tempted to take the Magic only because they will play the "no one believes in us card")