The Lakers & Celtics... Doesn't get much better than this. I want to say that it feels just like 2008 but the wildcard that is Ron Artest, the chemistry between Kobe and Pau and the emergence of Rondo really change the dynamics of this series. I think the physical nature of the Celtics gives them an advantage similar to what they had 2008 but their questionable health may limit their ability to be as physical as they would like. Let's break down the series...
Superstar Power:
Lakers = Kobe Bryant & Pau Gasol
Celtics = Paul Pierce & Ray Allen
Some of you are already saying what about KG & Rondo? Or maybe Odom & Artest? We will get to them in a minute, for now let's just stick to the only four players that have demonstrated star status throughout these play-offs.
The necessity that may exist for Pierce to guard Kobe really makes this difficult to call. Pierce can definitely force Kobe to work hard for his points, but when he has to do that Pierce has a tendency to struggle offensively himself(see his numbers against Cleveland when he had to guard LeBron James). When you add to this to the fact that Kobe will not be likely be guarding Pierce at the the other end the Lakers may be in much better position to rely on their stars to produce. Advantage LA (slightly)
Supporting Casts:
Lakers = Andrew Bynum, Ron Artest & Derek Fisher
Celtics = Kendrick Perkins, Kevin Garnett & Rajon Rondo
I really have questions about Garnett's physical health & ability to be consistently dependable. Rondo is a bit of an X factor. If he adapts to the spotlight of the finals it could really tip the scales to the Celtics. I am not sure that Odom can have the impact he is capable of against other teams because of the size that the Celtics possess with Kendrick Perkins and even Rasheed Wallace off the bench. I also have serious doubts about Odom handling the physical play of Boston well enough to be a difference maker. Derek Fisher has always been a dependable shot maker but his defensive deficiencies are well chronicled. If the Lakers opt to put Kobe on Rondo and allow Fisher to chase Ray Allen that definitely favors Boston. Kendrick Perkins volatility & potential suspension (one more technical & he sists a game), and Artest's almost-once-a-game brain cramps each put their teams in jeopardy. Both men however, contribute enough doing the dirty work that they are something of a wash. Advantage: Boston
On Wednesday we'll talk the benches and the coaching match-up
