Celtics versus Lakers

The Boston Celtics and the LA Lakers should breeze through the first and second rounds of the NBA playoffs, unless an unlikely upset happens.

If the two teams go on and win their conference titles, wouldn’t it be cool to watch a Celtics versus Lakers finals this year? I couldn’t even remember when was the last time these teams met for the NBA title!

Before I go on further, Boston has Detroit to contend with for the Eastern Conference title. The Celtics will have its hands full against Detroit but I’m going for Boston to win the series in six games.

For the Lakers, they have to dispose of San Antonio if they want to advance to the finals. That is if the latter beats Phoenix (whom they are leading 2-0 as of this writing) and the second seed New Orleans Hornets.

There are at least three reasons why a Celtics-Lakers finale would be such fun to watch.

1. Three-On-Three

In a Celtics-Lakers finale, it’ll be basically three-on-three: Garnett, Pierce and Allen versus Bryant, Gasol and Odom.

Boston’s three have jelled in time for the playoffs. They had the regular season to work things out and they have found ways to win for Boston. The same couldn’t be said of Bryant and company, although Gasol playing superbly.

The advantage of LA’s threesome is youth. They are much younger and could prove more durable if the series extends to Game 7.

Among Boston’s threesome, Garnett is hungrier for a title, although Pierce and Allen have been salivating for a trophy and championship ring. He has been a complacent player before suiting up for Boston but this year he showed he could shine in offense and defense. Garnett bagged the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award.

Bryant and Garnett are also gunning for their first MVP award this season. The way I see it, either of the two could win the award, while the loser won’t be that far behind in statistical points.

2. Role Players

The spotlight will be on roles players in a Celtics-Lakers series. When Garnett sat out some mid season games, Rondo and Perkins were able to carry the team. Then Boston acquired the likes of James Posey, Sam Cassell and PJ Brown.

The Lakers have Turiaf. In the absence of injured center Andrew Bynum, Turiaf has done an excellent job for the Lakers. Then there’s Jordan Farmar, Luke Walton, Rony Turiaf, Sasha Vujacic and Vladimir Radmanovic.

In the championship, the roles players are invaluable. When they perform well, so does the team. In a Boston-Los Angeles tiff, roles players could be the X-factor.

3. Battle Of Coaches

It will be a battle of coaching geniuses in a Celtics-Lakers finale. Doc Rivers is having the time of his life and I won’t be surprised if he ends up Coach of the Year. Doc Rivers have kept his Celtics focused throughout the season, guiding them through difficult times (when Garnett and Allen were sidelined by injuries) and then shored up his line-up with excellent acquisition. Will he be able to guide them to all the way to the title?

On the other side is Phil Jackson. He’s gunning for his 10th title that would put him in the history books as the winingest coach in the NBA. Currently, he’s tied with Red Auerback with nine titles.

A Celtics-Lakers finale would be a classic. I can’t wait to watch such a series. My pick: Boston in seven, but I could be wrong.

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