Series Preview
A lot has been said about how the Celtics are too big, mean, and physical for the Lakers to win. Pau is too soft, Fisher too slow, Bynum too injured, Odom too inconsistent, and Artest too loopy in the head. The Celtics are going to defend the post too well and run their fast-break offense too effectively for the Lakers to compete. This series is going to end the same way the 2008 series has.
This is exactly what Kobe needs to hear. Lakers fans point to Ron Artest being the defining difference between the 2010 and the 2008 teams, but I am convinced that this series is really Kobe's to win. Sure, Ron Artest brings a defensive presence and a toughness that the Lakers didn't have in 2008, but we only need to look to the leader of the team to find the team's real motivater. Kobe doesn't just want this championship. He needs it.
Even though Rondo has been touted as the best point guard in the NBA and the best quarterback in Boston (by Mark Jackson), Derek Fisher has defended Deron Williams and Steve Nash in the previous two series. Rondo's speed and athleticism won't be a surprise to Fisher. That said, Rondo's rebounding will be key, and if he grabs a lot of offensive rebounds like he did against the Magic, the Lakers could be in trouble.
think the Lakers bigs will have trouble with the combined defense of Davis, Garnett, Perkins, and Wallace. Kobe will need to soften up the defense and force double teams for his teammates to get open looks and easy buckets. Odom will need to play big, filling in for Bynum will explosive play.
I find it difficult to pick against Kobe in big-game situations, so here's my pick:
Lakers in 7. I think they'll win their first two home games and steal one at Boston. The Celtics have shown that they can win on the road, so they'll come back and even the series at 3-3, but I don't see the Lakers losing two straight home games. Lakers in 7.
Game 1
The Celtics are very dangerous. But so is Kobe. Tonight, I think Pau will be overwhelmed by the physical play of the Celtics, making him less effective than he normally is. Kobe will shoulder much of the weight of the game, and if he shoots well, I don't see any way the Celtics steal Game 1. Ron Artest is going to be key playing at home. He needs to hit his open 3's, and if he keeps Paul Pierce from getting hot, the Celtics don't have many other players that can score consistently on the road against the Lakers.
The Lakers bench is going to prove their worth at home. Odom will play well at home, stepping up for Bynum, who probably won't play a very big role for the Lakers. Kobe will occasionally defer to his teammates, allowing them to gain confidence for the series, but he won't let the game slip out of his hands. It won't be a blowout, and the Lakers might have a good scare or two, but Lakers are going to win their first home game.
Lakers 90, Celtics 85
Kobe 25 points with 5 assists
Odom 15 points with 7 rebounds
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