The NBA Finals

It is time to pay attention to what is going on with the pros of the hardwood.

For nearly 82 games, they went unnoticed. For nearly all the playoffs, no one really cared.

Now it is time to care.

For any basketball aficionados, it doesn't take a genius to tell you that the sports best, and most relevant, rivalry is between the Boston Celtics and the LA Lakers. These two storied programs have won the most titles in the NBA, and one team will hoist yet another banner in the coming weeks. The question is, who?

The Lakers have a strong case. First, they have the league MVP, and the closest thing the league has to a Michael Jordan, in Kobe Bryant. Like him or hate him, you cannot deny this man has some serious game, and is the best player in the league right now. But the Lakers have other weapons. Pau Gasol is the man in the middle, and the second option in the offense, while forward Lamar Odom has found his groove in being the third option. Add in role players like guards Jordan Farmar, Derek Fisher, Sasha Vujacic, and forwards Vladamir Radmanovic, Luke Walton and Ronny Turiaf, and you have a cohesive unit that looks to win the NBA title, and Bryant's fourth.

The Boston Celtics have been through a revitilization. A year ago, they were one of the worst teams, with a lot of young promise. After multiple trades, they brought in two South Carolina natives, forward Kevin Garnett and sharpshooting guard Ray Allan. Add that with forward Paul Pierce, and you have a big three yet again in Boston. The team also has its share of role players, guard Rajon Rondo has matured greatly, and forwards James Posey, Glenn Davis, Leon Powe, and PJ Brown add a mixture of talented depth with youth and experience. Kendrick Perkins (6'10) gives more size in the middle as center, along with Garnet who is 6'11).

Both teams have legitimate shots to win it all, and the best two teams are playing each other. Breaking down the matchups will give a better idea of who will prevail in this historic series. At guard, the Lakers I have to give a slight advantage because of Fisher over Rondo. Rondo may be more talented, but Fisher has finals experience to boot. The real question is, will the Celtics Samm Cassel get his act together to give depth outside of the questionable ball handling abitliy of Eddie House?

In the low post, at center, Kendrick Perkins should be able to rough up the soft Pau Gasol. The real interesting battle will be between Garnet and Odom. Odom has given teams fits with his size and athleticism. If you put a big guy on him, he is too fast; put a smaller guy, and Odom over powers him. Garnett won't allow this to happen, because he is also big and athletic.

The three point shot is crucial in both offenses. Allan provides the treys for Boston, and the combo of Fisher, Farmar, Walton, and Vujacic get it done. Role players will also be interesting, as I think either Posey or Radmonavic will have to have key contributing efforts for ones team to win.

But we all know the big battle is between the captains, Pierce and Bryant. Bryant has been unstoppable against strong defenders like Bruce Bowen of the Spurs. Pierce is an even fiestier defender than Bowen, and he will have to slow Kobe down for his team to stand a chance. Pierce will also have to continue his tenacity on the offense.

Regardless of who wins, this should be an entertaining series.

Really, I don't know who to pick in this series because each team has such strength that it is nearly impossible to pick a winner.

But, I have to lean to the Lakers, for the simple fact that they have proven they can win on the road, while the Celtics haven't. Concevably, all the Lakers have to do is win 1 game in Boston, and then finish out the series with 3 straight home games.

I will say this series goes to 6 games, even though as a fan I want this to go to 7.