I'm saying Lakers in six. Their the deeper team (at least in my opinion). Aside from depth, they've got youth on their side (for the most part). In fact, this series reminds me a little of the SA series in that the Lakers core are all under 30, while the Celts core is all 30+. If the Lakers can play their tempo, the Celtics might have issues defending (please note emphasis on the word MIGHT). Also, they are the more athletic team as well, which will help to them playing a quicker pace and hopefully wearing down the Celts big three. Also to add, from my understanding, the Celtics are going to be looking to defend Kobe in a similar fashion for what they did LeBron. And quite frankly, that's not going to work. For one, Kobe is a much better all around player than LeBron. You force him to shoot jumpers, he can actually make them, and if he heats up, you'll be in big trouble. But what'll make a bigger difference is the fact that the Lakers have a much better supporting cast. You double up on Kobe, you risk leaving Gasol or Odom open for an easy jumper or layup. Beyond that, they've got a slew of great shooters. The last thing you want to do is give Sasha, Radman, Fisher or Farmar an open look from the trey. In the end, to me, the Lakers are just the more complete team. They have better depth, they're younger, more athletic, and can score in a variety of ways. They just have too many weapons for the Celtics to contain, so, as mentioned, I'll say Lakers in six.
I'd give the advantage to the Lakers, and say Lakers in 6. I think the only way for Boston to have a good shot at winning the series is pace, or 1 of the Lakers big 3 get injured. If the Celts can keep the pace slow and make it their style of defensive basketball I think they can win games. If they however have to play the running game, and lots of possessions, their defensive effectiveness will decrease and they don't have as many offensive weapons as the Lakers.
I'm loving ESPN's (specifically Tim Legler's) little input on the Finals. Wow. First, he says who's gonna stop Paul Peirce? Then, he says who's gonna stop KG? And he goes to the Lakers...and goes and says their front line is soft. At this point, me and my friend burst out laughing, because it seemed like a sick joke. Praise KG, and then turn around and call out the Lakers front line for being soft? Has he ever watched KG play, with his constant fade-aways? Oh, and this was the funniest part. He brings up Kendrick Perkins. Kendrick fuckin Perkins. Who the hell is Kendrick Perkins, really? Not once does he mention KOBE BRYANT, the MVP of the fuckin league. I hadda good laugh Who's gonna stop Kobe? Surely not the Celtics...
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (pegs @ Jun 4 2008, 02:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I'm loving ESPN's (specifically Tim Legler's) little input on the Finals. Wow. First, he says who's gonna stop Paul Peirce? Then, he says who's gonna stop KG? And he goes to the Lakers...and goes and says their front line is soft. At this point, me and my friend burst out laughing, because it seemed like a sick joke. Praise KG, and then turn around and call out the Lakers front line for being soft? Has he ever watched KG play, with his constant fade-aways? Oh, and this was the funniest part. He brings up Kendrick Perkins. Kendrick fuckin Perkins. Who the hell is Kendrick Perkins, really? Not once does he mention KOBE BRYANT, the MVP of the fuckin league. I hadda good laugh Who's gonna stop Kobe? Surely not the Celtics...</div> Kenrick Perkins is going to stop Kobe.
I don't want to get carried away and insult the Celtics, that's why I personally gave them the benefit of the doubt and said Lakers in 5. :] (Joke, grumpy bastards!)
LET'S GET THIS TONIGHT!!! (now I gotta go back to class ) I'm wearing my Western Conference Champs shirt today and hope that I wear an NBA champs shirt soon :] Let's support our Lakers tonight fellas, I'll be watching the game like the rest of you guys and will be, figuratively, cheering with you all.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Chutney @ Jun 5 2008, 02:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Man, I can't wait for this game. What's with the retarded starttime, though?</div> To appease the Lakers fans, possibly? It's at 9 P.M. Eastern, and 6 P.M. Pacific. Any earlier, and it'd be too early for people in LA. Any later, and it'd be too late for people in Boston (which is where the game is at). It's probably at the ideal time for everyone.
I want this series to go 7. Though I really wouldn't be shocked if this ended in 5 or 6. I think the Lakers will win. They have the best player and the best coach plus Pau Gasol.
Best player in the game this year against best player in the game over the past several. It's going to be a great series.
Kobe is off and our big men need to help and stop the drives better...I'm glad Vlad made his first shot....concerned that Fish missed his FTs
