FanNation - The Republic of Sport

6/5/08 Does it get any better than this?

Considering my New York Knicks were eliminated from playoff contention after 4 games this season, the basketball fan in me had been hoping for (and predicting) a Lakers-Celtics finals, and sure enough it has arrived.

Coming off a tumultuous offseason in which Commissioner David Stern had to clean up the mess left by the referee gambling scandal (thanks Tim), a league already struggling with an image problem had found itself in even deeper trouble.

However, despite it all, the NBA season provided us with a number of compelling storylines, among them Kobe Bryant and his journey from demanding a trade to winning his first ever MVP, as well the revival of the Boston Celtics with the acquisitions of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. And wouldn't you know it, the conferences two best have found their way back to the cusp of glory, meeting one another just like old times.

The rivalry used to live off the names of Russell and West. It moved onto Magic and Bird. And now the next generation of this storied rivalry has given us Kobe and KG. Lakers-Celtics is the marquee matchup the NBA desperately needed (if nothing else for television ratings), and the leagues two winningest franchises will face off in a best of 7 to determine this season's NBA championship.

Breaking down these teams, the biggest matchup which jumps out at you is whether or not Kobe and his new look Lakers with Pao Gasol, Lamar Odom and company can outshine Boston's big three. Bryant, the leagues most valuable player, is (in my unprofessional opinion) the greatest player on the planet, and for the first time since Shaq left has a supporting cast more than capable of supplementing his ability.

The Celtics finished the season with the league's best record, led by the trio of Garnett, Pierce and Allen, took full advantage of home court advantage during the first three rounds, losing only once in front of the Boston faithful.

The biggest disparity can be found on the respective benches of these teams. Phil Jackson has won 9 championships as a coach, while Doc Rivers is coaching in his first ever finals. While the talent on these teams is relatively balanced, the x-factor is the experience, which the Lakers have an abundance of between Bryant and Jackson.

With all that said, the NBA and it's fans should expect a hard fought, highly competitive series between this two teams.

NBA FINALS

(1) Boston Celtics vs. (1) Los Angeles Lakers

Best 4 out of 7

The big 3 have done enough to get the Celtics here, and they once again have home court advantage, however Kobe will do what he has to win his fourth ring, and first without the Diesel.

Lakers in 6