Welcome to the basketball finals, NBA fans. The Los Angeles Lakers have fought through several tough series to end up where most of the sports community expected them to finish, in the Championship series. On the other hand, the Orlando Magic have surprised most, especially with their most recent series win, an impressive slaying of King LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs, a team expected only to be challenged by the Boston Celtics for the Eastern Conference bid, struggled handily against the sharp-shooting Magic and were put away in only 6 games. Let’s not forget what Orlando had to accomplish even before meeting LeBron & Co. in the Conference Finals. After going down 2-3 against a Kevin Garnett-less Celtics team, the Magic, under “Superman” Dwight Howard’s guarantee, won at home and even more impressively on the road at TD Banknorth Garden to cap the series.
After what Orlando has shown in the last two playoff series, who can question their heart? Their ability? Their potential to surprise? Their likelihood of winning? Many do.
The Magic have been especially impressive considering the lack of contribution from injured All-Star guard Jameer Nelson. A shoulder injury has kept the St Joes grad on the bench throughout the playoffs…until now. The update on Jameer Nelson’s injury: “…I think he is able to play right now,” claims Magic coach Stan Van Gundy. Will he play? Thats another question that will be answered tonight. Expect to see playing time for Nelson, whether in Game 1 or not, he will see action in the Finals.
But enough about the NBA darlings…what about those hated LA Lakers? Sure, not everybody hates the Flakers, but living in Southern California amongst the la la fans (as well as the die-hards) will no doubt sway your feelings towards the yellow and purple. Don’t get me wrong, Pacific Beach will be live tonight, crawling with Laker faithful and fair weather fans alike, so I’m happy Los Angeles is still in the playoffs. Emotions aside, I think the Lakers have what it takes to finally bury the Magic and here is why I see them winning it all: Trevor Ariza’s defense and outside shooting ability make him a major X factor, same goes for Sasha Vujacic who showed signs that he is heating up in the last couple games vs. the Denver Nuggets. Kobe Bryant will do what he does, but don’t expect any miracles from the privileged kid from suburban Pennsylvania. Kobe will be “Doin’ Work” with his new best friend and converted Knicks fan Spike Lee cheering him on but Orlando will have him contained for the most part. The spark will need to come from somewhere else which, I think, the Lakers bench can provide. Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol will need to continue their outstanding play from Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals to counter Howard’s barrage and Hedo Turkoglu playmaking ability must be limited. An appearance by Jameer Nelson could, but probably won’t, tip the scales in the series.
I got the Lakers to win the 2009 NBA Finals in 6 games. God thats hard to type. Ugh.
Click here to see who Vegas picks to win the Finals.
Black Mamba in 6, orlando covers every game
johnny Boy
June 4th, 2009
Lakeshow in 5.
JimPhilly
June 4th, 2009
I’ll go with the team that used to have Shaq…but not Penny. The chicken Nuggets gave the Lakers about all they could handle and still lost in six, and the Magic are a far cry from mile high. Lakers will still have the same problems guarding Superman as the Cavs did, but the Lakers supporting cast will show up with the likes of Ariza, Fisher and Vujacic. (Walton…sit your ass down). Lakes in 6
j_esquire
June 4th, 2009
Magic in 6. Just because I’m surrounded by Laker fans. Kobe, tell me how my ass taste.
Joey
June 4th, 2009
Walton! hahaha
Goose
June 4th, 2009
the BLACK MAMBA
Goose
June 5th, 2009