With the two slots for the 2009 NBA Finals already filled with the upset of the Cleveland Cavaliers by the Orlando Magic, now the final battle begins. The Lakers versus the Magic. A tale of two different teams. One team has been to this stage several times, the last of which was last year but ended on a disappointing finish. Will they make up for last year's mistakes or will they be the runner up once more for the second straight year? The other team is a fresh face, with their deepest playoff run despite having injuries all over the season. With a young and dominant center, can these newcomers light up the stage and once more upset the more favored team? Let's see below to check out some of the key match-ups for both teams that may lead to victory.
Center: Dwight Howard vs. Andrew Bynum
- Okay, this doesn't really seem like much of a match-up with the way Bynum has been performing recently, or maybe not performing is the right term. With Dwight Howard clearly establishing to the whole world that he is the premiere center in the game today, can Bynum challenge Superman and make him work for his points and rebounds? This will be a match-up to watch as we can never count Bynum out.
Back court: Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher vs. Courtney Lee and Rafer Alston
- Now this one is clearly in favor of the Lakers, with Kobe Bryant looking better than ever. He still seems like he's that 18 year old youngster in terms of speed and versatility, but now possesses the veteran IQ and wisdom earned from his 13 years in the league. Even if Derek Fisher has been a non-factor in most of the Lakers game's, Kobe surely makes this in favor of the Lakers. Alston and Lee are very decent, can shoot three's and Lee is a very good defender, so we'll see if he can try and stop the Black Mamba.
Power Forward: Pau Gasol vs. Rashard Lewis
- The match-up at the 4 is a very interesting one. On one hand, Rashard Lewis is versatile and can shoot lights out from 3 ball, while Pau Gasol has established himself as a post master of late and has an array of post moves that have made their past opponents cringe each time he touches the ball. Who will win in this duel will be a big advantage and may be a deciding factor in the series.
Bench Players:
- With the bench becoming an increasingly important part in any play-off run, it is now multiplied once the Finals is on hand. The Lakers bench are composed of Jordan Farmar, Shannon Brown, and Lamar Odom while Orlando's are Mickael Pietrus, Anthony Johnson, and Marcin Gortat. While Odom and Farmar can give any bench a run for their money, this match-up could go both ways, with how well Pietrus has been playing and Gortat emerging as a decent back-up center giving quality minutes.
- The battle of the head coaches is also one match-up worthy of a deeper look. Both have won titles, with Phil Jackson having more bling to show for than SVG. He has been the center of controvesy with his abilities being questioned by his superstar Dwight Howard, as well as Shaquille O'Neal. Will Stan Van Gundy be able to prove them wroing and match-up move for move with the zen master Jackson? It's gonna be one factor to look at more closely as the series progresses
With these said, I believe that the Lakers just has the deep bench, the superstar in Kobe Bryant, and an amazing supporting cast to lead them to the title. It won't be an easy fight but I think last year's runner up will make up for it this year. My prediction is Lakers in 6
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