Lakers vs. Magic: NBA Finals Preview
Overview:
Though the NBA and Nike might not have received the Lebron James/ Kobe Bryant match up that everyone wanted to see, but it still ends up with a great match up. It’s going to be an unstoppable force aka Kobe vs. an immovable object aka Howard. See the Nike commercial below:
The Lakers got a taste of the NBA Finals last year, so they come in determined to avenge last years loss. The Magic have only been to one other NBA Finals, so they need to show that they are not just happy to be there. Kind of reminds me of this years Super Bowl between the traditional power Steelers and up and coming Cardinals. I have a feeling that the results will be very similar. A great competitive series with the more experienced team winning out in the end.
Match Ups:
Center - Andrew Bynum vs. Dwight Howard:
Bynum has been in constant foul trouble through out the playoffs, that’s going to have to change if he is going to be any factor in this match up. He also needs to be able to guard Howard one-on-one in the post so that the Lakers don’t have to double team opening up the Magic to their deadly 3-point shooting. That being said, I don’t really see him slowing Howard who is playing out of his mind right now.
Advantage: Dwight Howard, Magic
Power Forward - Pau Gasol vs. Rashard Lewis:
Both players have a big offensive advantage against each other. Pau is deadly in the post and Rashard is just too small to handle the 7 footer. On the other end, Rashard is a deadly outside shooter that Pau is going to have to chase around and guard out on the perimeter.
It’s going to be tough for both, but if there is any big man in the NBA that has skill to guard out on the perimeter it’s Gasol. He’ll also receive help from Lamar Odom off the bench.
Advantage: Pau Gasol, Lakers
Small Forward - Trevor Ariza vs. Hedo Turkoglu:
his is going to be a great match up. The Lakers need Ariza to keep up his good play in the playoffs and keep knocking down shots. He’s been a bigger addition to this years playoff Lakers than Bynum has. Guarding Hedo will be a little easier than having to guard Carmelo Anthony, but not by much. Hedo is the Magic’s go to guy whom they like to give the ball to when they need a big play. He’s shown that he could be a playmaker in these playoffs and if his shot is falling then he is very tough to handle. I think Kobe is going to be the one guarding him down the stretch.
Advantage: Hedo Turkoglu, Magic
Shooting Guard - Kobe Bryant vs. Courtney Lee:
Lee has been very good for the Magic playing big minutes and making shots. That being said, he’s still a rookie and stopping a determined Kobe is impossible. It’s safe to say Kobe will be doing work all Finals.
Advantage: Kobe Bryant, Lakers
Point Guard - Derek Fisher vs. Rafer Alston:
Fisher has been struggling in the playoffs to find his shot. Alston has been playing well and is making some big shots. The Lakers just need Fisher to play good defense, make an occasional open shot and mentor the other young PGs. The Magic need Alston to keep hitting open shots and give solid minutes. I don’t see an advantage here.
Advantage: Even
Bench:
The Magic are not a deep team but they have been getting stellar play from Mickael Pietrus and solid play from Anthony Johnson off the bench. They need this to continue. Other contributors off the bench are Marcin Gortat and J.J. Redick. The Lakers are deep but the key factor will be how Lamar Odom plays. If he plays like he did in games 5 & 6, the Lakers will win the NBA Championship. They also get good contributions from Luke Walton, Shannon Brown, Jordan Farmar, Sasha Vujacic.
Advantage: Lakers
Prediction:
The Lakers have been talking all year about a chance to redeem themselves. Well, they have it and I think that experience that they gain from it will prove to be to much.
Lakers in 6
