For the 2008 NBA FInals, David Stern got exactly what he wanted. Actually most fans couldn't even argue with this match-up. The Classic, Lakers Vs. Celtics. Some of us even had the video game coming up around 1990 or so. (No one could see me!)
Boston has the PGA Tour going against KB24 and the Lakers. When you look at the rosters, you'd think Boston should be able to pull it out. The problem is the fire that burns inside of Bryant these days trumps whatever the opponents are throwing at him. I mean when's the last time you saw Bruce Bowen looking that bad on defense? People understand that Bean is locked in. He is not cheating himself or his team out of their true potential. He is Neo and basketball is The Matrix.
The Celtics need Pierce to come close to Kobe's scoring output to have a chance. Glenn Rivers (there's only one Doc!) needs to realize this. I mean if Garnett, EVER, played up to his true potential... the possibilites, just maybe the C's would be unstoppable. For instance, if he stops shooting fade away jumpers sometimes; played as aggressively as his ice-grills (or facial expressions); maybe he'd average 30ppg and 12 to 15 rebounds a game; and maybe it would be a different story. But why would that change now at this point? He is who he is.
When you look at the benches, I just don't see how Boston can keep up when they come with Posey, P.J. Brown, Eddie House and Gollum from the Lord of the Rings stunt double, Sam Cassell. You'd have to give the edge to Jordan Farmar, Ronny Turiaf, Luke Walton and Sasha Vujacic (who's also threatening to take the most annoying player in the league title away from Matt Harpring).
How are the Celtics going to defend Lamar Odom? He's definitely a match-up problem for any team. Do you take the chance of putting Garnett on him and leaving Perkins to deal with Gasol? Can Ray Allen play consistently enough to be a factor? Will Rajon Rondo be able to keep the Lakers defense honest? Or does Boston have to play for long stretches, sometimes entire games basically with four players at the offensive end? Glenn Rivers needs to prove that he's more than just a motivational speaker and be able to get his x and o game on with Phil Jackson on the biggest stage. I think these are all issues that play-out in L.A's favor. In the end, a Phil Jackson whistle, Tex Winters Triangle offense, a suped-up Kobe = Lakers in 6.
great breakdown
You may want to retract this story....too many typo's!