Long ago I swore allegiance to all things Utah Jazz and in so doing promised to despise anything that resembles a Lakers logo. Clothing, automobiles, umbrellas, food–if it’s adorned with purple and gold, I won’t go near it. I am as devout as it gets.
That being said, picking winners still comes from the brain, not the heart.
The NBA Finals will get underway Thursday for the 63rd time and will pit the Los Angeles Lakers against the Orlando Magic. Los Angeles is no stranger to the Finals, as this will be its 30th appearance in the big dance, having won 14.
Orlando, the little-engine-that-could franchise, will be playing in the Finals for the second time.
I do not believe there is a logical, knowledgeable basketball fan who believes the Magic will win this series. Outside of the Magic organization, anyone who attempts to argue in their favor doesn’t meet the above criteria, or has something up their sleeve. Pun intended.
Some people might tell me the Magic swept the season series with the Lakers, 2-0. I’d say they’re right, but I’d also say that All-Star point guard, Jameer Nelson, was the Magic’s leading scorer in both games and he has been out since early February with a torn labrum in his shoulder.
People might also say Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu and Mickael Pietrus were unstoppable against the Cleveland Cavaliers and will probably do the same against the Lakers.
True, those guys played great, but each of their statistics were inflated because the Cavs didn’t have the players to defend them. Besides LeBron James, Cleveland’s roster is basically made up of point guards and centers. Players who should be guarding Shaquille O’Neal-types were forced to defend faster, smaller, skill players like the aforementioned Magic men.
That will not be the case with the Lakers because Kobe Bryant, Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom are more than capable of playing excellent perimeter defense.
Why am I so sure the Lakers will win this series? First, the odds are on their side. The Lakers have home-court advantage, and in the last 25 years, only six teams have won the title without it. If I said that you could go to Vegas with a 76 percent chance of winning, then you’d empty your bank account and floor it to Sin City. Those are the same odds the Lakers have to win the Larry O’Brien trophy for the 15th time. Still not convinced? Well, numbers aren’t sexy.
Just last week, I watched both teams win their conference and earn a trip to the Finals. Los Angeles was all business. They accepted their new hats, smiled for the cameras and went on their way. Orlando, on the other hand, acted like they just won the title. Confetti poured in from all angles, the players smiled like 5-year-olds who were just given a lifetime pass to Disney World. Notice a difference?
Oftentimes when a team is so excited about reaching the peak, right before the summit, they fall. The Lakers have been there before, they know what it takes to win and they will do just that.
Los Angeles is deep. Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol will prove that Dwight Howard isn’t the true man of steel. Kobe will torch the Magic and will earn his first NBA Finals MVP. Phil Jackson will win his record 10th championship and the city of angels will celebrate once again. Lakers in six.
Matt Sanchez