Historically (by that I mean from what I can remember in watching games over the last 5 years ) Odom has owned KG in terms of going one-on-one driving on him. One thing that the Lakers have really impressed me so far in the playoffs is their shot selection. They drive really well, drive and kick well, interior pass well, and then there's Kobe going off. But all the players not named Kobe are getting tons of points in the paint. Odom use to settle a lot on jumpers but it was very evident to me that he was determined to drive on Oberto and Horry in the last series. Now KG is much better and quicker than anyone the Spurs have, but still, I would not be surprised if Odom is effective at facing KG up and driving on him, for I recall Odom doing this with a lot of success vs KG before.
Celtics will play a lot better than people think even though the Lakers will execute a lot better in the closing minutes of games I don't think there will be many close games anyway, Celtics in 5-7.
Lakers in 6. They're the more talented team, better coached, and they're playing a lot better right now. The only chance the Celtics have is Kobe trying to average 40 a game and taking 25 shots a game.
I would hardly say the by far better defensive team and by far better rebounding team has an "only chance"--one way to win a series. The Lakers are not facing a No-D Denver, unathletic Utah, or beat down like a old dog 3 legged Spurs group here. It will be interesting what Boston does. Boston's defense can focus on taking away every other Laker's offense and succeed at that because they have individual man defenders capable of covering everyone else (limited Kobe doubles). Then Kobe may need 40+ to win, and even then it might not be enough unless Boston's offense is in a funk (which is possible). What I suspect is Boston will do limited doubles at first. Make it hard for the role playing Lakers to get in a groove even if Kobe gets some points. Then when needed add some doubles of Kobe so he has to pass it and see if the other Lakers are sharp enough to stay alert, make good decisions, and knock down shots. The thing about Boston though is they can recover fast. The Lakers role players will have much less time to make the right play than vs the slower SA and Utah rotations. What eveyone seems to forget is that defense (almost always) wins championships. Seems like every year someone tries to break the mold, gets a lot of coattail riders, and then usually fail in the end. Look at the Spurs-Heat-Spurs-Pistons-Spurs-Lakers-Lakers-Lakers-Spurs-Bulls-Bulls-Bulls-Rockets-Rockets-Bulls-Bulls-Bulls-Pistons-Pistons stretch. Boston looks more like those teams in defense and rebounding than the Lakers do, and the Lakers look more like the Mavs-Suns-(Shaq's last, and Magic's last slower)Lakers-Pacers-Nets-Blazers teams that eventually failed in the half court, slowed down, defensive style, of the NBA finals.
This will also be the best team the Lakers have faced in the playoff by far, even if they ended up with Pistons they would've been playing a team that won 59 games and is probably a bit more athletic and better defensively at this point than Spurs were. And both teams have better front lines than the Spurs and play way more physical than anybody in the West. Also, the Celtics give the Lakers alot problems on defense, alot of people seem to think Gasol and Odom can hold their own against Garnett. But, I just don't see it, Garnett is a superior player and who ever has to guard him is going to be in for long night. Pierce might be roving free early in series until Kobe switch over to him. Boston is just going to find easier opportunities on offense than the last two series.
This is the Celtics only chance to win it all. They better do so because they won't beat the Rockets the next 3 years.
Red Arbauch is the Celtics pride, and one of the milestones of this Celtic dynasty. Red won't be around in this new legacy of the current roster Celtics. So don't read ahead in this chapter of season's bland yet until they win a couple titles....
i just don't see why all the analysts are picking the lakers. people are acting like a 66 win team, that is historically one of the best defenses ever doesn't have a chance.
To the Celtics credit, I think they're something like 22-5 against the Western Conference this year. I hope this is a long series...I hate when the NBA season ends. Thank goodness there's the Olympics this summer.
WHy did so many fans think that lakers can win? No way. Lakers are really lucky in WC. Boston must win.
I don't agree with Tinman when he calls almost everyone a hater when they disagree with him,but I'm sure happy to see Sam I'am showing the Lakers that he has a heart of a champion.
