Sorry folks, I’m taking the Lakers. Dwight Howard is gonna get his points, I certainly don’t think that Andrew Bynum can stop him. Phil Jackson is gonna run A LOT of bodies at him, and use up fouls. Even if Jameer Nelson plays, he probably won’t be as effective as he’s been in the past against the Lakers.
I think this series comes down to defense and rebounding. Bynum must put a body on Howard constantly and do his best to hold on. I wouldn’t be asking Andrew to look for points very much in this series. Just rebound and play defense buddy. Let Gasol, Odom and Kobe do the work on offense.
The Lamar Odom and Rashard Lewis matchup should really be a nice one. Both players are similar, but Odom plays with his back to the basket more. Will that increased physicality hurt Lewis’ enegery on the offensive end?
Then there is Kobe. The NBA’s best closer. The guy is on a mission to cap off his season and solidify his legacy as an NBA champion. Its been a long time coming for Bryant, who hasn’t won a championship since the Diesel left. If that continues to happen, people will always talk about the missing link.
My prediction: Lakers in 6
