Celtics vs. Lakers title showdown, a classic confrontration

The sky hook was a key highlight of the Lakers, Celtics battles for the NBA titles in the 60-80's. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar started the tradition then it was Magic Johnson taking the daring athletic shot into the teeth of the Lakers' defense. The 1-on-1 matchups made the championship series great. Such encounters included Russell vs. Chamberlain, McHale vs. Kareem, Bird vs. Magic, plus John Havlecik and Jerry West being key star performers making outstanding plays in route to an NBA title. The tense overtime games, sights, and legends are became part of basketball championship history.

Shaping up for another rematch from decades ago the Lakers have already advanced to the NBA Finals as the Celtics are up 3-2 on the Pistons awaiting their chance at destiny. With a win tonight they could start a new dynasty, adding to a new chapter in the Lakers and Celtics long-time rivalry. The two main stars which will come forth in the potential Finals clash will none other than Kobe Byrant and Paul Pierce. Sorry KG, I know you helped turn the franchise around this year, but you will be part of the supporting cast though will make significant contributions. The same goes for Paul Gasol for Los Angeles. His size alone and ability to score inside won't take the spotlight off the superstar running the show. I have to admit guard Jordan Farmar is a heck of a player, adds so much energy off the bench, but based reserves off the bench Boston has more depth and experience.

Bringing up the matchup between these two teams I have to mention Lamar Odom and Ray Allen. Two of the best veteran scorers in the league, which play second keel to the top players on their teams. Allen shoots over 34% from beyond the arc and is an valuable guy to have on the free-throw line during crunch time. The Laker power forward Odom is a threat from the inside and tends to slip the ball to teammates on the inside and catch defenders by suprise by dishing off while in the lane. With such a powerful, equally talented showcase this anticipated Finals showdown will be a coin toss. If I had to bet on one team it would be the Celtics. Their starting 5 I feel exceed the scoring averages of the Lakers. Plus Boston is such a driven, strong-willed team at home I think the fans could summon the ghost of Bill Russell and Bob Cousy to pull of a historic comeback win.