NBA Finals Showdown: Lakers Vs. Magic

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

A Lakers victory would have to mean that Bryant and Ariza do a superb job defending the perimeter, Bynum and Gasol assist the slashing guards and forwards in putting Dwight Howard in foul trouble in the early stages of the second and fourth quarters, and Lamar Odom plays at least two quarters contesting shots from everywhere on the court. 

If Jameer Nelson plays, Derek Fisher and the other point guards will be asked to watch penetrations and to be physical with the injured Nelson, wearing him down in his limited minutes on the court, and forcing Rafer Alston to beat them from the perimeter.

In addition to their production on defense, their offense has to stay consistent, with three or more contributors: Bryant, Gasol, and a third and possibly fourth option.  Gasol's effectiveness in the low post turned Denver into a confused and restless basketball team, not knowing who to double team between the offensive post threat in Gasol, and one of the most dominant offensive players in NBA history in Bryant. 

Odom and Ariza could be the two asked to provide instant offense while Gasol and Bryant take their usual three or four minute breaks.  Ariza shot a stellar 61 percent from the field against the Utah Jazz in the first round, and 58 percent against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, while Odom came up big against the Nuggets in the final two games of the series, averaging 11.5 points and nine rebounds in six games against Denver, while shooting an impressive 55.6 percent from the floor.

While nobody on the Magic will be able to shut down Bryant, the idea may be to disable the rest of the team, especially Gasol.  One way to do this is by using Howard in the post.

It wouldn't be a surprise to see Rashard Lewis attacking the rim, or possibly one of the other role players, such as Mickael Pietrus, who managed to outscore the Cleveland bench all by himself in the Eastern Conference Finals, or rookie guard Courtney Lee. If Howard is struggling, it will be up to Orlando's shooters to stomp their way out of any mud they find themselves in. 

Quite frankly, controlling the tempo is a must for the Magic, as they are able to hit threes out of any given scenario on the court, whether it's rushing down the floor and pulling up for one early in the shot clock, or holding onto the ball and waiting for a slight miscalculation by the Lakers' defense before firing a triple from the corner.

When it's all said and done, the series may be decided by Bryant and Howard.  Kobe's trust in his teammates, and Dwight's inability to hit short jumpers and free throws, could easily factor into the ultimate test for both NBA juggernauts, Bryant looking to earn his fourth championship ring, while Howard aiming to bring home the first in Magic franchise history.

Game One of the NBA Finals starts Thursday, June 4th at 9:00 PM EST, on ABC.

To discuss every game in the series, visit OTRBasketball.com!

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