(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

As a huge Cavaliers fan, I wanted nothing more than to see LeBron square off with the Black Mamba for a championship.

Because that is no longer a possibility, I first assume that Kobe is getting his fourth title. Then I really look at the Orlando Magic, and think this is going to be a hard NBA Finals.

Kobe Bryant is a man among boys (except LeBron), and he dominates the guard position better then any player I have ever seen. His ability to strike from inside or outside makes him the ultimate threat. He is averaging 28.6 points per game and is the focal point of the L.A. offense. His dominant presence shows even on a team that has Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol.

The Los Angeles Lakers look very good coming into the Finals, but can they handle the underdog Orlando Magic? The Magic have a very explosive offensive and an arsenal of nice-sized weapons.

The Magic have players at almost every position who can knock down three-point shots, which creates problems for teams because of fastbreak points.

Orlando is a team that creates matchup problems for any team because of how big their lineup is. A deep bench and amazing three-point shooting is another big advantage for the Magic, who look to shut down the Lakers' backcourt game.

The Lakers starting lineup of T. Ariza, K. Bryant, A. Bynum, D. Fisher, and P. Gasol is very impressive, not only by names but also the .800 win percentage they have as a starting five.

The Magic also have an impressive lineup of R. Alston, D. Howard, C. Lee, R. Lewis, and H. Turkoglu, who have a .696 winning percentage as a starting five. They also have a record of 16-7 as a group, which is an impressive record.

What it comes down to is the post play from Dwight Howard, who is a phenomenal player with the ability to win and take over games. He can create open looks by distracting attention from the guards. He is averaging a double double with 20.6 points and 13.8 rebounds a game. Those stats are impressive, because he is usually double or triple guarded at all times.

When you break down the numbers and really look at the stats, both teams have similar credentials and play at supreme levels of basketball. No matter how you look at it, there is only one team that has the edge, or X factor if you will.

The X factor in this series is Kobe Bryant, hands down.

Kobe is a player on another level, especially considering his outstanding defense. There's more to the game than just scoring points. That was Kobe's M.O. three years ago. Now, he comprehends that less is more, even in the run up to the Finals. Less talking, less emotion.

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