Los Angeles Lakers: 10 Reasons Why They Will Be NBA Champions

It's the matchup of the fans' dreams.

The beast of the East. The best of the West. Celtics vs. Lakers.

The two storied franchises have a combined 30 NBA titles. The rivalry originated in the 1960s and has continued for a near half-century. Greats like Russell, Baylor, West, Bird, and Magic have been featured in this intense rivalry.

Now future Hall of Famers Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett have the opportunity to etch their names in the record books and create their legacy on this historic rivalry.

The Celtics and Lakers have met 10 times in the NBA finals, with Boston taking the first 8 and Los Angeles the last 2. I fully expect the Lakers' winning ways to continue.

Here are 10 reasons why the Lakers will be crowned NBA champs in 2008.

10. Lamar Odom

Lamar Odom is one of the most underappreciated players in the NBA. After emerging as a formidable threat with the Clippers while battling drug addiction, Odom was traded to the Miami Heat. There, he played in the shadow of Dwyane Wade and suddenly found himself in Los Angeles.

Despite struggling to establish a connection with Kobe early, following Phil Jackson's arrival, Odom emerged as a solid No. 2 man alongside Bryant. Odom served a great purpose on this year's team, and has continued his strong play this postseason, playing hard on both sides of the ball.

Odom averaged a double-double this season with 14 points and 10 rebounds per game. In fact, following the trade for Pau Gasol, Odom played the best basketball of his career, overshadowed by Kobe's MVP season. Odom averaged 15 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists per game following the blockbuster deal which leads to...

9. The acquisition of Pau Gasol

Pau Gasol had made a name for himself in Memphis. With the Grizzlies, he set numerous franchise records and became an All-Star.

Earlier this year, however, Gasol was traded to the Lakers in a deal that solidified Los Angeles' status as the best team in the Western Conference. Gasol immediately jelled with Bryant to form a 1-2 punch that was as formidable as any in the NBA.

Gasol averaged close to 19 points and eight rebounds in the 27-regular season games with the Lakers, while shooting at a ridiculous 59 percent clip. Gasol's impact proved invaluable in the playoffs as well providing a foil to the Cambys, the Boozers, and the Duncans that stood in the Lakers' path.

Gasol has been equally impressive in the postseason and is a big reason why the Lakers are in the NBA finals. His acquisition has allowed Kobe to be more free on the offensive side of the ball and has made the entire team stronger and deeper.

8. It ain't Boston's year

Yes, the Celtics had the best record in the NBA. That is, of course in the regular season. That is, of course in the Eastern Conference. That is, of course, in the lowly Eastern Conference.

The fact is another Boston team also thrived in the regular season. The New England Patriots went 16-0. But they failed to live up to the lofty expectations they created when losing to the Giants in the Super Bowl. Come to think of it, once 2008 rolled around, the Patriots were a different team.

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