Evolution: Lakers-Celtics Preview

Before the days of the one (and only) Michael Jordan, the NBA was going through its "Showtime" Era. In that era, it was Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird. Though the names have changed, evolution has a funny way of working sometimes.

Tomorrow night in Boston, the Garden will be rocking like there is no tomorrow (even though there obviously will be). David Stern will have the Finals he wanted (and the Championship that might save his job). Bill Belichick will be in attendance, but he won't have much to do with the complete outcome.

The only connection he truly has with these Finals: He and Kobe are Kings of Controversy.

How The Lakers Win The Championship

Their offense is the reason that they shocked the Spurs. Their offense is what gave them wins at some of the most dangerous places to play in the league. Their offense will be the reason that they win the NBA Finals.

As long as Kobe Bryant keeps playing the way he's been playing this season, he will do his part. The problem is that he will need to rely on Pau Gasol and the rest of the supporting cast to make things happen. But that isn't the only thing that the Lakers need to worry about.

When Kobe spewed that lame duck acceptance speech out of his mouth for the MVP Award, he guaranteed that the Lakers will play in June. Here's the problem: It's June, and it's time for him to put up or shut up. Trying to erase the memory of the upset of his career in the form of Detroit at the 2004 NBA Finals is the least of Kobe's worries.

Imagine how he would feel if deja vu happened four years later.

How The Celtics Win The Championship

Some would say defense. Some would say a good showing from the New Boston Three Party. But when it comes down to it, it's all about tenacity. The Celtics were on the verge of getting knocked out not once but twice en route to this showdown with the Lakers.

After getting the best of both Atlanta and Cleveland, they did something against Detroit that they weren't able to do in the previous two: Win on the road. They will need that same tenacity to contain Kobe and Gasol. There is also the biggest thing on the plate of Boston: Red.

With Celtics legend Red Auerbach watching from Basketball Heaven, Boston has a chance to help him light one last stogie and blow it into Big Daddy Phil's face. The BTP will be ready, and after snagging the two games against the Lakers during the regular season, they are looking to add four more games to the victory plate.

So Who Gets The Last Laugh and Completes Evolution?

Everyone has been saying that this is Kobe's year. Even though Chris Paul should be the MVP, and Phil Jackson should admit that he's not what he used to be, this is not Kobe's year. Kevin Garnett has been waiting for this moment his entire career, while Kobe has been down this road before.

The Celtics played it smart in the offseason by keeping Doc, bringing in KG and Ray Allen, and turning up the intensity a few notches. The Lakers brought in Pau Gasol and it was "business" as usual. The city forgot about the other Los Angeles basketball team, the Hockey Kings, Trojans, Bruins, Dodgers, Angels, and even the Raiders all took a backseat to the "Almighty Kobe."

The Celtics are out to prove that their success this season was no fluke, and they won't stop until they hoist up the NBA Championship. And with Detroit being the only team to come through this postseason and beat them at home, having home court advantage doesn't sound so bad.

So no matter how much Kobe tries, the monkey will still be on his back in the end, and the Eastern Conference will return to the dominance it had during the "Jordan Era." Like always, evolution is the solution.

Series Result: Boston Celtics Win The NBA Championship in Six Games