Lakers-Celtics: Let's Go Back to Boston—Game 5 A Formality

As much as it pains me to come to this conclusion, I must. The Los Angeles Lakers will win Game Five on Sunday.

I don't know if I would say the NBA is "rigged" all-around, but I do think, at times, it is looking to make money over just playing basketball. 

Boston has proved it is the better team in this series, and soon Kevin Garnett will hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy over his head. The Lakers' time will be next year;  if they can keep Andrew Bynum healthy all season they might win 70 games. 

That being said, I don't think the NBA is going to let the 20-year reunion of the greatest rivalry in NBA history end in five games. 

There are factors working against the Celtics in this game, too. Boston is uncertain how much Kendrick Perkins will be able to play, if at all. If he does play, he isn't going to be 100%. 

Perkins has fit in well next to KG as these playoffs grow on and looks as if he's got All-Star potential. Remember, he's only 22, so the sky is the limit for him (although he needs to stop his "Spur-esque" reaction to the referees). 

Another factor is that the game is in Los Angeles. I don't care what anyone says, the refs in the NBA do get swayed by the crowd. In Game Four, during the first five or so minutes of the game, the refs made ridiculous calls.

I saw Lamar Odom travel as blatantly as a human being could on a drive to the basket. I saw them call a loose ball foul on a free-throw box out on Kendrick Perkins. I also saw them call a travel on KG that was on a move that he's done a million times in his career. Obviously, these didn't matter, but how many people actually thought Boston had a chance in that game at halftime? 

The greatest comeback in NBA Finals history thwarted the officials' judgement. I don't think David Stern wants to see Boston end this series in five games, which is why I think the Lakers will have one more night to celebrate this season before Boston gets ready for the 17th banner ceremony.

All the games of this NBA Finals have been a basketball fan's dream. If you are a neutral party, these games are great to watch. They have all been close finishes and keep you interested until the very end. Game Three was the disappointment so far, but even that game was within six points.

I wouldn't say this is even close to the great battles of the '80s, but it is fun to watch.