2010 NBA Finals: A Lakers Fan Objective Look at the Celtics!

Boston and Los Angeles! When these two cities are spoken in the same sentence everyone knows what it's about. The biggest rivalry in basketball history and possibly in all of professional sports.

The fact these two ball club are pretty much the corner stone and pride of both cities. It could be easily said that both cities have the most devoted fans out of any other sports team. Either at the top or bottom of the league, these fans pull together to show support for their team. 

This article is not going to be a bash Boston piece. Rather a objective look at the great Celtics of the pass and why Boston continues to be a thorn in Los Angeles side!

Everyone knows the Celtics of the 60's was the team that could not be beaten. With players such as Russell, Cousy and K.C. Jones. The Celtics were the first team to draft a black player by the name of Chuck Cooper. The legacy behind the Celtics team is one of pride and history.

We all know that Boston handed L.A. a whooping in the 2008 Finals. If you look at the dynamics of this match up it was even. So what went wrong for Los Angeles?

Let's start by looking at the 2008 Boston line up! Everyone knows the big three in Garnett, Allen and Pierce. But what about the contributions of Rhondo and Perkins. The bench players also provided points as well as heavy defense.

Honestly what made Boston superior in the 2008 finals was their defense. Garnett was able to shut down Gasol on many occasions. The continous defensive pressure on L.A. forced the Lakers to make forced shot's which, (outside of Kobe Bryant), is not one of the Laker's strong points.

The Lakers, (a fast paced team), liked to score points and get to the other end of the court. When Boston was able to take charge of the game and drive the tempo down. Los Angeles was forced out of their safety area and forced to play straight up and much slower, throwing them out of their groove. While the Lakers had star studded talent with Bryant and Gasol along with championship player in Fisher. The Celtics were able to use the team play motive, (same as the days of Auerbach), behind the driving force of the big three. Also; securing Home court advantage against L.A. was a nice boost.

As a die hard Laker fan I will say I am much more confident about my team this year then 2 years ago. I would be lying if I did not say I am also concerned. This years Lakers team has been molded and appears to be more primed and ready to go. They appear to be motivated not just by repeating and defending a championship. But; also by a mode of revenge and redemption.

My concern is Boston is a strong team and are playing the best basketball of their season. Outside of the nagging injuries to Garnett and the suspension pending for Perkins if he steps out of line. The Celtics also seem primed and ready for a rematch. Rajon Rhondo has exploded and only appears to be getting stronger. Fisher and Brown are going to have a hard time guarding him. If Rhondo experiences any pain or problems from his fall in Game 6 against Orlando, this could weaken the Celtics as well. 

Sorry to say that Nate Robinson is no Rhondo. Fisher and Brown both have Finals experience where as this is Robinson first crack at it. However; the injuries that seem to always surround Bynum is a weakness for L.A. who played without him in the 2008 showdown.

I give the Celtics nothing by my highest respect and wish them and all Celtic fans good luck in this much anticipated match up. I am sure the late great Red is on pins and needles!

LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!!!!!