The 2010 NBA Finals: The Lakers Versus the Celtics

After three grueling rounds, the NBA will crown its champion after this fourth and final round. Both the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers have worked hard to get to this stage and will try to prove that they deserve the title of NBA Champions. These teams have met 11 other times over their respective franchise histories, the latest being only two seasons ago when the Celtics defeated the Lakers in six games to win their 17th franchise championship. However, only a year later it was the Lakers who found themselves hoisting the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy and will look to defend it this time.

This final series will be determined by numerous factors. But one thing is for sure, the star players for the Lakers and the Celtics will need to make big plays often if they want to see their team succeed.

At the point guard position, it will be a battle between veteran Derek Fisher and rising star Rajon Rondo. Derek Fisher’s strengths lie in his ability to score big baskets during key moments of a game. Over this year’s playoffs, Fisher has averaged 11.1 points per game. If at any point the Celtics leave Fisher open, he’ll capitalize on it. As for Rondo, his strengths lie in his playmaking abilities as he’s averaged around 10 assists per game and 2.1 steals. Rondo’s youthful energy and raw talent give the Celtics the advantage at the point guard position.

When it comes to the shooting guard position, the Celtics are clearly outmatched. The Lakers will heavily rely on star shooting guard Kobe Bryant to carry them through this final round, much like he has throughout most of these playoffs. Bryant has been nothing but amazing in these playoffs, averaging 29.4 points per game. Bryant’s most deadly attribute is his natural ability to score baskets in any situation. In order for the Celtics to shut down Bryant, they’re going to have to rely on double-teaming him. The Celtics’ answer to Kobe Bryant is the always-reliable Ray Allen. Much like Derek Fisher, Allen is most deadly when left open. This shouldn’t be too much of a problem for the Lakers as long as Bryant is on the court. Allen will most likely find himself struggling to get open against Bryant. The advantage at the shooting guard position clearly goes to the Lakers.

The small forward position will pit the hot-tempered, unpredictable Ron Artest against the veteran Paul Pierce. The biggest addition to the Lakers roster this season has been the addition of Ron Artest. Artest will drastically help in defending against Paul Pierce. The last time these teams met in the finals, Paul Pierce was guarded by Vladimir Radmanović. He will have a much tougher time against Artest if he wishes to have the same success he did two years ago. Both Pierce and Artest have had strong playoffs, which therefore results in a draw at the small forward position.

At the power forward and center positions, both teams have their strengths and weaknesses. The Celtics will thrive at the power forward position as they have two of the best in the league – Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace. Both are dominant in the post, which is where they both get most of their points. Lakers forwards Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom will have a tough time guarding against these two dominating forces. However, Garnett is notorious for getting into foul trouble early and often. If he wants to help his team win, he may need to play less aggressively or else he may find himself sitting on the bench. Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum will need to play strong in the post against Garnett and Wallace in order to succeed against the Celtics. In the post positions, the advantage goes to the Celtics.

All in all, this year’s NBA Finals should prove to be another exciting meeting between two of the league’s best teams. My call is the Lakers winning the NBA Championship in seven games.