Now that Nike’s Kobe vs. LeBron puppet campaign has been put to rest, Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic have an opportunity to capture the franchise’s first NBA title. Although the Los Angeles Lakers will have experience (the Lakers played in, but lost the 2008 NBA Finals) and history (the franchise has 13 NBA championships) on their side, the Magic will be crowned as the 2009 NBA champions. Here are three reasons why the Larry O’Brien trophy will be heading south this summer. –amir shaw
Dwight Howard vs. Pau Gasol = Mismatch:
In two games against the Orlando Magic, Pau Gasol averaged 12 points per game while Dwight Howard averaged 21.5 points per game. Howard will bruise Gasol on the block and likely force the Lakers to give more playing minutes to the sporadic Will Bynum. On the other hand, no one on the Magic (or in the entire NBA) can match up with Kobe Bryant one-on-one. Bryant will score points, but the Lakers can’t win without consistency from Gasol.
The Lakers are Consistent at Being Inconsistent:
The 2009 Los Angeles Lakers are the NBA’s version of the Hare in Aesop’s classic tale, The Tortoise and the Hare. Sure, the Lakers are arguably the most talented team in the NBA, but they have a tendency to drift through games that they should win decisively. A lethargic approach by the Lakers would be disastrous against an Orlando Magic team that thrives off their opponents’ mistakes.
Bench Play: The starters will set the tone in the NBA Finals, but the bench will decide the game. Lamar Odom is the key for the Lakers. If Lamar Odom continues to play basketball as if it’s only a hobby for him, the Lakers will be holding fishing rods instead of the Larry O’Brien trophy. Orlando’s Tony Battie, Mickael Pietrus and Marcin Gortat have remained consistent throughout the playoffs.
Prediction: Orlando in 6
