I'm not going to go into detail about the rivalry, mostly because I'm too young to remember the 80's and Bob Ryan does a much better job of it than I could ever do (If all of the popup ads generated by Boston.com aren't a sign of the desperation of newspapers these days then I don't know what is). So let's already assume that this series will be great even if all it does is add another chapter to an incredible story. Instead, I want to focus on some of the key matchups (all of them) that will play a role in this series.
Pau Gasol vs. Kevin Garnett
I'm not the first writer to say this, and for good reason. If Gasol can have his way with Garnett and his limpy knees, then the Lakers should have a marked advantage in this series. However, if Garnett is able to fluster the seven-foot Spaniard, then the Celtics have the advantage down low. Any team that can get an advantage in the post against the Lakers has already accomplished a major task. For this reason, this matchup becomes the most important. It will also have ramifications on the next matchup as well.
Andrew Bynum vs. Kendrick Perkins
The Lakers were without their starting center in 2008 when Boston humiliated them in a six-game romp that featured one incredible comeback and one embarrassing blowout. If Bynum is to prove that he would have been a difference-maker in the '08 series, then he must find ways to score against one of the League's premier defensive centers. Ten points and 10 boards for either of these players will be a major accomplishment, as they attempt to neutralize the other's offensive production.
For both big men, the key will most likely be who can stay out of foul trouble. Both are prone to riding the bench with too many fouls early in the game, and that could spell problems for either team. Essentially, the longer Bynum stays in the game, the longer Garnett has to guard Gasol. How much punishment will KG be able to take at his age and on his knees from Pau? Meanwhile, if Bynum is out of the game, the Celtics will be able to punish Garnett with a series of defenders that include the tenacious Perkins, Garnett, and the reanimated corpse of Rasheed Wallace.
Kobe Bryant vs. Every Celtic
Ask Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, or Vince Carter (ask nicely if you talk to Vince, he's sensitive) - they will tell you how tricky it can be to attack the basket against the Celtics. Perimeter players are rarely afforded the opportunity to go one-on-one, instead they often face double or triple teams as soon as they attempt to dribble-drive into the paint. (For a better description of the Celtics' defense, check out this post on the worldwide leader - Los Angeles) Can you think of a more ideal situation for the one player who loves to go one-on-five? If Kobe continues to sink ridiculous shots like he did against Phoenix, then the Celtics will be in trouble. However, if Boston can force Kobe into jacking up 30 or so shots to get 25-or-so points, then that's good news for the Green.
Rajon Rondo vs. Kobe Bryant
Meanwhile, expect Kobe to play rover defense off of Rondo. Rondo may have taken about 10,000 steps forward in his abilities, but he still can't knock down the three-pointer. Expect Phil Jackson to come out with Kobe on Rondo, and expect Kobe to play the passing lanes rather than respect Rondo as a shooter. If the Celtics point-star is able to punish Bryant and the Lakers with his quick drives to the basket or some timely shooting, then the Celtics have an edge here. However, Rondo still struggles from the free throw line and the Lakers won't be shy to knock him on his ass and send him to the line for two every time he comes into the paint (at least this is what they should do). How much punishment and embarrassment at the free-throw line will Rondo take before he settles into a slightly more controlled and passive role?
Ron Artest vs. Paul Pierce
Like Bynum's presence, Ron Ron's face is new to this heated rivalry that was first reignited in 2008. No Laker fan will ever forget Paul Pierce and the Wheelchair game . Ron Artest was born to defend sluggish scorers like Paul Pierce, who could easily become frustrated by the Queensbridge-repping forward's grab-happy hands and dedication to his craft.
However, the real key to this matchup will be what Pierce is able to do against Artest. Although, Artest is a streaky shooter at best, he is still a capable offensive player. Completely forgetting about him on the perimeter is an easy way to give up a quick 15 points. If Artest can make Pierce work on both ends of the floor, then he has earned his role on the squad and the comparisons to Trevor Ariza can finally rest. However, if Pierce is able to elevate his game in the face of a tough competitor like Artest, then the Celtics will have a distinct leg up. Pierce, like all great scorers, is an underrated playmaker, and when he is able to get his shot off, his teammates benefit from the attention he draws from the defense. A good game from pierce and any other Celtic could put the Lakers in danger.
Ray Allen vs. Derek Fisher
I didn't mention Ray when talking about guarding Kobe because he will have tons of help, and won't be guarding him on an island. However, the same won't be true of Fisher, who will have to chase Allen around screens and battle with the taller guard in the post. Everything about this matchup screams advantage for the Celtics, but Ray Allen has to be the driving force. Taking Fisher onto the block may be a bad idea, as he is incredibly tough and has a strong body. Boston's best bet is to wear down LA's second-best clutch shooter by making him chase the league's premier shooter coming off the curl. LA's best chance at gaining any advantage from this advantage will be if Fisher is able to create turnovers by selling some moving-screens on Boston's big men.
Lamar Odom vs. Rasheed Wallace (or bench vs. bench)
Neither team has had consistent bench production over the course of the regular season and playoffs, but Boston seems to have a slight edge here with bigs like Wallace and Glen Davis to body up the Lakers' massive front line. However, "Kobe-stopper" James Posey is missing from this roster, as is Stephon Marbury and his head tattoo (actually, that's a good thing for Boston). The bench may be the most pivotal matchup of all in this series, especially if Perkins decides to blow up at a referee and earn himself a one-game suspension from his seventh playoff foul.
Prediction
I've got to go with the Lakers in seven, but mainly because I'm a Laker's fan and that's how I want it to end up. Both teams are so evenly matched, that a close call, a lucky bounce, an injury, or a suspension could completely turn the series. With homecourt advantage and the game's best player, the Lakers have a slight advantage, but only slight.
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