And the winner is ...

You wanted to know what I thought? Well, here’s what I think.

NBA FINALS

L.A. Lakers vs. Orlando Magic

Schedule

Game 1: Thursday at L.A., 9 p.m., ABC, TSN

Game 2: Sunday at L.A., 8 p.m., ABC, TSN

Game 3: Tuesday at Orlando, 9 p.m., ABC, TSN

Game 4: Thursday, June 11 at Orlando, 9 p.m., ABC, TSN

x-Game 5: Sunday, June 14 at Orlando, 8 p.m., ABC, TSN

x-Game 6: Tuesday, June 16 at L.A., 9 p.m., ABC, TSN

x-Game 7: Thursday, June 18 at L.A., 9 p.m., ABC, TSN

x-if necessary.

How They Got Here

Lakers beat Utah, 4-1, Houston, 4-3, Denver, 4-2; Orlando beat Philadelphia, 4-2, Boston, 4-3, Cleveland, 4-2.

Season series

Magic won, 2-0

Burning question

Is Kobe Kryptonite?

Short answer

Does that kind of cliché bore you like it does me?

Stuff about the series

This may not be Kobe-LeBron but there is all kinds of intrigue to look for in a series that could have some legs.

Of course for the Lakers, it stops and starts with Bryant, who is as comfortable setting up teammates and acting as a decoy (as he said he did in pivotal Game 5 of the West final) as he is getting his 35 points a night. But it’s time for the best players to be the best players and you know he’s uber-bitter about the way last year’s trip to the Finals turned out.

Los Angeles is going to need something – anything – consistently out of Lamar Odom, who can present as many matchup problems for the Magic as Orlando’s Hedo Tukoglu and Rashard Lewis do for the Lakers. Trouble is, the uniquely-talented Odom disappears for long stretches, and that usually coincides with games disappearing for the Lakers.

One hunch: Andrew Bynum will have two fouls in the first three minutes of at least four games. He’ll try to muscle Dwight Howard and fail miserably.

Pau Gasol-Lewis is the best matchup of the series, in one man’s opinion. Is Gasol going to defend out to the three-point line well? Is Lewis going to be able to handle Gasol in the low post? And if the Lakers go with Gasol and Odom, who does Howard check? Figuring that out is going to keep Stan Van Gundy up nights.

This sounds funny to devout Raptor fans with long memories but one of the huge keys for the Magic is the shooting of Rafer Alston. He’s going to get his shots – every team in the league seems to double off him and go under high screens – and when he makes them, it opens the floor for everyone else. I presume Sam Mitchell won’t be sitting at home smiling every time Skip drills a three.

Mickeal Pietrus does not start for the Magic but you can be sure he’ll finish. He’s got the best chance to try and even slow Bryant down; there is no way Orlando can live with Courtney Lee guarding Bryant, he’s too small and too inexperienced. At least Pietrus has some length.

This is a perfect example of a series between teams built around multi-faceted, multi-position players. Which is going to make matchups interesting and the games fun, we can hope.

What won’t happen

No formal attire for Stan Van Gundy.

What will happen

There’s just something about the Magic. They have met every challenge – and Boston and Cleveland were substantial hurdles – because they just keep doing what they do. Shoot threes and create matchup problems.

Orlando in seven.

-

A couple quick hits on some other stuff.

I’m sure you’ve all read the Alvin Williams story today?

And I’m sure you all know that I think this is a good idea and if you don’t, here’s why:

The one thing the Raptors don’t have is any sense of tradition. There are no old Raptors still in the fold – hell, Alvin played here in 2006 and the only guys left from that team are Bosh, Calderon and, maybe Joey – and welcoming one back can’t hurt.

Two, he’s a good basketball mind and the more of those you have, the better. When he played, he “thought” the game as much as played it and if he can impart some of that knowledge to guys like Jose and Roko and whatever rookies they bring in, it has to help.

Third, if players want to whine during the season – and, trust me, they do – I think they’ll find it easier to whine to a young coach two years removed from the game than anybody else. Don’t diminish the need for a sounding board.

Anyway, from conversations I’ve had with a few people who’d know, I expect an announcement Thursday or Friday.

-

Another Raptor-related item.

Yes, they have kids scheduled to work out here on Thursday and Friday.

No, they are not 100 per cent sure just yet who they will be.

No, they haven't finalized any kind of pecking order for the draft, according to people I've spoken to.

Yes, I'll try to find that out in the next few days but it's always, always, always a fluid situation and the guy who may be the apple of their eye today could be an afterthought tomorrow. Because they are so far down the draft order, it's more a matter of trying to figure out what people ahead of them will do more than anything.

-

I’m also sure you all went here yesterday hoping to find out that Bosh was going to profess his undying love for all things Raptors and was going to commit to the team for the rest of his born days.

Um, not so much.

But this DVD-CD thing’s kind of cool, no? A nice way to branch out for a kid who likes to push the envelope and try different things. I have no idea if it’ll be funny, and I’m pretty sure I won’t quite “get” the music on the CD but what the heck, why wouldn’t a 25-year-old kid try something new.

And don’t worry, I’m assured by people who know him and work with him that he’s still going to get his time in in the gym working on his game and his body. It’s not like he’s going to get fat and slovenly because he’s doing some video comedy work.

Besides, who among us works 24/7/365? Don’t we all need hobbies and a break every now and then?

-

Oh yeah, we’re trying to work out some live chat thing for Thursday afternoon to discuss that night’s opening game of the finals. Figure noon here, 9 a.m. out west, might be a good time? Get your questions ready now.

-

If you’re going to the ball game tonight, get there on time if you want to see a lanky righty throw out the first pitch. Dude at one time was a heckuva first basemen, as I recall, but decided playing and coaching basketball might be a better way to utilize his skills.

-

All right, time to pack, clean up some stuff around the house before Toronto-Minneapolis-L.A. journey that’s got a lot of Lewis and Clark in it. The next transmission comes from L.A., where we’re staying in Hollywood and I figure I'm headed to Schwab's Drugstore to get “discovered” while out on a starlet search.

-

Comments

[Fate31]

I think you got your months mix up for the finals... May???

Blogger's note: Never finish up small stuff bleary-eyed in the morning. Thanks. Fixed

[Andre]

Hey doug, have you read the results from the draft combine? Who surprised you? who disappointed you? Also, i hear rumours the raptors are in love with Dejuan Blair (cant spell) and Austin Daye. Any truth to this? I saw his size, and they are comparing him to a Carl Laundry type (small Power forwards) do you really think going small on the 9th pick would help the raptors? I like either Austin daye or Earl Clark. (both the same type of player) but how about a guy like Johnny flynn or even jrue holiday? to help out the point guard situation. then drafting a Austin daye or Earl Clark in the 20s (buying New Orleans Draft pick). then we wont need to sign Marion, and will have a little more money to throw and some other veterens? (and maybe if they can get a 2nd rounder, draft Taj Gibson) I sound like one of those dreamers. O well. Your thoughts?

Blogger's note: First of all, no one fell "in love" with anyone watching light basketball drills and conducting interviews in Chicago.
I'm sure Blair is on a list of players they are interested in, just like a dozen or so others are. No decisions have been made and they won't even get a firm idea of an order until they see kids work out, talk to them some more and get an idea of what teams around them might do.
And I'm not sure anyone can possible expect anyone drafted in the 20s to have the same impact on a team that an 11-year NBA veteran and former all-star does.
The Raptors need two guards and small forwards, if that's "going small" then, yes, I think they must go small.

[Matt G]

Were you only teammates in baseball or basketball as well? You've probably provided that info in the past but this kind of stuff is interesting, only because the convergence of your respective careers while at their pinnacles, must amuse at least slightly, no?

http://www.nflibrary.ca/nfplindex/data/3/8/91838-506139.jpg

Blogger's note: Basketball rivals; if you call one guy sitting mainly on a bench watching the other guy dominate "rivals"

[Rob.V]

Doug, I agree with you 100%.

At the risk of sounding "cheesy" there is something Magical happening with the Orlando team this playoff season.

The adversity in the Boston series seems to have catipulted them to a different level of mental toughness and they are hitting their stride at the right time. It certianly appears as though everyone to a man in that organization from top to bottom believes they are going to win the championship. Their body language exudes that of what a championship teams does... and you can almost feel the positive energy (through the TV that is).

This team sort of reminds me personally of the Pistons from a few years back when no one in their right mind would have picked them to go all the way... but possibly a team of destiny!!!

[Oliveira]

You're worng again - Lakers in 6.

[pete]

Hey Doug, if the magic win the series and Nelson doesn't play, does he still get a ring?

Blogger's note: Sure, he played half the regular season and he's still on the roster

[Trimz]

I love how you have picked the Lakers to pretty much lose in every round but against Utah. Thanks for picking against them again. With the way you have been going with your "predictions" I am happy to be a Laker Fan. GO LAKERS.

[James]

Doug:

Was it released what players the Raptors interviewed at the combine? Do you know or could you post a link?

Cheers.

Blogger's note: Wasn't released, it's a closely guarded secret that no sources have shared with me. Or anyone. Yet

[Dave]

I can't read between the lines. Who's throwing out the first pitch tonight?

[Ajay]

Hey Doug, just started reading your blog on a consistant basis and I just wanted to say, great job. Quick question though, do you not feel that the biggest match up problem is Kobe/Lee, Pietrus? I can see Kobe pulling some nice vet moves on Lee and getting him into quick foul trouble.

[Christian Mijatovic]

With all the teams that are reported to be interested in selling their picks due to the lack of supposed talent in this years draft, might this not be a good year to pick up an early draft pick rather then late one? Say coming away from this years draft with both DeMar DeRozan and Earl Clark, not make the future look a lot more interesting?

[Erc]

Why would it seem funny to Rap fans that 'Rafer's shooting might be a key to the series'?
There have been many, many worse players than Rafer Alston ply their trade for the Dinos since I began following the team. Some of them still do.
Y
When he was here, you did not have to be Red Auerbach to see that he could play. Maybe he overhandled the ball at times and no, he wasn't John Stockton but neither has anyone else on this team ever been a HOF candidate.
Alston's stock dropped like Black Tuesday after the infamous half-time incident with Sam. I'm sure we don't know all of it and I'm sure it wasn't pretty, BUT .... you've been frying the guy about it ever since.
Like Artest, Rafer's 'character issues' make him a non-entity in your world of evaluating talent. You are an excellent reporter and do a great blog. Catch it every day I can. You are honest, interesting and often funny.
However, sometimes reporters are just too close to the inside workings of a team to see anything but the 'official' version.
You were like that for a long time with Joey. You are like that with Rafer. Teams like Houston and Orlando were aware of the 'incident', I'm sure. It didn't bother them nearly as much as it bothers you. Rafer Alston is the starting point guard on an NBA finals team. That is the key issue.
Character is great. So is talent. People like Alston and Artest are different -- self-centred -- annoying, I'm sure and not fun to be around at times for reporters and team officials. However, neither is a drug peddlar or has shot up any bars lately. If you cannot live with the kind of character flaws they have, you should be assembling a choir not a pro sports team.
There have been dozens of solid citizens play for the Raptors who couldn't get up for a big game in a helicopter. Some of them still do. One of the greatest NBA teams in history had Dennis Rodman as a starter. Dennis Rodman!! He couldn't get a job interview with today's organization if he was applying in his prime.
You know the recent history to the two prime protagonists in the 'half-time incident'. One is starting for the Orlando Magic in the NBA finals. One isn't.
Yes, Sam Mitchell seems like an interesting, educated, self-made man. He is many things Rafter Alston is not. But considering his handling of Alston and others like Graham and AB, maybe it would have been much better for Toronto to let Sam walk and keep the 'troublemaker'.
Character counts. So does talent. On-court is prime. Locker room, U-tube, on-camera, in-church, at the food bank is important but secondary to a man's 'character' inside the stripes. Sometimes, I believe, you forget that.

Blogger's note: Rafer shot 41 per cent from the field, 36 per cent from three-point range and 71 per cent from the free throw line in his two stints in Toronto.

[Jesse]

Doug,
Are you serious about Orlando in 7? Come on!!! No way! Both Kobe and Ariza match up well against Lewis and Hedo. Not since Boston has that happened and who will run with Gasol and Odom? Howard is a drop and pop player that will destroy Bynum and man handle Gasol on offense. On the defensive end, that is another story,Pau will shoot over him and pull him out 10 ft.Lakers in 7!

[Rob]

Doug, why does the league go with a 2-3-2 home and away schedule for the NBA finals? What's the history behind that? Do you like this schedule?

Blogger's note: I do, it cuts down on travel and the wear and tear on anyone. Was instituted in the '80s when it seemed it was LA and Boston every year.

[eni]

do you mean Lois & Clark, or something else I don't get

[Lorie]

Now, as I recall from school daze Lewis and Clark's journey west was in search of woolly mammoths and volcanoes, while your search is for Schwab's and starlets?? I am assuming the common denominator here is actually the pursuit of the Pacific. Your pick of Orlando in 7 makes sense for the reasons you identify. Orlando feels like a team that is now realizes how good it is and when a talented team starts to believe it can win and puts out solid performances consistently, anything is possible. That confoundingly up and down play of the Lakers may catch up with them against this Magic team. And, perhaps also in Orlando's favour here, and while I know a wise man once said it is the players and not the coaches that win games, do you think there is any sort of chance that the zany of Stan can upset the zen of Phil?

[petro]

Doug... was Alvin just informally working out with the Villanova guys during practice... or was he officially part of the coaching staff? (I don't recall seeing Alvin on the bench during the final four!)

Villanova is so guard oriented/dominated. Do you know how much time, or how often, Alvin worked with the players?

Blogger's note: It was pretty informal, I do know he worked extensively with Kyle Lowry

[peter]

Ah, love to see the Lakers fans taking offense at your pick, haha. Too Funny!!

Last round, I agreed with your Magic pick but disagreed with your Nuggets pick. And I am in full agreement with you this time around, Dougie. The main reason being, as you pointed out, the Magic have successfully shot threes and created matchup problems. I foresee them doing the same against the Lakers.

[michael]

hey doug

i really hate these rumors about CB4 getting traded to chicogo or utah for deng or boozer but i never heard that bosh is not an untouchable. They are both like um ( how do i say this) um like they have alot of injuries. i rather have a healthy bosh then 2 unhealthy players!!! And besides doesnt bosh have a player option after this season??? so theres still a chance that raps can have a good year and resign bosh! dont you agree???

michael

Blogger's note: Almost anything's possible, sure

[aditya]

david stern plans to make a couple of calls to lebron because he was unhappy that lechoke skipped the press conference after the game....if this was pau gasol, david stern does not make that call....

why is lebron not getting fined for skipping the press conference? answer: star treatment, and the NBA says there's none

[aditya]

i would be absolutely shocked and stunned if varejao gets a 4 yr 32 mil contract, i am not sure if marion would even get that

[YEs]

Lakers in 5... The Magic ends here... no pun intended

[Abhi]

Hey Doug, what are your thoughts on Jameer Nelson potentially coming back for the finals... Good idea or bad idea? Would he be able to make a significant contribution?

Blogger's note: If he's healthy, he'd probably be an upgrade at the backup PG spot; but there's nothing to suggest he's going to actually play

[mary]

hey doug,
are you still planning a blog entry with some raptors draft thoughts this week?

Blogger's note: Sure, if there's something to talk about.

[DH]

Key to the series is how well Bynum can defend Howard. Howard is limited offensively and Bynum has enough strength and possess the attributes to matchup well with him. If he can stay out of foul trouble and keep Gasol from having to defend Howard a lot the Lakers will win. If Gasol has to defend Howard for extended stretches the Lakers are in trouble.