There have been so many great topics to write on in these playoffs that I regret not finding the time to do so. I have made a few notes and have a piece on Kobe v Lebron half finished, but given that the greatest franchise in the history of sports is facing the Magic tonight....the Lebron stuff can wait.

     First off I have to say, I am disappointed that the Lakers are facing the Magic in these finals. A Boston matchup would of been ideal for motivation and history, a Lebron matchup would of been acceptable and either matchup would of greatly favored the Lakers. Instead we are facing a dangerous and skilled team with the weapons to take the title away from us.

     The Magic are no joke, Dwight Howard is like a cross between Zo and Shaq in their primes. Rashard Lewis is even more versatile than Odom (and much more consitent), and Hedo is playing like a superstar. Courtney Lee has both game and good judgement on the court. Pietrus has established himself as a top end defender and a clutch shot maker from behind the arc. This team is scary. Their only seeming weakness is at the 1 where we cannot expect Jameer to be ready to make a difference, but Alston will give them credible play and will likely outplay Fish who looks like he is on his last legs. It is clear that the Magic have the team that can beat the Lakers and by winning in Boston and Cleveland, they have also shown they have the guts to do it.

     If this Laker team wants to be thought of as a champion, to have a shot at a string of titles, they need to get it done this year. Last year, they were a surprise. The Gasol gift, the impressive playoff run to the finals all seemed like a dream which turned to a crushing reality in the Boston Garden. After that loss Laker nation was down but not out. We had Bynum coming back, we had Ariza developing, we had hope. Well now all the hoping in the world does not matter. What matters is getting it done. Given Kobe's last 2 finals performances, whether they are able to get it done or not remains firmly in doubt. You all know the matchups, you know the keys to the game (covering 3 point shooters, making Howard work at both ends, hopefully getting some fouls on him, making our own 3's and moving the ball like they did in game 6 against Denver).

     The Lakers should win this, they have the lord of the rings on the bench v the master of panic. They have a big front court that should be able to match up decently v Howard. They have the best player in basketball. If they play the right way they should take this series in 5 or 6. If all that is true, then why am I so worried right now?