I know I said a few days ago that I wouldn't succumb to the seemingly endless Lakers vs Celtics previews that would spring up. I guess I just couldn't resist! So, I decided to jump in on the fun and give my preview of the most anticipated Finals matchups in years; the renewal of the NBA's greatest rivalry, Lakers and Celtics. I'll give my positional breakdown, then give a prediction.

Point Guard: I love this matchup; something old (Derek Fisher) & something new (Jordan Farmar) vs something borrowed (Sam Cassell) and something blue (Rajon Rondo). Or is it green? After dealing with Tony Parker in the conference finals, Fisher will need to be on his guard with Rondo and his penetration. Expect Doc RIvers to go with whoever is hot as Rondo's backup, as Eddie House could return to the rotation after he was benched because he couldn't handle the Pistons' pressure D. Advantage: Even

Shooting Guard: Before I begin, I'll give Ray Allen credit for finishing solidly against Detroit, and that, in good matchups, he can thrive. Just not against Kobe Bryant. You know Kobe remembers 2004, and with his first post-Shaq title on the horizon, he'll play possessed. Good luck defending, Paul Pierce! Advantage: Lakers in a runaway

Small Forward: Likewise, Pierce has a huge advantage on Vladimir Radmanovic, who isn't a good defender (to say the least) and who is way too streaky to be relied on. Pierce has huge advantages over Vlad and Luke Walton, so expect Kobe to get the defensive work. Advantage: Celtics

Power Forward: Welcome, Kevin Garnett, to your first NBA Finals! How will Garnett match up with Pau Gasol (since the L.A. Times said Lamar Odom would guard Kendrick Perkins)? A leopard never changes its spots, so expect Garnett to work his game on Gasol, which could be a good thing for Gasol if he avoids foul trouble. Gasol will likely work on Perkins, which means both centers must avoid fouls to keep their team from being at a major disadvantage. Advantage: A razor thin edge to the Celtics

Center: Odom was a dud against the Spurs for most of the series, but now he gets Perkins to work on. The Celtic front line is much quicker than the Spurs' front line, though, so Odom must get his jumper working early and have the C's respect his shot before he slashes to the rack. Perkins needs only to be steady (he doesn't need to have a game 5 like performance, but he does need to assert himself on the boards) and the Celtics will live with that. Advantage: Lakers

Benches: The Laker bench was solid against the Spurs. Expect Sasha Vujacic (there, I finally spelled it!) to keep shooting, and I think Trevor Ariza could be a factor on defense if they employ him; he can't be much worse than Walton, can he? The Celtics will counter with James Posey (their defensive stopper and good 3-point shooter) and P.J. Brown (ditto except for threes), but they need some contributions from either Cassell or House to give them some balance. Advantage: Lakers

Coaching: Let's see: Phil Jackson, 11 Finals appearences, 9 titles as a coach, 2 as a player, one of the greatest (if not the best) coaches ever. Doc Rivers: first appearence in Finals as player or coach, no titles, road teams' coattails to Finals. Eh, Advantage: Lakers by a lot

Prediction: The Celtics had a much tougher road to the Finals than the Lakers; the C's have played just one game under the max to get here. They do have home court, though, but both teams will have been rested. I give game 1 to the Lakers, and as far as the series goes, I predict the Lakers win the title in six games. Yes, you heard it; for only the second time ever, an opposing team will celebrate a title victory in Boston. And who gets Finals MVP? Luke Walton! Just kidding! Kobe wins MVP if the Lakers win the title.