The Lakers/Celtics NBA rivalry dates all the way back to the Magic/Bird days. Kevin McHale taking down Kurt Rambis sparked the physical rivalry.
Magic’s famous hook-shot to beat the Celtics in the 1987 Finals went down as one of the greatest shots of all-time. Oh the memories…. Wait a second; I wasn’t even alive during any of this. While it may be a great storyline to talk about the historical significance of the matchup, it isn’t at all relevant. Many of the current Lakers/Celtics players weren’t around during that era and even if they were, it doesn’t have any effect on the outcome of this series. Nevertheless, the rivalry between these two teams is undeniable, and it’s more recent than you think.
by Justin Mertes-Mistretta
In the 2008 NBA finals, the Celtics convincingly beat the Lakers in six games. Kobe is going to want revenge. This could be a defining series for his legacy, as he could add a fifth ring to his resume. It would be his second ring sans Shaq.
When the Lakers lost to the Celtics in 2008 they didn’t have an answer for Paul Pierce, but now they do. Ron Artest is that answer, or at least the Lakers hope so. Pierce and Artest have gone at it since Artest played for the Pacers. Watch here.
Look, Artest is one of the best defenders in the league, but Pierce is one of the best offensive players in the league, pants or no pants. Something has to give. I’d put my money on the guy who survived 11 stabs to the face. By the way, getting stabbed 11 times isn’t a reason to hate someone. I’m looking at you, LA Times: (Read here.)
This series is sure to have its fair share of pushing and shoving. Perkins heads into the series with six technical fouls. Kevin Garnett was suspended in the first round for his flagrant foul on Quentin Richardson. The testosterone measuring contest will be at an all-time high.
The Lakers run their offense through Kobe Bryant and the Celtics through Paul Pierce, but this series will come down to the bigs. Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum can’t play soft, which they tend to do at crucial times. Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins will be leaned on by the Celtics to stop these two. They will have to stay out of foul trouble, since the Celtics are very thin up front with Big Baby Davis banged up.
At the end of the day, I think Laker’s size and the Kobe factor will be too much for the Celtics.
Lakers win in seven.
Find more articles on the NBA by Justin Mertes-Mistretta at https://www.percysperspective.com/