It's Los Angeles Lakers versus Orlando Magic

First off, there's no Kobe vs. LeBron. The NBA might have been saddened over this but they can't publish anything that resembles any resentment over the failed match up between the two high-flying superstars. So, they will have to settle for Kobe vs. Dwight (yeah, like they'll face off against each other). Dwight Howard (in his Adidas kicks) sure is laughing his way to the bank.

The Orlando Magic enter as underdogs. The Lakers are number 1 in the West though they did have difficulty in dispatching their opponents (Jazz in 7, Rockets in 7, then Nuggets in 6). A lot is going against Kobe in winning without Shaq but then again he has Pau Gasol with him in a supporting role. Gasol is "taking over" the role of Shaq. What? Andrew Bynum as a Shaq wannabe? Not this year. Not yet.

With that, I really, really love that the Orlando Magic win this one. It's been a long time coming after the sweep made by the Houston Rockets in their first Finals appearance. That was a pure meltdown right there. Shaq not being able to dominate against Hakeem Olajuwon? Sheesh. I hate the Houston Rockets back then (I think Rudy T. is one of the worst coaches) but that was just a pure meltdown. Nick Anderson never got rid of the missed free throws in that first game. And it's just wonderful to see a franchise win its first NBA Championship.

My gut says that the Lakers will win this in 6 games. The 2-3-2 format is dangerous to the team with homecourt advantage when they lose it but I don't expect the Magic to win in straight home games like they did against the Cavaliers.