My opinion on the three teams:
LA Lakers-We have already seen the best of them..which is really, really good.
Strengths-They're offense is the most consistent in the NBA. They have the best "shot-maker" in the game (I love PP but trying to be unbiased here). Bynum IMO is already the 3rd most talented center in the NBA behind Howard and Yao. He has the back to the basket game, he has a nice soft touch, and has great hands. He is also a decent passer out of the low post. Defensively he is a presence both at blocking/altering shots and defensive rebounding. He should be getting 15 shots a game. Huge frontline gives them many options in the post.
Weakness: Not necessarily playing weak teams but the schedule is structured for their benefit. Only three back-to-backs compared to 6 for the Celts. They have had more practice time then the the Cavs and the Celts which allows them to be fresher and more prepared. Defense is inconsistent and gambles to much. They have the horses to play great d but not the discipline and knowledge. Psychologically, this team is nowhere near as tough as the Celtics or the Cavs. This is still, Kobe's team and everything at least starts with him. It seems that Bynum, Gasol, and Odom are followers and not leaders.
Verdict: At their best, the Lakers can beat anyone in a 7 game series...yes, even our Celtics. However, at their worst, they could lose to a number of teams as well. Their inconsistency is maddening if I were a Laker fan. That being said, I don't see anyone beating the Lakers in a 7 game series in the West. Home court is crucial for the Lakers considering their fragile psyche. I just can't see this team being able to come back from an 0-2 hole in the finals.
Cavs: This is the team that I fear the most. I'm trying to find chinks in their armor and just can't find many at this point.
Strengths: They have the most valuable player in the game. No one this year makes his team better offensively than Lebron. You have to help on him and he is such a good passer that he makes everyone look better than they really are. They pack the middle defensively which allows them to get a high percentage of defensive rebounds. Ilgauskas is money from 15 feet in and at 7'3" is a mismatch for most centers
Weaknesses: Make Lebron work defensively and you have a chance. Slow the game down on your terms and they become vulnerable. Pace is what makes the Cavs team click offensively. Shooters need volume to get into a rhythm. Less shots usually means Lebron getting a higher percentage of the shots taken. This makes the Cavs revert to the offensive team they were the last couple of years. A team with a good shooting big man will give the Cavs problems. 2 of the Cavs losses came to Detroit and Boston. Wallace and KG relieves the congestion in the middle allowing for offensive rebounds and the wing players/cutters to attack the middle in pick and roll.
Verdict: Lebron has proved that he can carry a team to the finals. The biggest advantage that the Cavs have is that they can play Lebron all 48 minutes if need be. He's alot like Shaq in his prime in that he just wears you down during the course of a game and a series. I worry that without Posey, Pierce will have to burden the load himself. The 2 Allens are too small to handle a 6-9 260 SF, Powe, Scalabrine are way too slow. Guarding Lebron may take away from Pierce's offensive game and get him in foul trouble. The Cavs way of thinking in last years series was simple, since Pierce would have to guard Lebron, it may take away from his offensive game so lets concentrate on stopping Ray this leaves only one of the big 3 to hurt us offensively. Slowing down 2 of the big 3 gives you a shot against the Celtics.
Celtics: This team has the best combination of talent, mental toughness, leadership, focus, and execution among the 3 teams.
Strengths: Defensively unbelievable. Defensive rotations are seamless. KG absolutely destroys the pick and roll. Boston has three layers of offense that is unmatched with KG in the post (when he decides to go inside), Pierce in the mid-range, and Ray on the perimeter. Teams can't help off any of these guys so Rondo and Perk become the beneficiaries. Both are not what you would call great shooters yet each are shooting at a very high percentage at their positions. Pierce puts so much pressure on a defense. Outside of Lebron, there is no one who gets to the line as consistently as PP. Most players when hit driving to the basket will bounce off the defender, PP on the other hand will just "absorb" the guy. Best starting 5 in the game today. All the starters are "quality starters". Arguably, KG is the best PF, Pierce is the 2nd best SF, Ray right now is among the top 5 SGs, Rondo may be the best PG in the East and in the top 7-8 overall, and Perk is in the top 15 amongst centers.
Weaknesses: Not much versatility in the bench. A SF with size is needed to relieve Pierce, length is needed in the frontcourt. Getting PJ Brown back will be a big help
Verdict: No team is more psychologically prepared then the Celtics. They are a focused bunch. Not many teams can play with both focus and intensity. The Lakers are an example of a team that I believe plays with intensity but loses focus at times. The synergy that this Celtic team has is one of its greatest assets.
Prediction: I think whoever gets home court wins it all. This is why each game is crucial. For this reason, I think each of the three teams will win 60+ games especially in a year where there are so many bad teams.
