Rivalry Version 2010

So it is time. Will LA repeat or will Cs get their 2008 form? So many storylines for this series and we'll gonna break it down for you.

This matchup will define the series.

Backcourt - Lakers have the edge definitely because they have Kobe in their side. Celtics don't have Posey anymore so you will see a lot of Allens (Ray & Tony) and Rondo covering him. On the Celtics offense, Ray Allen should be aggresive enough to take advantage of the smaller Fisher. Kobe will definitely guard Rondo. You don't want your best player to lose too much energy on to fighting screens off Celtics' offense via Ray Allen. Back in 2008, Rondo was considered the weakest link for the Celtics but this time around, he is their best all-around player. Rondo's playmaking will determine the series.

Frontcourt - Will Pau Gasoft be tough enough to bang up with Boston's very physical D? Yes, Andrew Bynum will be joining them now but it doesn't matter to the Celtics. Perkins proved he can play tough and do one-on-one coverage on the post, hello Dwight Howard. Rejuvenated Rasheed and Garnett will be a difficult matchup for Gasol. Lakers only edge is the 3 position. We all know that Pierce has a very difficult time playing against the bigger and tougher Artest.

Bench - Edge is to Celtics. They have Rasheed, Nate, Big Baby Davis and Tony Allen for them. We all watched the Lakers-Suns series and how the Lakers bench's poor play almost cost them the series.

Coach - Phil Jackson has the experience but if you will see the two final series he lost against Pistons in 2004 and Celtics in 2008, he can't rely mostly on his triangle. These two teams play very tough and very quick to adjust on defense and this Celtics 2010 is well, back to their old form. Doc Rivers is I believe is the greatest motivator and the best coming off in set plays off the timeout. And as I believed, this serious will be contested even on the last seconds.

X factor - Ron Artest will play the most critical role for the Lakers in the series. Can he limit Pierce and make him work on the defense as well? We saw Pierce struggle against the Cavs primarily because he's tired on guarding Lebron. If Artest will be a factor on offense, Pierce will have a long night. As for the Celtics, KG's offense is well needed. He's not that aggresive enough during the last series against Orlando. They need his production and aggresiveness.

Lakers have homecourt and we know as well that Celtics has been losing in their own floor in the playoffs. Overall, Lakers have the edge in winning this but don't be surprise if the Celtics will win it. Series will be over in 6 games.