Let's be rooting for a Celtics vs. Lakers series in June. Stars such as Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol and Luke Walton could highlight the finals in June. Would the NBA benefit from a series with two storied franchises that dominated the '80s? Who could take the place of a Larry Bird and Magic Johnson?

The NBA Finals is approaching and it could be a rivalry between two teams reborn, 2008 style. It's amazing looking back a year ago with the Celtics only winning 24 games and improving by 42 this year. They're a scary 66-16 this year with eye-popping numbers from the Big Three: Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. That's the biggest turnaround in league history and Bean town seems to be returning to its glory days. Garnett once again is an MVP candidate averaging 18.8 ppg, 9.2 rpg and 3.4 apg. Allen, a three-point specialist and sharp shooter is scoring 17.4 ppg, 3.1 apg and shooting almost 40 percent from behind the arc, while swingman Pierce is averaging 19.6 ppg, 4.5 apg and is shooting 39 percent from long range.

The Lakers, on the other hand have won 15 more games from a year ago, while improving their rank from seventh to first in the Western Conference playoffs. Also, Kobe Bryant during the off-season wanted to be traded at times and demanded more quality players in order for him to stick around. He's glad he stayed now. Bryant's success this year has been due to his trust in his teammates, who have become more confident because of him. This year he's averaging 28.3 ppg, down from a year ago, 6.3 rpg and 5.4 apg. Bryant has also made sure to get his teammates involved early and often, which has made a significant improvement in the team game with the Lakers. The Lakers' front office also took note at mid-season to trade for lanky and athletic 7-footer Pau Gasol who can play the Power Forward and Center position to push for a first place finish in the West. It paid off in a big way. Gasol has looked brilliant scoring 18.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg and 3.5 apg as a Laker during the regular season and isn't slowing down a bit in the playoffs. And think of this, Center Andrew Bynum isn't even back from injury yet. Wait until he gets a chance to play with the Lakers' "Big Three." He's salivating as we speak.

Since we haven't seen a rivalry between the Celtics and Lakers since the late '80s, we should get excited and motivated to watch these two teams duke it out once again. What's not to like

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