by Jack Serapiglia

Created on: June 02, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Much will be written about in the next several days about the return engagement of the NBA's biggest (and most financially appetizing) rivalry. And as well it should be. This is, of course, THE rivalry that brought the NBA to national attention. It raised the league above the drug-infested, fight-scarred 1970s and prepped it for its world dominance it enjoyed in the 1990s (with a very large assist from Michael Jordan). And it is coming at a perfect time for the NBA. While the league has not sunken back down to those pre-1980s oblivion, it HAD seen ratings slip since Number 23 retired for good (especially since the league's recent dynasty, the San Antonio Spurs, draw ratings about as well as an NHL game). The playoffs this year have been one big long wet dream for David Stern and his corporate sponsors. A wild playoff scenario out west, where talent existed from seeds one through eight. Two game 7s for the top seed in the East and a quality match-up with the number two seed. But we don't need to rehash any of that. At least, not any more.

Much will also be made of the NBA's two marquee franchises. The Lakers return for the first time since the now infamous 2005 Finals, where a self-implosion derailed a dynasty, broke up one of the leagues most dynamic duos, chased the winningest coach off into the sunset (for a year), and denied Karl Malone and (temporarily) Gary Payton their first championship rings. The Celtics are back in the Finals after a 20 some odd year layoff. The city of Boston had to endure many hard times since their last NBA Finals victory: the death of Len Bias and Reggie Lewis, the passing of Red Auerbach, the failed Rick Pitino experiment, Antoine Walker. But that, too, is for another column.

Beyond the history, the rivalry, and the redemption of a franchise lies what could be either the most interesting Finals match-up since 1993 or its lamest contest since 2005. And honestly, I don't see any chance for anything in the middle.

The Lakers come in as the top seed in the much more talented West, and they have played the part. Led by first time MVP Kobe Bryant, LA has steamed through the playoffs. They swept a talented but mismatched Denver team, took care of a tough Utah team in 6 games and finished off the defending champion Spurs in 5 games. Their starting five is a perfect offensive blend. There is all-world scorer Bryant, the best closer in the league since MJ. Pau Gasol is perfectly content to play second fiddle in LA, and has since become the

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