by Richard Hefty

Created on: June 02, 2008

Boston vs. Los Angeles.

If ever there was a true "marquee matchup" in the NBA, this is it.

First, it gave us Russell vs. Chamberlain. Then in the 80's it provided Magic vs. Bird. Now, we will all be treated Kobe vs. KG.

Regardless of whether either of these is "your" team, it's easy to see that this pairing is good for the game. Right or wrong, the league has been dealing with an image crisis over the last few years. From complaints that the style of play had becoming slow and boring, to the legal wranglings of players, Commissioner David Stern has certainly had his hands full. For now though, all of that will be overshadowed by the 2008 NBA Finals.

The storylines will be plentiful, to say the least. You have the past merging with the present. The interviews with the legends from previous Celtics-Lakers matchups will be free flowing during broadcasts. Of that, you can be sure. While everyone loves a stroll down memory lane, it's imporant to know that the teams actually competing this year provide plenty of material for reporters to sink their journalistic teeth into.

First, let's look at Boston. The first thing to come to mind is "The Big Three". Here you have Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett. Individually, each of these have had what many would consider a good NBA career, but each is missing that all-important element that separates the good from the great-a championship ring. Each player had their time on various teams when they were "THE MAN". However, basketball has been and remains a team sport. There is something gratifying about watching players of this caliber realize that all the individual accolades will eventually ring hollow. They come to the conclusion that in order to reach their ultimate goal, they will need to trust their team. The possibility of The Big Three getting what they want by helping 9 other players achieve the same goal makes Boston a sentimental pick.

Of course, Los Angeles has a story of their own to consider. The Lakers begin and end with Kobe Bryant. Almost exactly one year ago, it was practically a foregone conclusion that the 2007-2008 NBA season would be played with Kobe wearing colors other than the purple and gold.
Arguably the best player in the NBA, Bryant had been branded as selfish. After winning three titles with Shaquille O'Neal, sources say that Kobe forced the Lakers hand to trade Shaq. He wanted to prove what Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen were trying to prove on their respective teams. He wanted to

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