It feels to me like the NBA really wants to see a Lakers/Cavs final with the coronation of Lebron as the result.
On the other hand, Lakers/Cavs could be an exciting series to watch.
I have bought into some NBA conspiracies in my day, but if you're suggesting that Commish Stern is angling to get the Cavs and Lakers to the Finals via shady means, then you're crazy. EVERYONE knows these are the two best teams and that, assuming they both make it, they will show us a great series. There is no reason for the league to pull any strings in the background to guarantee they'll make it. Here's what we know:
1. The only team in the West capable of beating the Lakers on the way to the Finals is Portland. They're young, rarely beatable at home (save for that first playoff game), and they're freaking deep. Just watch them throw their Bigs at Yao making him earn his points on the stripe. Brandon Roy has the talent to be the best player in that series. It's up to him to step up and take it though. Portland's disadvantage is also that they're young. They probably need to get knocked around a little and come back stronger in the next couple of postseasons.
2. The Cavaliers won't be challenged until the Finals. Lebron has taken another step up and has that "look". I'm not a Boston hater, but if you can't get rid of the Bulls in 4... THE BULLS!... then it's likely we don't even see the C's in the East Finals. Ray Allen had an amazing game and they BARELY beat the Bulls in Game2. Orlando is all smoke and mirrors. Who is going to take the big shots at the end of the game for those guys? Not Howard. You're relying on Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu to be the heroes.
3. ABC/ESPN will make sure they cram an old hit into our heads over and over and over. Last year I believe it was Tom Petty's "Runnin Down A Dream." What's it gonna be this year?? I predict one of the songs off the new U2 album.
