How Lakers and Celtics match up
Point Guards: Derek Fisher vs. Rajon Rondo. Fisher may be 35, but he has been solid once again for the Lakers in the playoffs. Rondo, 24, is the key for the Celtics. He’s an elite offensive rebounder for a guard. He’s a north-south penetrator. He’s a poor jump shooter and free-throw shooter. But he’s very good at getting steals.
Advantage: Celtics.
Shooting guards: Kobe Bryant vs. Ray Allen. Bryant is the best player on the planet. Since getting his right knee drained, Bryant has played perhaps the best basketball of his career. Allen is tough coming off screens and a big-time three-point threat. He likes to take two dribbles or less to get his shot off and he has a quick release. He scores in flurries. The Lakers can get physical with him to slow him down.
Advantage: Lakers.
Small forwards: Ron Artest vs. Paul Pierce. Pierce is one of the NBA’s top scoring swingmen. He gets to the free-throw line often, about six times a game. He’s a very good spot-up shooter. Artest has to stay out of foul trouble. He needs to force Pierce right and make Pierce shoot jumpers off the dribble.
Advantage: Celtics (slight).
Power Forwards: Pau Gasol vs. Kevin Garnett. Gasol is one the most skilled big men in the NBA. He has to be tough and not back down to Garnett. Garnett likes to score in the post and off the post on pick-and-pops. He brings energy every night. He is animated, emotional and aggressive.
Advantage: Push.
Centers: Andrew Bynum vs. Kendrick Perkins. Bynum is bigger at 7-0, 285 pounds and he’s a skilled offensive player. If his right knee holds up, Bynum can be a difference-maker. Perkins knows his role. He’s a physical post defender, runs the court, set screens and scores on put-backs.
Advantage: Lakers.
Reserves: Lamar Odom, Jordan Farmar, Shannon Brown, Sasha Vujacic, Luke Walton vs. Rasheed Wallace, Glen Davis, Tony Allen, Nate Robinson, Brian Scalabrine, and possibly Marquis Daniels. Both benches have taken turns being productive and inconsistent in the playoffs.
Advantage: Push.
Coaches: Lakers Coach Phil Jackson has won 10 NBA championships, the most of any coach in league history. Boston Coach Doc Rivers has one NBA championship, that coming against Jackson and the Lakers in 2008.
Advantage: Lakers.
Prediction: Lakers in seven games.
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