NBA Finals

Well, it is that time again! The 2010 NBA Finals showcases the biggest, most-hated rivalry in all of the NBA: Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. The two teams have a combined of 32 rings (Lakers 15, Celtics 17) and won the last two NBA Finals. For the Lakers this is the third time in three years they have reached the Finals. Probably the biggest headline of these Finals is L.A.'s Revenge. The Lakers have learned a lot and grown since they were embarrassed in the 2008 NBA Finals by these same Boston Celtics.

Here are some of the key differences:

Lakers:
Pau Gasol has become more of an elite big man in the NBA. He was branded as being too soft in the 2008 Finals. Since then Pau has become a key role on the Lakers. He has become the second best player on the team and a very critical part to the team.

Kobe Bryant is still, in my opinion, the greatest player in the world. He may have lost a step but he has not lost that killer instinct and smart ball play. Ever since having his knee drained in the Oklahoma City series, his numbers has really jumped.

Andrew Bynum, still is bothered by a knee injury, but is actually playing in the 2010 Finals. Bynum sat out in the 2008 series. He is another big body on the boards for L.A.

Derek Fisher is the only other player on the team that has been on all the championship teams with Bryant. Fisher is a key veteran to these Finals. He has done a great job stepping up in his role to defend Westbrook (OKC), Williams (UTA) and Nash (PHO). He will be a key factor in covering either Rondo or Allen.

Ron Artest was signed during the offseason to bring some defensive tenacity to the Lakers D. He is a key factor in getting into Paul Pierce's head as he has throughout his career. Artest is also showing some real promise behind the arc as well.

Celtics:
Rajon Rondo has improved into one of the game's elite point guards. He will be more of a factor in the series than he was in the 2008 series. Rondo is also the catalyst to the Big Three.

Kevin Garnett will be less of a problem this year than he was in 2008. With his knee injury last year and getting old, along with his shooting problems in the Eastern Conference Finals against Orlando, he will be easier for Gasol to defend. Garnett's defense will play more of a role in this series.

Paul Pierce is still the leading scorer on the Celtics. The Lakers will have to watch for his jump fake. The key for Pierce will be getting to the line and getting good shots. It will be a challenge though with Artest on him.

Ray Allen will be another key factor to the Celtics' offensive success. If he can get hot behind the arc then the Lakers will have their hands full.

Kendrick Perkins will be another key factor in facing the Lakers' bigs. He will be very important on the defensive side of the ball and on the boards. Perkins, however, is one technical foul away from being suspended for a game.

So who will win the rematch of the Lakers and Celtics?

I'm going with Lakers in 5.