NBA Finals: Kobe Bryant and LA Lakers Will Continue To Roll Over Boston Celtics

       Kobe Bryant's clutch performance and Ron Artest's 25 points shut down Phoenix and lifted Los Angeles to the NBA Finals.  The Lakers were tested for the second time in this postseason, but with a calm approach, they moved on.  Boston, you're next. Get over it.  Just like the Lakers did with Oklahoma City, Utah, and Phoenix, they will squeeze the life out of Boston, because Bryant and the Lakers are simply the better team.  Los Angeles will bring home its fifth trophy in 11 years, while Boston's title run will come to an abrupt end.

      The Celtics are beaten down and bruised after sending home Cleveland and Orlando in succession. The injuries will likely continue to pile on in what will be a physical series.  They will have to deal with the best player in the game in Bryant. And he's on one hell of a roll.  Bryant scored 30 or more points in nine of the Lakers' last 10 games, and tonight, he was unstoppable.  With two defenders flailing at the ball and a hand in his face, Bryant kept his cool, and maintained the Lakers' lead late in the game.  

      Celtics fans believe that Paul Pierce and Boston is underrated. They've said that Pierce, Rondo, Allen, and Garnett don't get the respect they deserve.  It is the other way around. Boston receives too much attention, and it has been that way since the big three came together to bring dignity back to a downtrodden franchise.  This year is no different.  The media is blaming the Celtics' sub-par regular season record on injuries, a believable explanation. That along with a disinterest towards "meaningless" games and a decision to save themselves for the playoffs.  

      It's true, but it's not the complete answer. They were not the best team in the East. Cleveland's heartbreaking breakdown led to Boston's Conference Finals appearance where, to their credit, they dominated Orlando.  The problem is Orlando and Cleveland are not the Lakers or the Suns. It is even debatable whether Phoenix would also be the favorite over the Celtics if they had moved on.  

       Bryant's clutch play, combined with unexpected production from Artest and the steady hands of veterans Pau Gasol and Derek Fisher, will overwhelm Boston. The only possible advantage the Celtics will have is on the inside, and if Bynum can get healthy, they won't have that.

    Most analysts reference the 2008 finals as a reminder that the Lakers may struggle once again with Boston.  In 2008, it was a different story. Both teams have changed, and while the Lakers have improved, the Celtics regressed. Rondo has improved but the rest of the team is on the decline.  The Celtics are an older team, and the window on a championship run is closing fast. The Lakers are younger and just as battle-tested.

      Boston, you're in over your head. Save us the time and just go home.  Bryant and the Lakers will send them packing in five games or fewer.

Follow Chase on Twitter @ yutz18

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