The Prediction

I feel that this series will end in 5 games. Lakers will win 4-1 because Orlando depends on their 3-point arsenal for the bulk of their scoring.

Why the Lakers Will Win

Orlando has the most dominant Big Man in the NBA, but they fail to utilize the versatility and size of their greatest strength, Dwight Howard. Instead of the traditional inside-outside game strategy that the majority of the teams in the NBA use, they do exactly the opposite by initiating their offense from the perimeter and only passing the ball down low in moments of desperation.

The Orlando Magic has an excellent young team, but I feel they lack the experience of playing in a series that has so much riding on it. I also feel that there is not one player on the Orlando Magic squad that has the same hunger and mental approach to the game (i.e. killer instinct) as Kobe Bryant.

If Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol are mentally prepared to play a focused, intense series, then the Lakers will be invincible.

The X-Factor

Phil "The Wizard!" Jackson is the X-Factor because the teams are pretty evenly matched as far as talent goes, but Mr. Jackson has a more level temperament than Coach Van Gundy.

Van Gundy's passion often fuels his team, but that same passion has sometimes been interpreted to be afronting to the referees. If he doesn't control his emotions, he could cost his team some valuable points due to technicals.

Scoring

Each game will be a high-scoring affair because throughout the playoffs neither the Lakers nor the Magic have shown the willingness to play a sustained, attacking defensive type of game for a full four quarters.

Peace, Love, and Hoops!
~JEDI