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While many are ready to call this a coronation for the Lakers' four soon-to-be Hall of Famers, lets hold off on the celebration just a bit. On paper, some see an L.A. sweep. But then again, that's why the game's not played on paper. This bunch from Motown has a lot more bite than they're given credit for. Yes, they looked godawful at time against the Pacers offensively. But the strength (much like their "Bad Boys" brethren) lies in the defense. Of all the Eastern Conference teams that made the playoffs, the Pistons probably match up better against the Lakers than anyone else. And they do have legittimate offensive weapons with Rip Hamilton, Chauncey Billups, and Tayshaun Prince. Lets look at the matchups: RIP HAMILTON vs KOBE BRYANT Both players have had stellar postseasons where they've carried the offensive load all by themselves. They're also very underrated defenders. It took a longer for Kobe to get his defensive skills back in focus this season, but he's raised the bar on both sides of the ball during this playoff run. It could be a wash, but I think L.A. has the advantage. Edge: Lakers CHAUNCEY BILLUPS vs GARY PAYTON These two have almost been mirror images in the playoffs. Hot one night, down right chilly the next. The difference here may be Billups' ability to take over a game at times. Payton's defensive reputation has been well documented, however it appears "The Glove" may in for a long day even if he switches off to guard Hamilton. Edge: Pistons RASHEED WALLACE vs SHAQUILLE O'NEAL When Larry Brown's 76ers went up against the Lakers three years ago, he had an aging Dikembe Mutombo manning the middle. Now he has Rasheed Wallace, no stranger to guarding "The Diesel". This will either be the most defining moment in Wallace's career or the most embarrassing. Don't look for the "Hack-A-Shaq". Hopefully, the refs won't see fit to make an example out of Wallace. Edge: Lakers BEN WALLACE vs KARL MALONE This could be the most intriguing matchup of the finals. You know that "Big Ben" won't be intimidated by the Mailman's flying elbows. In fact, this Wallace will probably throw some of his own just to say hello. Both players have run hot and cold during the postseason. Whoever can be a constant threat scoring will win this matchup. Edge: Even TAYSHAUN PRINCE vs DEVEAN GEORGE This could be the matchup that evens out the series. Prince has been a force on both sides of the ball during the playoffs (just ask Reggie Miller) while George hasn't been that much of a factor for L.A. The difference here will lie in George's ability to defend against Prince. It may too much of a load for him. Edge: Pistons BENCH/INTANGIBLES I know Kareem Rush and Slava Medvedenko were huge in L.A.'s series-clinching win over the T-Wolves, but I just haven't liked the Lakers' bench all season. Who would you rather have: Corliss Williamson or Luke Walton? I also think that ex-Laker Elden Campbell can and will be a factor in going up against Shaq. However, one major key for the Lakers will be the production of former starter Derek Fisher. You do get the feeling he'll hit some big shots down the stretch. FINAL ANALYSIS So who do I like? When I first saw the matchup, I thought Lakers in 6. But after really looking at the head-to-heads, the Pistons seem to matchup better than most of the media is giving them credit for. Sorry, Gary and Karl, I think we may have to hold the coronation for another season. Pick: Pistons in 7.  Anthony McClean is a Researcher/Reporter/Writer for ESPN and Black Athlete Sports Network. You can also hear his sports commentaries every Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. on "Sport Talk" on WCLM-AM 1450 in Richmond, Virginia (www.wclmradio.com). WANT TO REACH THIS WRITER Copyright 2006 by BlackAthlete.net, Inc. All Rights Reserved. |
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