Backcourt. Of course, Kobe Bryant is the marquee name in this bunch, but the role of the two lesser-known point guards will be vital in this series. The Lakers’ Derek Fisher was awful offensively in the Western Conference finals (6.2 points per game, 37.5 percent shooting), but he played well on defense. Boston’s Rajon Rondo has been erratic. He might be quicker, but Fisher is a savvy veteran.
Swingman. This will be the most intriguing matchup of the series — the Lakers’ Vladimir Radmanovic defending Boston’s Paul Pierce. Pierce is known for his offensive explosions and has had numerous big games this postseason. The long-armed Radmanovic will have the draw on Pierce, whose scoring has increased each series.
Frontcourt. Word out of Los Angeles is that Lamar Odom will spend much of his time on Kendrick Perkins, who weighs 34 pounds more and has become a force, at times, in this playoff run. That means that Lakers center Pau Gasol will start out on Kevin Garnett, a fellow lanky seven-footer. The Lakers hope Odom will rise to the occasion.
Bench. Both teams have reliable role players who will see big minutes in this series. The Celtics have veterans Sam Cassell, a 3-point threat, and James Posey, a defensive stopper. Both have rings. Los Angeles’ bench is younger, but it has had its moments during this exciting playoff run. Luke Walton and Sasha Vujacic are 3-point threats, and Jordan Farmar, the homegrown point guard, bounced back against the Spurs after an awful Utah series.
Benjamin Hochman’s pick. Lakers in seven.
