Last year, after the difficult loss to the Celtics, I predicted this group would be back in the Finals. And so they are. They are playing a tough opponent in the Orlando Magic, but no tougher than the Denver team they just defeated. They've got the personnel to defend the Magic's tall 3-point shooters, and they'll at least make Howard work to get his points (without a lot of double-teaming). In the meantime, they will expose the Magic with down-low scoring from Gasol and the best closer in the game (that Kobe fella).
Just as the '85 Lakers rebounded from the previous year's Finals defeat, I think these guys are poised to win a championship. My prediction: Lakers in 6