Lakers vs Celtics - NBA Finals!

Last year at this time if anyone told me the Lakers and Celtics would be clashing for the 2008 NBA title I would’ve told them they were crazy. Yet, here we are on the cusp of what will likely be the most exciting NBA finals series in years.

Not since the Magic/Kareem vs Bird/McHale series in 1987 have these two giants in NBA history met in the finals. The Lakers & Celtics met in the NBA finals in 1984, ‘85, and ‘87. The Boston Celtics won it in ‘84, and the Lakers won it in both ‘85 and ‘87. The 1960’s were good years for the Celtics, who beat the Lakers in the finals 6 times in this decade alone. In total, the Celtics have won 16 NBA titles, and the Lakers have won 14 dating back to 1948-49 when the Lakers were still in Minneapolis. Between them, they own 30 titles in the last 59 years, not too shabby. Bet on the NBA Finals at the Bodog Sportsbook (U.S. bettors welcome!)

With that said, the Lakers have had the clear advantage over the last 20 years, having won 4 championships since the last time the Celtics even made it to the finals. Although we can’t say which team will bring more intensity in this series, we can tell you for sure who’s fans want it more. No Celtics fan under the age of 20 has ever seen a championship, never having seen the glory their parents and grandparents remember with pride. An incredible sports town, the Boston fans are undoubtedly praying that the Big Three of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen can bring the glory back home. Expect to hear “Beat L.A.” louder than ever.

The Lakers on the other hand have some proving to do as well. Kobe Bryant desperately wants a non-Shaq title under his belt, don’t let him convince you that he doesn’t think about it. Do you think Kobe wants to retire hearing “he was never able to do it without Shaq” for the rest of his life? No way, this guy wants it bad. With dedicated players like Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, and a solid bench the Lakers are going to be tough to beat.

2008 NBA Finals Schedule:

Game 1: Thursday, June 5 - LA Lakers at Boston Celtics - 9:00 pm ET

Game 2: Sunday, June 8 - LA Lakers at Boston Celtics - 9:00 pm ET

Game 3: Tuesday, June 10 - Boston Celtics at LA Lakers - 9:00 pm ET

Game 4: Thursday, June 12 - Boston Celtics at LA Lakers - 9:00 pm ET

*Game 5: Sunday, June 15 - Boston Celtics at LA Lakers - 9:00 pm ET

*Game 6: Tuesday, June 17 - LA Lakers at Boston Celtics - 9:00 pm ET

* Game 7: Thursday, June 19 - LA Lakers at Boston Celtics - 9:00 pm ET

All games will be televised on ABC. * If necessary

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