Who do you think will be the 2009-2010 NBA Champs (playoffs, finals)

[Just One of the Guys]

After watching the Lakers play last night on Championship Ring night at Staples.

I thought the Lakers could have a better team then last years squad. The biggest improvement will come from Andrew Bynum. Last night he scored 26 points and pulled down 13 rebounds.

I watched some of the Celtic/Cavalier game. I may be wrong, but I don't think Shaq improves the Cavs any at all. I see the Celtics winning the East for another Laker/Celtic showdown.

[rigas]

i have to say, after watching just a little of the la/la game, then looking at how close the game really was, i am not impressed with the lakers or i am really impressed by the clippers. not sure which. considering both teams where down their starting PF, i say all things where pretty well equal and it would just be a mater of who is more productive, gasol or griffin?

i am going out on a limb (im a homer i know) and saying spurs over celtics in 7. i think the spurs are more hungry then any team out there, and after all the rest manu and duncan got over the summer they are going to be ready. the additions are perfect, and if they see a need before the deadline, pop has the financial "ok" to spend what he wants this year.

spurs take down the lakers in 6, celtics take down the magic in 5, and spurs in 7 for the ring.

(i know i am from SA the most hated "good team" in the league so sue me)

[Just One of the Guys]

I think the Clippers have improved and will surprise some people this year. And you're right about the Spurs, they probably are hungrier. I guess it will all boil down to who stays healthier.

[ertily]

The Memphis Grizzly will be. They have Allen Iverson now who is 'the answer' and he is hungry for a championship before retirement.

[SilkCity0416]

My heart tells me the Knicks.

But, I have early favs being the Lakers, Spurs and Celtics. I think the Cavs will go far, but James looks as if he is going to horse for that team, even with Shaq. If he is, he is going to be burned out. The Magic will go far too, but I think they will fall short, too.

[JackTheRipper]

Celtics .

[CaliDude1]

I don't know if ring night is the best game to use as a gauge for the Lakers. The focus is not on the game. Their emotions are spent during the ceremony. In fact. going into that game the 9 other ring night games for LA had the Lakers at 5-4. Just as I think it is foolish to declare Cleveland done after two games, we can't count out LA or anoint Boston after two games.

It is so hard to try to predict what will happen. But if I had to put money on it I would say the 2010 Finals will be a 2009 rematch. The Lakers and Magic are the two best teams primed to get there from what I see.

I think the depth and youth of the Magic will get them over the hump vs. Boston or Cleveland. They have more versatilty and speed in their front court than Cleveland. If the playoffs started in January, I'd take the Celts. But after 100 games I am not so sure KG and Rasheed will look as sharp.

I like the Lakers in the West because they match up well with the Spurs and have more youth, athleticism, versatility and length in the front court (where the series will be won and lost). And then there is Kobe. You have to love Manu, but he is not Kobe Bryant. And for the record, Portland could be a real threat to both of these teams.

My prediction: Lakers and Magic go seven in 2010. Lakers edge them out after a long, grueling series.

[mongoslade223]

Orlando Magic all the way!!!

[Buckeye in SC]

Originally Posted by ertily

The Memphis Grizzly will be. They have Allen Iverson now who is 'the answer' and he is hungry for a championship before retirement.

Hahahaha...now that's one team I definitely know will not be hoisting the O'Brien Trophy in June! I assume you were just joking.

I think it will unfortunately be the Lakers yet again, I wanna believe that it will be the Cavaliers, but after watching their first 2 games, they have a long way to go. I do know they have a better chance than the Grizzlies though !

[Mathguy]

Based upon what the Lakers have, another year of improvement for thier young guys and gelling....I think the Lakers will roll over everyone this year winning the finals in 5 games.

...and I'm not a Laker fan.

Granted, injuries can change everything.

Really sit for a second and contemplate that they have 3 starters that are all-stars, one an MVP....plus bynum, odom etc....that team is nasty.