NBA Western finals: How we see it
Phil Jasner If anybody can pull this off, the Spurs can. Spurs in 7. Dick Jerardi Love the heart of the champs, but Kobe Bryant has that "I'm not going to lose" look, and the Spurs, like the rest of the NBA, have nobody who can guard him. Lamar Odom is playing lights out, and giving Pau Gasol to Kobe at midseason was almost unfair. Lakers in 6.
Phil Jasner
If anybody can pull this off, the Spurs can. Spurs in 7.
Dick Jerardi
Love the heart of the champs, but Kobe Bryant has that "I'm not going to lose" look, and the Spurs, like the rest of the NBA, have nobody who can guard him. Lamar Odom is playing lights out, and giving Pau Gasol to Kobe at midseason was almost unfair. Lakers in 6.
Bob Cooney
This series should be special, but imagine how much better it would have been if Andrew Bynum were healthy for the Lakers. The team play of the Spurs will prove to be the difference over Kobe Bryant's individual play. It will be a long series, and that's a good thing, because it will be fun to watch. Spurs in 7.
John Smallwood
What better time for the reigning MVP to be a star? So, expect Kobe Bryant to put on a show this series. Pau Gasol should match up well with the always-tough Tim Duncan, and look for Derek Fisher to put the brakes on an explosive Tony Parker. Lakers in 6.