The Los Angeles Lakers were able to escape what became a thriller in game 1, because they came out jittery, hesitant and rusty. MVP Kobe Bryant did exactly what he’s supposed to do: that is, get his players involved early in the game (to get them into the flow), and then, let the game come to him. Make absolutely no mistake; Kobe Bryant can score the ball (regardless of who is covering him) at will, and at any time. And, everyone already knows what the guy can do defensively: 8-time member of the NBA’s defensive-first-team. That, combined with his work-ethic, desire, passion, and drive to win, I truly believe when his career is all said and done, he will be considered the best of all time… yes, even better than MJ. World Champions at Sportsbetting.com have the Los Angeles Lakers a -6 ½ point odds betting Western Conference Finals Prediction favorites over the San Antonio Spurs +6½ and the Over/Under in points set at a combined 192 ½ total points.        

It is truly inexplicable, how one guy can manhandle the reigning NBA Champions the way he did in game 1, keeping in mind the following: this is the same person who just a week ago, struggled to even walk, due to back-spasms; not to mention the fact that he has been playing with a dislocated pinkie/torn ligaments on his shooting (right) hand (which according to doctors required immediate season-ending surgery).

That is what separates Kobe Bryant, from the rest.

KB24’s desire and a will to win (as much as he hates the comparisons), has not been seen since No. 23 said farewell to the game of basketball.

Let’s look now, at the game on hand. In game 1, the Lakers did not play a good game at all (Wednesday night). Truth is, Kobe bailed them out.

Derek Fisher couldn’t hit the water if he fell off a boat. Lamar Odom was absolutely a non-factor on the scoreboard (8 total points) and on the def/off. boards (8 rebounds total, all game). And Pau Gasol, was held under his 2008 playoffs scoring and rebound average (scoring 19 points and grabbing 7 boards).

These are not, winning NBA playoffs numbers, for a team like the Lakers (not know for their defense). Yet, they came back from a late 3rd quarter 20-point deficit, and ripped the hearts straight off the chests’ of the defending NBA Champions, San Antonio Spurs... That right there, is showing me something.

Side Note: That is also, one of the main reasons why I refuse to pick the Celtics to advance any further, not until I see something... so far, (as a team) they haven’t showed me a thing (only Kevin Garnett).  

Interesting Fact: The Zen Master, Phil Jackson, as a head-coach, has a 40 - 0 record in playoffs series, after winning game 1.  

My NBA Prediction: LAL -6½

I Look for LA to come out strong, with a sense of urgency, and for this game to be controlled by LA in the early going.

Stick with Sports-Odds.com for the most comprehensive FREE NBA WINNING PICKS!

What I have done lately...  

*I picked Detroit to upset the Celtics at home, in game 2, and I predicted the OVER 172 last night.

*Picked the Lakers to eliminate the Jazz at Utah (in game 6).

*Predicted San Antonio to win on the road (in game 7) at New Orleans.

*I picked Detroit to close out the Magic.

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