2010 Western Conference Finals
Kobe Bryant and his Lakers are all set to take on Steve Nash and his Suns in the Western Conference finals. Kobe Bryant has had about a week to rest all of his injuries including his latest, his knee. Kobe had fluid drained from his knee. Bryant isn't the only player who is battling injuries. Kobe's teammate Andrew Bynum also is dealing with some injuries. On the other side, Phoenix's leader Steve Nash eye should be healing nicely. Once the series start, all of the injuries will be put behind them.
Both of the teams in this series have had about a week's worth of rest and hopefully do not come out sloppy or rusty. This series is personal because in 2006 and 2007, the Suns sent Kobe and his Lakers home for the offseason. This series is extra personal for Steve Nash as the Lakers Coach Phil Jackson has called out Nash for carrying the ball often. The suns will get a much needed large body back in Robin Lopez just in time to take on the length of the Lakers.
Grant Hill did a fantastic job slowing down Manu Ginobili in the Western Conference Semifinals, but now Hill must try to do the same to superstar Kobe Bryant. Both teams have been scoring in bunches in the playoffs as each team scored 110 points or more in 3 games in their last series. The Lakers lead the season series over the Suns 3 games to 1. The Suns advantage is their depth. They have no problem putting a whole second team on the floor and resting their starters.
The Lakers clearly have the advantage as they have one of the best players in the game in Kobe Bryant. L.A. also has the size advantage with two 7-footers in Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. They also have veterans Derek fisher and Lamar Odom. Phoenix has one of the best Point Guards in the game in Steve Nash and possibly the best player in the NBA since the All-Star break in Amare Stoudemire. This is poised to be a great series but with many questions. Will the Lakers be able to battle through all of their injuries? Will the Suns be able to keep their starters fresh with their tremendous depth? Both teams are stacked with big time players and veterans, but only one team can move onto the NBA Finals.
By Steven Spector
