NBA Playoffs 2008 - Predictions (Lakers)

Eastern Conference
Celtics vs. Hawks: The Celtics have been on cruise control and are excited about meaningful basketball.....Celtics in 4

Pistons vs. 76ers: Similar situation for the Pistons but the Sixers are feisty. I can see them stealing a game or 2.....Pistons in 6

Magic vs. Raptors: Dwight Howard dominated the during the first half of the season and then seemed like he didn't care so much. I look for him to really make a name for himself in this postseason.....Magic in 6

Cavs vs. Wizards: 3 years in a row for this series and prepare for similar results. The games are usually very competitive but Lebron always finds a way.....Cavs in 7

Western Conference
Lakers vs. Nuggets: I hope this series goes 7 games so I can watch Iverson vs. Kobe as much as possible. Unfortunately, the Nuggets play zero defense, the Lakers are the deepest and most complete team in the league, and of course they have the best player on the planet.....Lakers in 5

Hornets vs. Mavs: Very interesting series with Paul (who should have been the league MVP) vs. an aging star with something to prove. Kidd cannot guard Paul but the Mavs have been here before and do not want to be a part of another first round playoff exit. The Hornets had a fantastic season but lack of playoff experience will cost them.....Mavs in 6

Spurs vs. Suns: By far the best series of the first round. The Suns are better without Shaq on the floor and I still think that if they had Marion they would be true title contenders. Shaq does bring winning playoff experience and gives the Suns a swagger they did not previously have. This series comes down to who wants to win it more and the answer to that question is very obvious.....Suns in 6

Jazz vs. Rockets: The Rockets have home court advantage in this series and that is a huge factor when the Jazz are involved. Utah doesn't lose at home and are very beatable away. Deron Williams and Boozer proved themselves last year with a nice run to the Conference Finals and McGrady has yet to get out of the first round. The trend continues.....Jazz in 6

Later rounds (updated if I'm wrong about the first round or if I change my mind!):
East - 2nd Round:
Celtics over Cavs in 6
Pistons over Magic in 7
East Finals:
Celtics over Pistons in 7

West 2nd Round:
Lakers over Jazz in 6
Suns over Mavs in 5
West Finals:
Lakers over Suns in 7

NBA Finals:
Lakers over Celtics in 7
MVP = KOBE

NBA Playoffs 2008 - Awards

After arguably the greatest regular season of all time the NBA playoffs is about to commence. First of all - GOODBYE ISIAH THOMAS! Isiah almost single handedly destroyed the Knicks franchise over the past few years and it got to a point it was even funny for a Knicks fan. Absolutely disgraceful! And to top it off, Isiah felt he had to prove something so he played his first string players and won a couple of games down the stretch. Now the Knicks (23-59) have the same record as the Clippers and are 1 game ahead of the Wolves and Grizzlies in the draft lottery. Hopefully the ping pong balls fall in our favor and Derrick Rose becomes a Knick. To Isiah's credit - he and Larry Brown are now tied for the worst record in Knicks history.

Awards
League MVP:
1. Kobe will be the league MVP and is the best player in the game. Kobe continued to play this season at a very high level despite needing surgery on his pinky. He played team basketball and led the Lakers to the top seed in the ultra competitive West.
2. Chris Paul - Carried the Hornets to within one game of the Lakers for top seed in the West. Paul has remarkable numbers and could be the best 6 foot player of all time. Without him the Hornets would not even be close to the playoffs which is why he deserves the MVP. Maybe next year....
3. Lebron James - take Lebron off the Cavs and substitute a mediocre small foward. The Cavs would be one of the worst teams in the league without a doubt. Lebron also almost averaged a triple double this year. He'll also be league MVP - multiple times - in the next decade.
4. Kevin Garnett - KG changed the culture of basketball in Boston just by showing up. His contribution to the team cannot be measured by statistics; instead just look at the record. The Celtics were 50 games over .500.
Other players to mention:
5. Manu Ginobli
6. Dwight Howard
7. Paul Pierce
8. Amare Stoudemire
9. Deron Williams
10. Tracy McGrady

Coach of the Year:
1. Byron Scott
2. Rick Adelman

Rookie of the Year:
1. Al Horford (because he had an impact on the team making the playoffs)
2. Kevin Durant

6th Man:
Ginobli (not fair because he should be a starter)