Lakers Vs Suns

Lakers Vs Suns: The Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns matchup in the Western Conference Finals has the makings of a highly entertaining series, given the starpower and storylines involved. The Lakers have found their stride after a sweep of the Utah Jazz, but the Suns are (unexpectedly) coming off of a sweep of their own after dismantling the playoff-proven San Antonio Spurs.

It doesn't come as much surprise that the Lakers' recent success has coincided with the improved play of Kobe Bryant, who limped to the end of the regular season with fatigue and injury issues. Bryant seems to have returned to his old self, averaging 27 ppg during the playoffs while playing the role of an offensive assassin. Without Andrei Kirilenko in Utah's lineup to harass Bryant, he was able to establish an offensive rhythm and torched their average defenders (like C.J. Miles and Wes Matthews) for more than 30 points each game.

The Suns, meanwhile, have been playing surprisingly strong defense during the playoffs, giving up an average of 96 ppg. Not too shabby for a Phoenix team that looks to push the tempo and hasn't put much of an emphasis on defense in the past. Grant Hill, a crafty and experienced defender, will draw the defensive assignment of covering Bryant. While Hill is on the last legs of his career, he was a key to Phoenix's success in slowing down Andre Miller and Manu Ginobili in their previous series. While I expect that Bryant will continue to score in bunches against Phoenix, Hill should at least make him work for it a bit more.

Speaking of defense, the Lakers have their own issues with defending the point guard position. After facing tough matchups with Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook and Uah's Deron Williams, they now have to deal with Steve Nash who is coming off of a stellar 20 ppg and 9 apg series against San Antonio. Derek Fisher's inability to lock down quick point guards has been a common complaint from Lakers fans, and it is a problem that will only get worse. However, as the Lakers continue to win, you have to wonder how critical of an issue this is. What the Lakers lack in defense at the point, the make up for with solid team defense and lock-down individual defenders.

Ron Artest will play a big role in the upcoming series, and he could be the key to the Lakers' success. While Amar'e Stoudemire and Nash have played well and will continue to produce, a big reason why the Suns have been winning is the consistent offensive output from Jason Richardson. It's the oft-mentioned "third scorer" that the Suns (and most any team) need to be successful. It will be Artest's job to shut down Richardson, and make sure they have to find their alternate scoring punch elsewhere.

And then there is the frontcourt battle. The Suns will have a difficult time matching up with the size and length of the Lakers' Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom. However, they will have a bit more help this series as Robin Lopez expects to be back in the lineup for Game 1. If nothing else, Lopez will give the Suns another big body to bang in the paint, grab boards, and commit fouls. There is some concern around the condition of Bynum's torn meniscus, which he says is progressively getting worse. Even if Bynum has to rest at times during this series, Gasol is more than capable of manning the middle for the Lakers � and his athletic and versatile game should give the Suns serious trouble. Of course, the Suns have their own frontcourt stud in Amar'e Stoudemire who has shown strides in defensive improvement, and has been consistent on the offensive end for Phoenix. As Stoudemire goes, so do the Suns, so he will have to be the beast we all know he can be if Phoenix hopes to advance.

My Prediction: While the Suns are playing better than most expected they would, I think most would agree that their road to the conference finals has been the easiest of any team. They took care of business against a banged up Blazers team, and the Spurs blew leads and couldn't muster enough focus to get one win on the board. That being said, the Suns have found ways to win, and have a talented group that is able to score in bunches. Still, the Lakers have the best player (Bryant), the best big man (Gasol), the better coach and a better supporting cast. Neither team has played for about a week, and a well-rested Bryant isn't something the Suns want to see. While the Suns should put up a good fight, the Lakers will win this series in six games.