Beat LA!

Everyone in Houston believes that the Lakers feel the intense rivalry that they have had with the Rockets over the years. But the truth is that the Los Angeles Lakers have been so good for so long that every team in the league fancies themselves the Lakers' nemesis. The "Beat LA!" chant didn't start in Houston and - I fear - this year will not end here.

First, kudos to the Rockets entire team for a stellar series against a fine young Portland Trailblazers team. Rick Adelman made all the right adjustments between games and kept his team prepared and loose. Yao Ming took what the defense gave him and set up his teammates to succeed. Ron Artest, Aaron Brooks, Kyle Lowry and Von Wafer played mostly under control the whole series and subscribed to the team concept. Luis Scola held his own against rising star Lamarcus Aldridge. Shane Battier was again the glue that held everything together. Outstanding job, guys.

Now the bad news: The Los Angeles Lakers are not the Portland Trailblazers. They are not young, inexperienced or bereft of quality depth. Did I mention they also have the best player on the planet? Yes, I said it. Kobe Bryant is the best basketball player in the world. Maybe not the best ever, but the best there is now. Arguments can be made in favor of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, and truthfully, either of those players may succeed Kobe as the best someday, but not this day. He can do anything he wants anytime he wants. Even defensive greats Shane Battier and Ron Artest concede that you can't stop Bryant, only slow him down. Just keeping him below his average is a victory.

The second round series between Houston and LA will be decided by the supporting casts. Yao will get his points and Kobe will get his. All season, Rick Addleman has found ways for his non-stars to win games - except against the Lakers. LA swept Houston 4-0 this season, and by a 15 point average margin of victory. Kobe averaged 28.3 ppg (1.5 ppg above his season avg.) against the Rockets, despite the two aforementioned defensive specialists being assigned to him. About the only good news is that the Rockets led the Lakers in the second half in 3 of the 4 losses, and the Rockets have improved in closing out games as the season and the playoffs have progressed.

I will continue to predict the outcome of each game on game day (I was 5-1 vs. the Blazers!), but for the series, any sane person has to give the nod to the Lakers.