The two most storied franchises in NBA history will renew acquantices for the 12th time in the NBA Finals when the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers meet Thursday night at Staples Center in Los Angeles. Two years ago Boston bested the Lakers in six games to win the 17th title in their franchise’s history. However, this time around, expect the Lakers to exact some revenge as Kobe Bryant and the Lakers are primed to win back-to-back NBA titles.

For starters, this is a more complete Lakers team than the one we saw two years ago in the Finals. The maturation of Pau Gasol can not be overlooked as the seven-foot Spaniard appears to not only be more comfortable in the triangle offense and playing in LA, but also appears to be “tougher” and up to the challenge of facing the physical Celtics. While Andrew Bynum will not be at 100% due to an ailing knee, his presence will give the Lakers another big body who can offset a deep Celtics frontcourt. It should also be noted that Kevin Garnett has not been 100% all season unlike in 2008. Gasol is the better player at this point of both of their careers and I expect him to prove it on the big stage.

The Lakers have been waiting for this opportunity for two long years, and now that it’s finally here, I expect them to take full advantage. In some circles, their manhood was questioned in the 2008 finals. You can be assured that Phil Jackson--the master motivator--will have the Lakers tuned in and ready to exact some revenge. Kobe Bryant realizes that to cement his legacy he must beat Boston like the great Lakers before him (Kareem, Magic, Worthy) have done and one should expect his determination and focus to rub off on the rest of his teammates.

The Boston bench was big during their championship run with players like James Posey, Eddie House, Leon Powe, Tony Allen and Glen Davis all contributing. However, out of those five players, only two (Allen and Davis) remain with Rasheed Wallace, Nate Robinson and Michael Finley added to the mix. And while it may appear that the Celtics have the deeper bench, sharp bettors will attest the Lakers still have the best player on either bench in Lamar Odom who will be pivatol in this series. When motivated, Odom is a match-up problem for anyone and one should expect an inspired performance from him after a subpar showing in 2008.

No team makes it to this point in the season without the ability to win on the road. In fact, Doc Rivers team has been highway warriors since his arrival in Beantown. But unlike in 2008, the Lakers have the home court advantage which could come into play, particularly if the Lakers can hold serve at home in the first two games. The Lakers have won 11 straight at home in the playoffs. The two split the season series with each winning on the other's home floor.

The sports book odds associated with this highly anticipated series are indicative of the edge the Lakers have. Los Angeles is priced at (-190) at your local outfit with the Celtics (+165) offering a nice payoff. Oddsmakers opened the Lakers as a 6-point chalk for game one, with the total opening around 193.5 - 195 depending on where you shopped. But as of this writing the early money has come in on the Celtics as the Lakers are currently listed as 5.5-point chalk with the total listed at 192 across the market. This series has the makings of a classic, but once the dust settles, look for the Lakers to prevail in six. PICK: Play on the Los Angeles Lakers (-190) for the series for 1 unit. Good luck to all.