First off, I’d like to wish everyone a great holiday season. To all that are celebrating, Merry Christmas!

The day has finally come. We have all been waiting for this for so damn long.

The last time the Lakers played the Boston Celtics, Doc Rivers became the first NBA Head Coach to have Gatorade poured all over him and the Lakers left Boston with a 42 point loss feeling like there was no purpose to life.

It was a long summer in Lakerland and the fans took it no more easily than the players. It was a tough and brutal summer of what the front office must to do make the necessary changes to compete against Boston. We were missing toughness. James Posey was a target and he signed with New Orleans who the Lakers are now 2-0 against this season. Mitch Kupchak and Phil Jackson agreed that this team was good to go for another run at the title and us fans gave in.

The season started and the Lakers were off to the best start in the league. 7-0 was a great record up until the Detroit Pistons showed up and ruined our momentum. We won another 7 games in a row, sat pretty at 14-1, and then lost to the Indiana Pacers. After that loss to the Pacers, things just kind of went down hill. Losses to the Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat, and Orlando Magic since then have left the Lakers with 5 losses and 23 wins heading into this Christmas Day showdown with the defending champs.

Trevor Ariza and Andrew Bynum have really been the topic of discussion since this season started. Ariza has developed into an incredible small forward and his slashing abilities have greatly benefited this Lakers team. The return of Andrew Bynum in the paint has been a great addition for the Lakers as well. He has developed into an extremely strong center in the league. He is quite close to really being one of the elite centers, but his immaturity is keeping him from truly being top notch. Bynums abilities really dictate the results of games for LA. In the Lakers 5 losses, Bynum is averaging 5 points less and 3 rebounds less. The biggest stat difference however, is the blocks. In four out of the five losses, Bynum finished with zero blocks. In the 23 wins, there was only one game that Andrew had zero blocks.

Defensively, the Lakers have really managed to pick things up and have answered a lot of questions. The intensity was there in the beginning of the season but recently has significantly dropped off. It will be important that the Lakers come out strong against the Celtics and don’t give them any opportunities for easy baskets.

A big determining factor for the outcome of the game will be foul trouble. Will Andrew Bynum be able to stay out of foul trouble? Will he be able to play more than 30 minutes? His precense in the paint is important and hopefully the Celtics don’t get away with a bunch of calls. Luke Walton will also have to prove himself as either Ray Allen or Paul Pierce will be his responsibility. I truly believe that Trevor Ariza and Sasha Vujacic will see plenty of game time. With Jordan Farmar out, who is going to help Derek Fisher play D on Rajon Rondo? Thankfully, we’ve go the leagues best coach on our side and we can rely on him to find the proper matchups to control the game.

Not only because I am a huge Lakers fan but also because I truly believe this, but the Lakers will win this game. It’s their first opportunity to prove that they are here to play for real. It’s their first chance to prove all the critics wrong. Not only do they want to prove a point that they are legitimate competitors, but this is also their first chance at redemption from last year. The Celtics come into town with a 19 game winning streak and the NBA’s best starting record ever. This truly is incredible as they are 27-2. There is no team more suitable to put an end to this than the Lakers for so many reasons. With Kobe Bryant on the court, I have no doubts that he will do whatever is necessary to carry this team on his back, score the points, create the plays, pass the ball, steal the ball, rebound the ball, and be the true team captain in the team huddles.

I can’t wait for this game. The countdown is on. I’m so excited. This game will be a great determinant for what’s to come in the next several months leading to the all star break and eventually the playoffs!