Lakers vs. Celtics: The Reboot

The national Basketball Association, after years of deadly dull finals mostly involving the San Antonio Spurs, is going back to its storied past for this matchup: Los Angeles Lakers vs, Boston Celtics.

Think of it. In the 1960s, it was Jerry West and Elgin Baylor vs. Bill Russell and Bob Cousy. In the 1980s, it was Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar vs. Larry Bird and Kevin McHale. In all but two occasions, the Celtics and Red Auerbach smoked their victory cigars at the old Boston Garden.

Today? The Gahden has been replaced by TD Banknorth Garden (originally called the Fleet Center), and the Forum in Los Angeles by the Staples Center. The Celtics, who have won more NBA titles than anyone else (16), fell on hard times since they last won in 1986. The Lakers have won five championships since then, the last coming in 2002.

The Lakers, with Phil Jackson currently tied with Auerbach (now deceased) for the most NBA titles won by a coach (9), have become Kobe Bryant and Four Other Guys. Bryant, who didn't get along with Shaquille O'Neal during the championship years before he was traded to Miami (and later Phoenix), and was making noises about leaving himself, is now attempting to win a title all by himself.

The Celtics, on the other hand, had been lousy for years until they got rid of their deadwood to acquire star players Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, to go along with their own star Paul Pierce. The result? The best record in the NBA during the regular season.

So everybody is happy that the Lakers and Celtics are playing for the NBA title, Commissioner David Stern is happy. ESPN on ABC is happy. Boomers who remember the earlier series are happy. Junior is listening to his iPod and wondering what all the fuss is about. That said, Lakers in six games.