Celtics/Lakers NBA Finals

The NBA Finals start Thursday night. Did you even know that? Probably not. You might have known that it was playoff time, since the NBA Playoffs have covered 3 TV networks, and lasted since before Moses brought down stone tablets. And even after all the LeBron talk, the Durant hype, the Suns' black-eyes, the Magic's countdown of belly flop for 3, climb back up for 2, and belly flop again, we have what history tells us we should have had, and maybe the best option possible.

Another NBA Finals with the Celtics and the Lakers. The NBA's two most storied franchises. The two teams that have faced each other in the finals more than they've faced any other teams. Teams that could have their own Hall-of-Fames. Teams that have played each other in the finals in almost every decade for 50 years.

Here's my prediction first and foremost: Celtics in 6.

The Lakers have made Kobe into a superstar by making him the centerpiece in a revolving door of supporters. Shaq, Robert Horry, Pau Gausol (twice), Lamar Odom, and even former-rival Ron Artest have all been picked from other teams to come play with Kobe and become the next Jordan-Pippen-esque combo from Phil Jackson.

The Celtics have had Paul Pierce as their centerpiece, then in one fell swoop picked up Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett to join the ranks, making the Boston trio a three-headed bean-town icon. Then they went and picked up ever nearly washed up star from other teams to join the ranks, like Rasheed Wallace and Nate Washington (who went from starter for the Knicks, to benched in Boston).

Two teams, with big name stars, and lots of history. Names like Kareem, Magic, Bird, and McHale. It's the East Coast vs. the West Coast. Old-fashioned defense and tough physical play vs. Jack Nicholson sitting next to the visitors bench to talk trash.

It should be a fun series to watch. I'm gonna start cooking some wings. You bring the beer.