ALTHOUGH most National Basketball Association (NBA) fanciers may be disappointed that the last chapter of the 2009 season won’t be an explosive talent showdown between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, this could be a magical finals, as well. Pun intended.

Its allure lies in the fact that the Lakers have been shoo-in finalists since Day 1, while the Magic have been doubted to make it this far up the ladder every step of the way since the playoffs started in April.

One is a multifaceted team which has another former Most Valuable Player in its lineup.  Add to that its experience, depth, scoring ability and home-court advantage, and the other team is certainly up against a formidable mountain.

But didn’t they say the same thing when the Magic went up against the Cavs—the winningest, most sensational team in the East this year with one of the league’s biggest (if not the biggest) superstars? Didn’t they say the Magic lacked a good back-court man or point guard? And then Jameer Nelson made it as an All-Star. Didn’t they say Dwight Howard lacked the fire and the leadership to take his team all the way in the playoffs? But look at whose back, brawns and brio carried that team to its Eastern Conference title. Didn’t they say the Magic’s awesome three-point shooting won’t hold? But look at what broke the Cavs’ back in Game Six. When No. 3 eliminated Nos. 1 (the Cavs) and 2 (The Celtics) in the Eastern Conference, they were starting to give Orlando some respect. That was like pulling the proverbial rabbit out of the magician’s hat!

And here’s some food for thought. The Magic swept the Lakers in regular time this NBA season. Orlando won twice over the Lakers in their two games against each other: 106-103 on December 20, 2008, and 109-103 at Staples Center on January 16. Both times the Magic were odds-on underdogs.  Dwight Howard dazzled with 25 points and 20 rebounds at the Center. Pau Gasol disappointed in both games against the Magic with 11 points at Amway and only 13 at Staples Center.  Looks like the Magic had the Lakers’ number too all year,  the way they had the better of the Cavs. LeBron’s team won only one of four games over the Magic in the regular season—a prefiguration of what was to be?

Still, and all the odds are in favor of the Lakers to win this one. And many see Kobe Bryant flashing another championship ring when the series ends. The reasons? No championship experience for the Magic. Less bench depth. Lack of veteran leadership.

According to online betting station Bookmaker, “the Lakers hold -290 odds to win the NBA Finals this year, while the Orlando Magic are underdog with odds +240 to become the 2009 NBA champions. For those new to the betting odds—290 on the LA Lakers means one must bet $290 to win just $100, while the +240 on Orlando means the bettor will win $240 for every $100 bet on the Magic to win the 2009 NBA Finals—it’s clear that the odds-makers are siding big time with the Lakers.”

Bookmaker also has the odds on Game One of the NBA Finals posted. Again, the Lakers are also -290 odds-on favorites and Orlando is a +240 underdog.

Another popular offshore sports book, Bodog Sports, has the Lakers holding a -270 odds to win the 2009 NBA Finals, and a +230 odds on Orlando to win  (http://www. ogpaper.com/news/NBA-Finals-odds-Lakers-Orlando-060209.html).

Odds notwithstanding, this promises to be a very interesting finals matchup. The Magic have been regarded and are still being regarded as the proverbial Tortoise in the race with the Hare. But never underestimate the Tortoise—not when it has Dwight Howard, Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis on its side. And Mickael Pietrus, Courtney Lee and Rafer Alston for backup. Did we hear right that Jameer Nelson is coming back to play?

Still, even as the Magic swept the Lakers in the regular season, and even as they came up with magic in the playoffs, the finals is a totally different ball game. Experience is such a valuable asset in grand moments like these. The Lakers are already aiming for their 15th NBA title, while the Magic is just aiming to nail its first.

Of course, the Magic’s three-point shooting will take them places. But the Lakers’ size and inside strength will be their superior ammo against the talented and gutsy Orlando team. For one, Dwight Howard has to stay away from fouls and convert his charities when the calls come their way.

Dom Mitchell, in an article titled “Everybody Hates Orlando” ( http://bleacherreport. com/articles/190961-everybody-hates-orlando) thinks the Lakers will take the series, with reservations. “The Magic might not win the finals this year. In fact, regardless of their regular season, they probably won’t. But they will give the Lakers a run for their money far greater than Cleveland would have.

Or maybe they will win. Maybe their regular season and playoff performance does prove that they can and will win. Maybe I’m still not giving the Magic enough credit. They’ve answered every other criticism this season, but none of it will matter if they can’t win in Los Angeles, on the NBA’s biggest stage. If they lose, they’ll have to prove themselves again next year. They shouldn’t have to, but they will. If they lose.”

Just one more day and we’ll be a witness to the wonder of it all. My rational mind says the Lakers will take it home sooner or later. But my child’s mind believes in magic. And who knows? Amazing happens every day!