The NBA is often mistakenly pegged as a league where teams succeed on the strength of their stars, but making a deep playoff run usually requires surprising contributions from the guys you wouldn’t expect. The Western Conference is loaded once again this year, and even the Lakers will need a supporting player or two to step up.

Here are some of the guys most likely to step up for their respective teams in the tough Western Conference playoffs.

San Antonio Spurs: Matt Bonner, PF

The Red Rocket is a fan favorite anywhere he goes, and his ability to stretch the floor at the 4-spot – he shot almost 46% from three-point range this year – makes life much easier for guys like Tim Duncan and DeJuan Blair inside.

Los Angeles Lakers: Matt Barnes, SF

Barnes brings a lot of edge every time he hits the court, crashing the boards, going after loose balls and getting in opponents’ faces, like an NBA version of NHL pests like Sean Avery.

His hustle and defense is all the more valuable in the playoffs, and while he isn’t the greatest shooter, he is capable of hitting the odd clutch three here and there.

Dallas Mavericks: J.J. Barea, PG

One of the more annoying players in the NBA, Barea brings the Mavs plenty of energy off the bench when Jason Kidd needs a rest – which at this stage in his career, is becoming more and more frequent. Barea is the kind of player opposing fans hate – whether he’s flopping to draw an ill-timed charge or hitting a clutch three. He can piss off an arena better than a WWE villain.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Serge Ibaka, PF

Ibaka has been on a tear since Kendrick Perkins joined him in the OKC frontcourt at the trade deadline. An incredibly athletic forward who runs the floor like a gazelle, he blocks a ton of shots and allows the young Thunder to play an exciting, up-tempo style that few teams can match.

Denver Nuggets: J.R. Smith, SG

I was going to give shut-down defender Arron Afflalo this spot, but a hamstring injury has kept him out of Denver’s first two playoff games, and after seeing the Thunder run them off the floor last night, they might only get two more.

So Smith gets the nod here. An incredibly athletic two-guard with unlimited range on his jump shot, he’s as dangerous a bench scorer as there is in basketball. Unfortunately, he likes to remind fans about that unlimited range by taking a remarkable amount of terrible shots.

But when he’s good, he’s very good. If he takes – and makes – good shots, he could win a playoff game or two by himself.

Portland Trail Blazers: Brandon Roy, SG

It pains me to think Brandon Roy has declined to the point where his contributions are essentially bonuses for the Blazers. He’s a 26-year-old three-time All-Star with an exceptionally well-rounded game and great leadership skills.

Unfortunately, he also has some of the worst knees in sports. He’s now a bit player for the franchise that made him a star, and could be out of the league in a couple years.

But for now, he could still offer some bench scoring and work as a distributor for the team’s second unit. If the Blazers are going to get by the Mavs, they’ll need an efficient second unit, and Roy could be its linchpin.

New Orleans Hornets: Jarrett Jack, PG

The Hornets have one of the three best point guards in the NBA in Chris Paul, but his back-up could also prove vital if the Hornets are to have a shot at upsetting the deep Lakers.

Jack isn’t the quickest point guard, but plays with a lot of physicality and isn’t afraid to take big shots. His size and strength make him a viable option at two-guard, playing alongside Paul.

Memphis Grizzlies: Shane Battier, SF

One of the smartest players in basketball, Battier is also one of the most quietly valuable players in the league. He’s an excellent man-to-man and team defender, a reliable passer, and he can consistently knock down corner threes.

And when it comes to playoff X-factors, defense and shooting are the first two things that come to mind. Battier excels in both categories.

Ever since LeBron James made his Decision to take his talents to South Beach, fans have been dreaming of Finals between the two-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers and the suddenly-relevant Miami Heat.

It’s understandable, given the league’s fascination with superstars. A Heat-Lakers series would feature arguably the league’s three biggest stars (James, Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant – though not necessarily in that order), two of the most offensively-skilled big men in the world (Pau Gasol and Chris Bosh), one of the best young centres in basketball (Andrew Bynum), and two of the most entertainingly insane people in sports (Ron Artest and Matt Barnes).

Oh, and for what it’s worth, it would also sport two tall Canadian people who probably shouldn’t be in the NBA (Jamaal Magloire and Joel Anthony).

With 14 other teams looking to spoil the hopes of millions of basketball fans – and David Stern – by making the Finals instead, let’s pretend it’s late May, everything has gone according to plan, and preview the NBA-Finals-to-end-all-NBA-Finals and see how the two teams’ starting line-ups stack up.

Point Guard: Mike Bibby (Heat) vs. Derek Fisher (Lakers)

No, it isn’t 2002. Those would actually be the starting point guards in the NBA Finals. They’re both washed up, they’re both annoying to watch, but either could end up hitting a massive fourth-quarter three at some point during the series. They’ve both done it before.

Fisher gets a slight edge at this point in their careers, if only for his (fading) ability to play aggressive defense and the respect he commands from his Laker teammates.

Advantage: Los Angeles

Shooting Guard: Dwyane Wade (Heat) vs. Kobe Bryant (Lakers)

Here’s where it gets interesting. Kobe Bryant, at the peak of his powers, was the greatest two-guard since Jordan. Dwyane Wade led the Heat, almost single-handedly, to an NBA Championship in 2006. Both have seen better days – age has taken its toll on Kobe and Wade has been hobbled by a number of knee injuries. Still, when they’re on their game, they’re two of the most electrifying players in the game.

If this was 2008 or 2009, Kobe would probably be considered the better player, but it’s not. After three straight Finals appearances, the 32-year-old phenom is clearly wearing down. His “I’m-not-old-yet” performance at the All-Star Game aside, he just can’t match Wade’s explosiveness.

Advantage: Miami

Small Forward: LeBron James (Heat) vs. Ron Artest (Lakers)

LeBron James is the Most Talented Basketball Player in the World.

Ron Artest is old and says Titanic is his favorite movie.

Let’s move on.

Advantage: Miami

Power Forward: Chris Bosh (Heat) vs. Pau Gasol (Lakers)

Or as it’s better known, “The Charmin Ultra Softness Showdown.” Both Gasol and Bosh are capable of shredding slow defenders for big points, but can be easily taken advantage of on the other end of the floor.

While Bosh’s playoff numbers with Toronto don’t look terrible on paper, he struggled to adjust to the more physical style of post-season play, while Gasol has been a vital piece of two championship-winning squads.

Advantage: Los Angeles

Centre: Zydrunas Ilgauskas (Heat) vs. Andrew Bynum (Lakers)

Ilgauskas is a lumbering, flat-footed big man with a nice shooting touch about six years past his prime. If his old Cavs teammate LeBron wasn’t running the Heat, he might not even be there.

Bynum, on the other hand, is an enormously-talented young centre who is still just entering his prime. He’s been held back by knee injury after knee injury, but at times this season has looked like the Lakers’ second-best player.

Advantage: Los Angeles

Overall: Los Angeles

And that isn’t even taking into account the Lakers’ miles-better bench. As good as LeBron, Wade, and Bosh might be, three players does not an NBA Championship team make. This (imaginary) Finals would prove that.

• Boston Celtics

Boston avenged the devastating defeat they suffered in Game 7 of the NBA Finals last June by silencing that same Staples Center crowd this past Sunday.With a dominant exhibition of teamwork that would make Russell and Havliceck proud, the Celtics took complete control of the purple and gold floor, strangling the Los Angeles Lakers down the stretch and furthering the doubt that has begun to surround their arch rivals. Captain Paul Pierce was the conduit – first laying waste to Ron Artest, the Lakers defensive stopper who had outplayed Pierce in the crucial contest last spring and who has maddened the Celtics’ forward for much of his career, then trading scores with and defending his other nemesis, Kobe Bryant down the stretch. Bryant did ring up 41 points in the game, but the Celtics prevailed behind a more balance effort. Boston’s backcourt of Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen also gave redemptive performances, dropping 16 assists and 21 points respectively. The lasting images of the game were provided by the Celtics’ power forward platoon of Kevin Garnett and Glen “Big Baby” Davis. Garnett stood unfazed as blood streamed down his forehead and face after a collision with Paul Gasol in the first half and delivered a rugged, well-rounded performance with 18 points, 15 boards, 5 assists, a steal and a block with a large bandage stuck on his skull. Davis showed why Boston is becoming favored to unseat the Lakers as the ruling family by powering through Lakers’ center Andrew Bynum, who stands 4 inches taller than Davis, for a crucial bucket in the 4^th quarter. Big Baby’s effort and drive contrasted Bynum’s apathetic defensive stance and signified a gulf in competitive desire between the two teams.

• San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs will try to solidify their league-leading 40 wins with a pair of road victories this week as they travel to the left coast to battle a competitive Portland team and the Lakers who are seven games behind San Antonio for second in the conference in the NBA standings. Coach Greg Poppovich’s squad has three potential All-Stars in Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker but it has been the contributions from supporting players that has propelled the Spurs to such a superb showing through the first half of the season. Richard Jefferson has rebounded from his horrid campaign a year ago to provide more efficient scoring from the wing, with a 10 percent increase in three point-shooting. George Hill and Gary Neal have performed admirably as the team’s sparks off the bench, with Hill acting as the top perimeter defender and Neal making a splash as a knockdown shooter. Poppovich would prefer to honor a different group of players instead of his already venerated trio of stars and his erratic perimeter core; the scrappy Spurs big men. Dejuan Blair, Matt Bonner and Antonio McDyess are Pop’s hard hat crew – players, who routinely and relentlessly do the dirty work, filling in the spaces between the franchise’s cornerstones.

• Miami Heat

The league’s preeminent villains delivered another statement road win on a showcase Sunday by stomping out Oklahoma City in the fourth quarter. With all three of the Free Masons in the lineup the Heat swatted away grumblings about their 1-8 record in close games, with veteran Eddie House netting the go-ahead three-pointer with 22 seconds remaining. The game was not simply an impressive win on a Western Conference contender’s home floor; it was the brilliant realization of Miami’s proposed team roles. Dwyane Wade led the South Beach Talents with 32 points, Chris Bosh calmly supported with 20 points and 7 rebounds and LeBron James turned in another ingenious all-around demonstration with 23 points, 13 assists, 4 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 blocks while troubling the Thunder’s leading scorer Kevin Durant throughout. If the Heat can spread the wealth this effectively on the offensive end, while continuing to receive contributions from their bench shooters and big men, they could become the most frightening opponent on the NBA schedule. LeBron’s commitment to becoming a true lockdown defender and the league’s best supporting playmaker to Wade’s leading man will determine whether or not the Masons become champions.

• Los Angeles Lakers

The defending champs seem incapable of defeating the teams that are voraciously clawing for their trophy, falling to 1-5 against the league’s elite…in the regular season. Panic has become routine for the Lakeshow, who often have difficulty finding motivation during the lulling winters that follow successful championship crusades. What made Sunday’s L to Boston so disheartening was not the quieting supremacy of their historic foes, but that the Celtics won despite 41 points from Kobe Bryant, the leader, the hero. Kobe’s personal triumphs seem to come at the cost of victory now for L.A., as the team is now 0-2 when Bryant scores over 40. Down the stretch the Black Mamba took 10 straight shots, isolating himself and excommunicating his teammates, namely Pau Gasol, who took only 5 shots in the second half. Lakers fans can take solace in the fact that Coach Phil Jackson is keeping his cool and living up to his “Zenmaster” moniker. Jackson acknowledges that Bryant’s takeover tactics are ultimately ineffective against a first-rate team like the Celtics, but also understands that Kobe’s steely scoring is what makes the Lakers such an amazing team in the first place and is quick to remind those questioning the Lakers that they have in fact won the past two NBA championships.

• New Orleans Hornets

Point guard Chris Paul is making a push for the MVP trophy after having led his team to its second 10-game winning streak this season. During the second string of victories, the Hornets took down San Antonio, Orlando and Oklahoma City – three top tier opponents who legitimize the streak. Paul has been the league’s best player considering his well-rounded statistical performance and his team’s success, given his surrounding talent. Paul is averaging 16.7 points, 4 rebounds, 9.7 assists and 2.5 steals while shooting 48% from the floor, 45% from three and %90 from the free throw line. With their fearless lead guard on the floor the Hornets have one of the league’s best crunch-time offenses and seem to click seamlessly. New Orleans has also been operating as one of the NBA’s best defensive teams, starting with Paul applying pressure at the point of attack and anchored by Emeka Okafor in the paint. Forward David West has returned to his efficient form this season with Paul setting him up and if swingman Trevor Ariza can consistently get his game on track the Hornets will be a dangerous matchup in the playoffs.

• Boston Celtics

Boston continues to ride the motivation of losing that brutal Game 7 in L.A. last June. The litany of injuries, specifically to big men, have turned Doc Rivers’ lineup into a revolving door but the team’s depth has allowed them to maintain success while names like Garnett, Shaq, O’Neal and Rondo have all missed time. With a night-to-night change in who’s wearing street clothes and who’s wearing shorts, the constants for the Cs have been Ray Allen and the team’s captain Paul Pierce. Allen has been the model of efficiency and consistency, shooting %50 from the field and %45 from three-point range while playing the most minutes on the team. The team’s most valuable player has been “The Truth”, who continues to will the Celtics to victory with his leadership and toughness. When watching Boston play it is clear that Pierce is the heartbeat of the team – pacing his squad with his positive attitude, competitive nature and, of course, clutch buckets. The recent return of center Kendrick Perkins, who missed the first half of the season recovering from a knee injury suffered in last summer’s Finals, will further extend the league’s deepest rotation and strengthen the Celtics as the NBA schedule goes on.

• San Antonio Spurs

The team with the league’s best record resides in the Alamo city and Coach Greg Poppovich still doesn’t look happy. Discipline with a scowl has always been Pop’s style and no one can ever challenge it as San Antonio again has risen above reservations concerning their age and health to hold onto their position as one of the league’s elite. A poor showing on the road against streaking division rival New Orleans had to be perturbing for Poppovich who saw his team lose more games (3) in January than they did in any other month this season. Still, the Spurs have a championship formula with their balanced, efficient scoring and team defense. As the great Tim Duncan begins his decline into the league’s best role player, San Antonio’s backcourt of

Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili have stepped up into their roles as the team’s primary options and are providing high scores with aplomb. The Spurs have also been buoyed by their bench; a motley crew of veterans and youngsters who play hard, led by the grizzled Antonio McDyess and Gary Neal, a 26 year old rookie guard from Baltimore whose knockdown three-point shooting has provided a spark for the team on many occasions. A well-structured, first place team that puts an emphasis on efficiency, defense and solidarity – San Antonio, same as it ever was.

• Los Angeles Lakers

Only the Lakers can have a record of 32-13, sit in second place in the Western Conference in the NBA standings and hear the word “panic” used when being discussed. Media and fans might be in distress over the Lakers’ disappointing losses to Miami, San Antonio, Dallas and the little brother Clippers but it’s simply business as usual for Kobe, Phil and the gang. Regular season lulls have become the norm for this edition of the Lakeshow and they are always followed by surges in the second half and postseason success. For a team that has already won two championships and is capable of winning most games without a complete lineup or effort, sometimes outside criticism and concern can be an inspirational kick in the pants. Example: After Lakers great Jerry West muttered to fans at a car dealership that the team’s age is hindering their defense and that archrival Boston is his choice to win the championship, the purple and gold laid a 29-point beat down on perennial conference pest Utah at home.

• Miami Heat

After reeling off a streak of 21 wins in 22 games beginning at the end of November, Miami dipped through an inevitable valley, losing 4 straight and suffering injuries to all three members of their star trio. LeBron James’ return to the lineup on Saturday as the lone member of Miami Thrice in uniform propelled the Heat to end the short slide and blow out the Toronto Raptors by 17 points. In that game Mike Miller, who was intended to be the team’s fourth scorer when he was signed in the offseason, finally found his shooting stroke, making six three pointers on the way to 32 points after scoring none in 3 games at home. The Three Masons are banged up but if Miller can consistently provide points and range shooting off the bench, Coach

Erik Spoelestra will be more than happy with January’s results. James will surely be in lone rock star form on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden, where Miami will take on the New York Knicks minus Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. LeBron always puts on a show in the world’s most famous arena and a night without his band mates should free him to dominate the game individually like he did so often throughout six years as a Cleveland Cavalier. A win against a potential playoff team in New York should stave off doubters for another day and give the team confidence that it can weather the blizzard of midseason ailments.

• Chicago Bulls

With center Joakim Noah out with a thumb injury and power forward Carlos Boozer struggling through an ankle sprain, leading MVP-candidate Derrick Rose has kept the Bulls competitive by taking over games with regularity. Rose has been stupendous in the month of January, averaging 26 points and 7 assists while leading Chi town to a 10-4 record. Watching the point guard exercise his confident open court stride, gorgeous crossover and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon hops, it becomes clear that the Bulls will have a chance to beat anybody come spring time with the ball in Rose’s hands. Thouh the hometown hero receives the bulk of the press, forward Luol Deng has been integral to the success of Coach Tom Thibodeau’s squad. Thibodeau’s effective defensive system (Chicago is ranked third in the league in points allowed per game) is motorized by Deng’s ability to lock the opponent’s top perimeter scorer in the basement and his 17 points per game have been a helpful compliment to Rose’s offense.

• Boston Celtics

The legendary Cs crew continues to roll. The Celtics have quietly won 10 straight while everyone wondered whether or not Dallas was “for real” during their streak. Well, Boston’s greatness is a certainty, with Rondo leading the league in assists, KG at his healthiest in three years, Ray pouring it in as per usual and the Truth drumming the team’s heartbeat. Doc Rivers’ hoarse advice is being heeded and the Celtics appear to be prepared for the treacherous winter ahead, refusing to slow their pace as the season goes on. Oh, and the Shaquisition has panned out quite nicely.

• Dallas Mavericks

The Mavs’ streak ended at 12 games after a loss to the Bucks, but don’t expect Dirk’s bunch to slow down. Dallas has been playing their best defense in years for Rick Carlisle, due in no small part to the energetic play of their anchor at center, Tyson Chandler. The big man has provided the interior toughness that had been lacking for the finesse Mavericks and has proved to be the perfect complement to the perimeter-oriented Nowitzki. Jason Kidd continues to be one of the greatest floor generals in league history, doing a little bit of everything on every night while the swingman trio of Caron Butler, Shawn Marion and DeShawn Stephenson has given the team defensive intensity and physical play from the wings.

• San Antonio Spurs

Tim Duncan, statistically, is declining. Or so they say. The Big Fundamental might just be taking it easy and letting his squad carry him to the playoffs for a change. The Spurs go 11 deep, so Timmy’s burden has been eased. Coach Gregg Poppovich has the team getting up and down the floor in a fashion that seems foreign for the militaristic master of the grinding pace, utilizing the speed of guards Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, both of whom are enjoying fantastic seasons. Richard Jefferson has improved vastly from his first year as a Spur and a mix of veterans and youngsters have provided depth off the bench. The Spurs have the best record in the NBA standings and appear to have regained their mojo. Timmy will take the hit, statistically.

• Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakeshow has lost some its shine in the past few games on the NBA schedule, especially in a loss to Derrick Rose and the Bulls last Friday. Still, L.A. has a chance to rattle off several victories on an Eastern Conference road trip before their showdown with the Three Masons of Miami on Christmas day. Kobe and Gasol have been their usual dominant selves and Lamar Odom has had a fantastic season filling out the starting lineup in the absence of center Andrew Bynum. The big kid should return to the floor for the Lakers in the near future, which would send Odom back to a much-improved bench led by the Three Bs: Steve Blake, Matt Barnes and Shannon Brown. The Lakers need better defense from the point guard position and for Ron Artest to pick up his shooting, but that might just be early season nitpicking for the reigning champs.

• Chicago Bulls

Derrick Rose has been spectacular, scoring over 24 points per game and leading the charge from the point of attack in crunch time for Chicago. Rose looks like a longer version of Allen Iverson – a lightning quick guard who can blow by anybody, then finish at the rim with a combination of strength, athleticism and creativity. Now that the third year guard has improved his passing (up to 8 assists per game), the sky is the limit for the one they call Pooh. Even the heavens might be too low for Rose as he seems to elevate higher and faster every time he jumps. Carlos Boozer’s return from injury has provided a perfect complement to Rose’s sprint, as the Bulls now have a legitimate low post option in the half court offense.

• Miami Heat

Their decimation of the city of Cleveland seems to be the starting point for their realization of chemistry and recent success. Coach Spoelstra’s movement of Dwyane Wade to the block has cleared space for LeBron to operate as the team’s primary playmaker, and has in turn sparked Wade’s recent scoring tear. Statistically the Heat have the league’s best defense, and while most will point to their record being bolstered by wins against losing teams, no one can argue with the sheer force they have displayed over the course of this current 9 game streak. Erick Dampier of all people might turn out to be one of the most crucial signees of the season.

• Oklahoma City Thunder

Finding a balance between Westbrook and Durant is an enviable problem. The emergence of James Harden as a contributor has been a welcome sight. The thick bearded two-guard was superb as a fill-in scorer during Durant’s recent absence, and he seems to be gaining a grasp of his NBA niche. The Thunder’s defense has taken a step back from last year, but that should improve as the season goes along. Besides, this team can match NBA scores with anyone.

• Utah Jazz

Deron Williams is playing at a remarkably high level and should get some MVP consideration for the way he has led his troops. Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap have teamed to provide Coach Jerry Sloan with a new era frontcourt – the pair rebounds, defends and scores at a better rate than their predecessors Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur. The true spark for this team has come from an unlikely source however; sixth man C.J. Miles. Miles has provided three point shooting and defense, while leading the team in scoring for several of its wins. If Miles can continue his production from the 2-guard position, normally a weak spot for the Jazz, Utah might finally be prepared to do battle with the conference’s power players, and more specifically, their tormenter Kobe Bryant.

• Orlando Magic

Dwight continues to dominate, but this team will need a shake up to compete for the conference’s top spot. Vince Carter, Jameer Nelson and Rashard Lewis are all tradable as the identity of this team, its defense, comes from Howard and Coach Stan Van Gundy, not these three-point chuckers.

• New York Knicks

Amare balled out over Chanukah, averaging over 30 points per game during the team’s 8 game win streak. A true test comes on Wednesday against the Celtics, who refuse to recognize the Knicks as a true “rival”. Rumors swirl suggesting Carmelo Anthony’s arrival in the Big Apple is imminent, but in the meantime the Garden faithful should be happy watching D’Antoni orchestrate his fast break offense, headlined by his goggled throw down artist

Stoudemire.

Even offshore NFL betting players know that you have to be deep to have a chance to go all the way, and while two of these teams were NBA finalists last year, the third team will hope their bench helps them improve towards a playoff spot.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers’ bench isn’t even what it could be right now as Andrew Bynum is out until Thanksgiving, which means Lamar Odom is starting. But when Odokm returns to the bench, the Lakers will have him in the second unit with Shannon Brown and Matt Barnes, and all three are good at both ends of the floor. Barnes and Ron Artest may form the most physical pair of wing defenders in the league.

New York Knicks

Yeah, strange, huh? The Knicks have the potential to have a fantastic bench because of Wilson Chandler, who we would lay money on to win the Sixth Man of the Year award. Chandler’s offensive skills would give him an edge on the second unit, while Ronny Turiaf adds beef and rebounding. If Toney Douglas and Bill Walker pan out, the Knicks are going to surprise a lot of people.

Boston Celtics

The Celtics have size coming off the bench with Jermaine O’Neal and Glen Davis, while Von Wafer and Nate Robinson are explosive scorers who will pressure the opposing backcourt for as long as they’re on the floor. They’re going to be needed as well as the Celtics try to pace themselves for a long season, but rest assured, those who bet sports should keep an eye out for Boston.

Monday night, the NBA and online betting communities should be up in arms as Cleveland heads to Los Angeles for a meeting with the Lakers, but let’s be real: there are 24 players on both teams, yet there are only two to worry about. Reigning MVP Kobe Bryant tries to lift his team out of a two-game losing skid against the man most are picking to succeed Bryant, LeBron James. This is the first time these two megastars have been on the same court since leading the USA to a gold medal in Beijing last summer.

These two stars went head-to-head twice last year, with Cleveland winning both games to extend its streak to five victories in a row over the Lakers. Bryant had 27.0 points, 8.5 boards and 5.5 assists, while James was a beast, putting up 37.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists in this all-world showdown.

With both of these teams favored by sportsbook odds to reach the NBA Finals, this monster matchup gets even bigger each time Bryant and James lead their teams into battle. NBA lines have the Lakers as 5-point favorites at home tonight.

PICK: Bean to end the Cavs’ strange and recent domination of the Lakers.