June 4
The NBA Finals showdown begins Wednesday (on ESPN Radio, 8:37 p.m. ET). The New Jersey Nets represent the Eastern Conference vs. the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers from the West.

	After posting 30 points and 10 rebounds in Game 7 vs. the Kings, Kobe Bryant is ready for the Nets.

The Nets have brought in the right people. Isn't it amazing how everything George Steinbrenner touches turns to gold! Say what you want about the guy, but he knows how to be successful, how to organize and motivate.

Nets GM Rod Thorn has made a number of major moves. The addition of point guard Jason Kidd has been an incredible deal. The trade, sending Stephon Marbury to Phoenix, has changed the complexion of the franchise, one that had been known for its losing ways for years.

Nets head coach Byron Scott has brought a player's mentality to the sideline, and he has a cool hand for his personnel. The Meadowlands has turned into a special place during the postseason. It has always been a special area for me, having come from a high school coaching background in New Jersey. I coached some great kids in East Rutherford, N.J. -- players who have played a big role in my life. They helped me win back-to-back state championships!

Can the Nets offset Shaquille O'Neal on the interior? When all is said and done, Shaq will go down as the greatest center of all time. He has also come on from the free-throw line! In Game 7 of the Western Conference finals, Shaq was 11-of-15 from the line; as a team, Sacramento shot barely over 50 percent (16-of-30). Those two stats are why the Nets aren't playing the Kings in the Finals.

Everyone has the Lakers as a lock for the title, and some are talking about taking out the brooms and celebrating already. Forget about it, because Kidd and his Nets have too much pride. Kidd doesn't have to score to be the most dominant player in a game.

The last player with that ability was Magic Johnson. He was also the last player to lead the NBA in assists and win the NBA championship in the same season. Magic took over Tinseltown, doing whatever was needed to get to the winner's circle.

Kidd can take control of any game -- he's totally in command as the orchestra leader and maestro. I look forward to seeing Kobe Bryant eventually getting a shot at defending Kidd; I expect Derek Fisher to cover Kidd first. By the way, Kidd's triple-doubles against the Celtics were things of beauty. NBA legends Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson also dominated with triple-doubles in conference finals.

People are talking about the exploits of Kings point guard Michael Bibby, who shone on the center stage in the Western Conference finals. He has now risen to become one of the NBA's premier point guards. Since Bibby excelled against the Lakers, perhaps Kidd also can control the action against L.A.

Jason Kidd doesn't have to score to be the most dominant player in a game.

As I told my friends Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic on ESPN Radio this week, Kobe was the best player on the floor in the Western Conference finals. People take his all-around game for granted. Fans expect so much from him at age 23.

As good as Kidd is, I believe the combination of Kobe and Shaq will be too much for the Nets. My prediction for the series? The Lakers in six games. I see a bit of a letdown for L.A. before coach Phil Jackson gets them thinking about what a third straight crown means, maybe using a little meditation along the way. Jackson will join legendary ex-Celtics coach Red Auerbach with his ninth NBA championship as a head coach.

Give the Nets credit for a great season. Byron Scott and company will not go down without a fight. The Lakers will need help from their supporting cast, as they did in Game 7 in Sacramento. The Nets will play with heart, enthusiasm and spirit, baby -- but the Lakers will prevail for the third straight year.