In Midst of Conference Finals, Lakers Try Not to Look Ahead to the Celtics

The question, after the Lakers had rolled to their second consecutive defenseless against the Suns, Lamar Odom wine left. But judging from his reaction that came from left field.

As Odom, surrounded by a crescent of reporters, turned to listen to - "At this point, which may prevent you from reaching the finals?" - Arched an eyebrow, gave a'm not - touch-that look and turned to his right to take another question.

These rescue operations will not be so easy in the coming days.

With three days of rest before the Western Conference series resumes in Phoenix, Boston and having a domain even more impressive in the Eastern Conference with two wins in Orlando, the Lakers will have to turn a deaf ear and blind eye to a subject to fill the void: the prospect of a Celtics-Lakers final.

The idea, at a distance at the start of the playoffs and delicious now, did not escape the minds of the inhabitants of the upper basin of the Staples Center, who spent the last 90 seconds of Game 2 singing, "We want Boston."

For Thursday, radio, Internet and even Los Angeles Times - whose question of the day was, how many games will it take for the Lakers and Celtics to finish their respective series? - They were watching the final, which starts on 1 June.

This would certainly put them in lock step with Commissioner David Stern, who for the Shaq-Kobe years joked probably his dream final duel was "the Lakers against the Lakers." Now, with LeBron James has gone, Stern be satisfied with the Lakers and Celtics.