Quick-hitting Western Conference Final prediction because b-day parties don’t wait for blog entries

Ah nice, one of the great rivalries in recent NBA history renews tonight when the Spurs and Lakeshow link up at Staples. The last time these two teams threw down I was still in college, Shaq was still in shape (and a Laker), and San Antonio wasn’t a dynasty yet. This time around the Spurs have the whole “Never underestimate the heart of a champion” thing going for them, while the Lakers have the greatest player on the planet and reigning MVP in their corner. That being the case, this thing really could go either way. Sure, LA’s been the most impressive team of the playoffs thus far, but Timmy D. and Co. could eek this thing out because 1) as crazy as this sounds, Bruce Bowen has the ability to neutralize Kobe Bryant and 2) the Spurs have pulled out enough of these series that they seemingly have no business winning to do it again here for the up-teenth time. Still, when in doubt, I go with the team that has the best player in the series and regardless of Bowen’s cheap-shots, clearly that guy is Kobe. Pick: Lakers in 6 (at least they better have it wrapped up by then ’cause I don’t see the Spurs losing a Game 7)