The Show.

Everytime I ask someone who will win the NBA Championship this year they say either the Lakers or Cavs. And they say it as if they're the only legitimate options. People need to realize that there is a chance - a real, legitimate chance - that neither of those teams will win it all.

The Lakers of course have Kobe. So far during the playoffs he's averaging about 25 a game, and people are beginning to question his age and durability. I'm not sure I would go so far as to question those, but I will say that the guy has to be pretty beat up at this point. He's been injured pretty much all year, between his finger, ankle, and whatever else the press doesn't know about. This has to be considered a factor. Another factor is his performance in round 1 against the Thunder. People were expecting Bryant to put up 35 a game for 4 games against Oklahoma, but instead we saw Bryant average 23 a game, and we saw the Thunder just 2 points shy of forcing a game 7. All these factors tell me that these Lakers aren't the same Lakers we saw dominate the playoffs last year. I also think the fact that the Lakers won it last year could end up hurting them. It's a long season if you go all the way, and to do it two years in a row is extremely demanding. Plus, other teams have to be hungrier than the Lakers are this year, which could prove to be a factor as the playoffs continue.

One of those teams who must be hungry is the Cavs, but I'm gonna tell you why I don't think they'll win it either. Yes, we all know how good Lebron is. He's averaging 32 a game at this point in the playoffs, but you need a team to win the whole thing. The Cavs are a good team, but I don't think they're a great team. I don't even think they're as good as they were last year. People tend to forget that the Magic shut Lebron down last year and made their way to the Finals, yet the universal perception is that Lebron is on the Cavs, therefore the Cavs will make it to the Finals. I'm not convinced that the Cavs have enough. They're currently in the middle of a dog fight with the Celtics, meanwhile the Magic are steamrolling the Hawks on their way to the Conference Finals. The Cavs are getting beat up, and with Lebron's elbow "injury," there has to be some doubt about this team making a run this year.

That leaves us to one final, pressing question: Who's gonna win it?

If you ask me, I'd say the Magic. The Magic have somehow continued to be overlooked despite their run to the FInals last year and the great season they've had so far this year. Their starters match up well against anyone, and they play amazing defense. They gave up an average of 95 points a game this year while scoring 103. They're dynamic and they have a bench. This team's depth is unbelievable, and it's something no other team in the playoffs can match. We saw Mickael Pietrus shock the basketball world last year when he stepped up for the Magic. He's just one of many Magic players that can come off the bench and make an impact. When Dwight is out of foul trouble and the Magic are shooting the ball decently, they overmatch any team in the league. Plus, Jameer Nelson is playing like a man possessed right now, and if he continues to play that way he is going to be a major headache for any teams that have to defend him.

So, while the world continues to overlook any team without a Kobe or Lebron, just remember that they can be beat, and if they do, it should be be that surprising.