Rockets vs. Lakers Preview

I don't agree with many members of the basketball media who believe the Lakers will steamroll the Rockets in this semifinal series. Yes, the Lakers have Kobe Bryant and a well-balanced offensive attack; but, if the Lakers decide to defend Yao Ming one-on-one, L.A. is in trouble.

Pau Gasol cannot defend Yao Ming 1-on-1. Neither can Andrew Bynum. In this series, Yao Ming should dominate LA's big men -- if he's given the opportunity, both by the Lakers and his own Rockets' teammates.

Yao needs to be the Rockets' first option on offense. Yao needs to be the Rockets second option on offense.

If Phil Jackson opts to defend Yao 1-on-1, the rest of the Rockets need to pass the ball to Yao as often as possible and allow Yao to go to work. If Yao isn't scoring, let him facilitate the offense by passing to open teammates.

As long as Ron Artest doesn't piss off Kobe Bryant, the Rockets should play the rest of the Lakers as physical as possible. Bump and grab Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol. Neither one of those players are known as "physical guys"; so, the Rockets need to "help" the two of them realize who they truly are (finesse players) instead of playing like they're experiencing out of body moments.

Aaron Brooks needs to play smart and aggressive. Brooks is quicker than LA's Derek Fisher, Shannon Brown, and Jordan Farmar; so, Brooks needs to use his quickness and attack those defenders and break down LA's defense.

If L.A. defends the Rockets straight up, then Luis Scola will not receive as many open shots as he did in the first round versus Portland which Scola will need to be active around the basket and in the low post.

Both teams have explosive scorers off the bench; however, LA's bench has more scorers than the Rockets' bench. Plus, LA's guys are more effective and impactful in the transition game.

The toughest matchup for the Rockets will be the times Paul Gasol is playing the center position. Gasol cannot defend Yao in the post; but, Gasol is much quicker than Yao in the open court which could result in easy baskets for Gasol and quick scoring bursts for the Lakers.

The Rockets need to limit their scoring droughts and their turnovers. If either problem rears up too often in this series (or both problems combined), the Rockets could get swept.

KG's prediction: L.A. in 6. The more physical (and slower paced) the series the better for the Rockets.