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No, it is not Kobe versus LeBron, instead it will be Bryant squaring off against another Olympic teammate, Dwight Howard. Either way, online bookmaker Sportsbook.com likes Kobe's chances as the Lakers are listed as a -280 money line favorite to win the championship in their Magic vs Lakers Series Odds 2009 NBA Finals.

The Orlando Magic always seem to be the odd man out, or odd team out in this case. For some reason they were viewed as inferior to the Cavaliers and now they are being regarded as the lesser team in the NBA Finals. The Lakers, no doubt, know better than to view the Magic as a push-over, especially considering the fact that they have lost to Orlando three of the last four times they have played them.

Orlando has been nothing but impressive in the Playoffs, fighting off a scrappy 76ers squad in the first round 4-2 before beating the defending champions 4-3 and the league's No.1 seed 4-2. For the post-season, they are averaging 98.5 points per game while holding their opposition to 93.7 per contest. 

The Magic are attempting, and making, more three pointers than any other Playoff team at 23.4 and 8.6 respectively. Their outside barrage, coupled with Dwight Howard's presence in the paint, has created a quandary that no Magic foe has been able to solve in a best of seven series.

Howard is averaging 21.7 points, 15.4 rebounds (4.5 offensive), and 2.2 blocks per game in the Playoffs.  

Los Angeles' Playoff numbers are quite similar to Orlando's. The Lakers are 12-6 in the Playoffs, the Magic are 12-7. The Lakers are 8-2 in post-season home games, the Magic are 7-2. The Lakers are 4-4 in Playoff road games, the Magic are 5-5. LA is averaging more points per game (102.9), but they are also allowing more at 96.3. 

The Lakers, however, do seem to be more equipped to deal with the problems the Magic pose than any team Orlando has faced thus far. Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol should make things more difficult for Howard inside. Also, small forward Lamar Odom has the height and skill to help neutralize Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis on the perimeter or in the paint, something Cleveland was unable to do with the shorter combination of Mo Williams and Delonte West.

Kobe Bryant, who is averaging 29.6 points and 5.3 rebounds in the post-season, also presents the Magic with many of the same problems that LeBron James did, only Bryant has a more reliable offensive group around him. The Lakers are capable of producing an inside out game that the Cavaliers simply could not. 

All things considered, this should be a fantastic series, even if the reigning MVP will be watching it from his couch.

Game 1 of the 2009 NBA Finals is scheduled for Thursday at 9:00pm ET at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. The Best of Seven series will be broadcast live on ABC.

Sportsbook.com Magic vs Lakers Series Odds 2009 NBA Finals:

Orlando Magic (To win the Best of 7 Series) +210 (Moneyline)

Los Angeles Lakers (To win the Best of 7 Series) -280 (Moneyline)

Visit Sportsbook.com today to get the latest Magic vs Lakers Series Odds 2009 NBA Finals. In addition to their 2009 NBA Finals Odds, Sportsbook.com also offers a varitey of NBA Finals Player and Prop Bets, including NBA Finals MVP, Highest Scorer, and Margin of Victory.

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