Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic: 09'-10' NBA Finals Preview?

Most of you must be saying, "No way, you can't predict an NBA Finals preview when we have not even reached the mid-way point of offseason yet."But hey, wouldn't it be fun to entertain the situation?Los Angeles Lakers Vs Orlando MagicInstead of flat out stating who I think is the better team and which will ultimately win the 09'-10' NBA Finals, I am going to breakdown each organization from head to toe and let you decide.Orlando MagicThe BenchWith the recent signing of SF Matt Barnes, the Magic's bench is surely deeper than ever before. Going back to last season, Orlando's bench consisted of Mickael Pietrus (missed 28 regular season games), J.J. Reddick, Marcin Gortat, Tony Battie, and Anthony Johnson. With those players as the backups (and Jameer Nelson missing half of the season), the Magic enjoyed a 59 win season, ending the year with the fourth best record in the league and third best in the Eastern Conference.Fast-forward to right now, and the Magic's bench looks a little something like this.Anthony Johnson at the PG (possibility of obtaining C.J Watson), Mickael Pietrus/Matt Barnes at the SG/SF, Ryan Anderson at the PF, and Marcin Gortat at the C.Orlando's bench has improved so drastically this offseason that they could literally be the starting five for an organization and actually win games. The Insurance PolicyLet's say anyone of Orlando's starting five goes down with a sudden injury and is potentially out for a few weeks. The Magic are lucky enough to have such productive bench players that basically any player on the roster can hop in and immediately begin to make an impact.Comparing last season to this upcoming seasonMany people do not take into consideration that the Magic were without Jameer Nelson for half of the regular season and essentially the entire playoffs, until the NBA Finals series. (Don't even use Alston as a comeback, the man was absolutely horrible all playoff long.) With a healthy Nelson, the Magic rely on their true All-Star quarterback shouting out the plays and setting up the offense. After a first-half breakout 08'-09' season, Nelson is clearly expected to do big things once again.Courtney Lee or Vince Carter? If anybody was asked who they would rather have on their starting five right now, the answer 99.9 percent of the time would be VC.Like it or not, Carter is a born superstar. His talent exceed's what many NBA fans portray it out to be, and believe me, his true potential will be shown during next season.With a lot to prove, VC will inevitably breakout in the upcoming season (just like Shaq did once he was traded to Phoenix) and show the world why he was nicknamed Half Man/Half Amazing. (I expect Carter to posterize numerous athletes next season).Orlando indeed lost Hedo Turkoglu, but they did sign 24-year old power forward Brandon Bass.With Bass in the lineup, the Magic finally have a true power-forward that can grab boards and bump heads with the best of the bigs in the league. In addition, Bass will also be a major help to D-Howard, who is used to being the main source for collecting rebounds for Orlando. When you compare last seasons Magic to this seasons Magic, one could tell that they certainly upgraded and without a doubt improved their bench (and they still made it to the NBA Finals!)Los Angeles LakersThe BenchSince LA and LO are back in contract talks, I am going to assume that they will re-sign him and have him as their sixth man heading into next season.So, the Lakers bench is virtually identical to last seasons roster. They have Luke Walton, Sasha Vujacic, Shannon Brown, Jordan Farmar, and Adam Morrison (who is hopefully going to receive consistent minutes off the bench).With a starting five compiled of Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum, the Lakers do not need much depth off the bench to compete in the NBA, especially after winning a second league best 65 win season. (Plus, Odom is the best sixth man in the league, so he makes up for the rest of the warmers).The Insurance PolicySince Odom is so versatile (standing 6'10") and capable of handling the ball, he can literally fill in for any starter position, if one were to go down with an injury. Although I am sure Shannon Brown and Jordan Farmar would both be a nice fit at the one spot.Comparing last season to this upcoming season The Lakers lost a starter in Trevor Ariza, but gained immensely with the Ron Artest signing. Artest is an extremely underrated superstar in the NBA and is capable of doing practically anything and everything on the court.He immediately improves the Lakers defense (the only tiny problem that they had last season), and also amends LA's offensive game.Andrew Bynum played just 50 regular season games last season after going down with another knee injury. At the young age of just 21, Bynum has supreme potential to emerge as a top tier center in the NBA if he can remain healthy.If all goes well, Bynum's presence on the court will certainly make a major impact to the Lakers record next season.One thing that you can never question about a player like Kobe Bryant is his determination. After winning his first championship without Shaquille O'Neal, don't you agree that the Black Mamba is even more hungrier to win another?With a core like LA has, if I was Bryant, I would definitely believe that the NBA trophy is surely insight to grab once again. The Lakers enhanced their overall game heading into next season with the signing of Ron Artest. They will be a serious force coming out of the West and will ultimately be the favorite to win the NBA Finals during the 09'-10' season.The Final VerdictWho will win the NBA Finals next season, Los Angeles or Orlando?You decide.