The Associated Press, June 03, 2010, -- "The Lakers won Game 1 of the NBA finals Thursday, 102-89, over Boston. Kobe Bryant scored 30 points in the win and Pau Gasol added 23 points. Paul Pierce had 24 in defeat for the Celtics." See the video.

ESPN is saying that the "Lakers hit 'Easy' button in win. -- After all of the buildup, all of the banter about the Celtics being too tough for the Lakers, their defensive schemes too deceptive, their historical series edge (winning nine out of 11 meetings) too steep, their Big Four too formidable..."

Yeah. Well I like the Lakers' coach Phil Jackson. In my opinion he is the best coach in the NBA. He has the smarts and the karma to make good things happen for his team. Of course he is blessed with Kobe Bryant and a good squad. But if Phil Jackson wasn't there bringing and holding all things together, the Lakers would be a lesser team. Well, they might play like the Celtics did in the first game, when all things fell apart.

Win Lakers!