BILLY TUBBS: “I could make a case for Orlando. They are the hot team and they have proven they can overcome homecourt advantage. But I have to go with the experience of LA and the Kobe Bryant factor. Dwight Howard is an awesome player, but Kobe is clearly on a mission.

“Kobe’s awesome from the standpoint that he can go one and one and get a clean shot anytime he wants it. He’s amazing at getting the critical basket. I would like Orlando’s chances more if they would commit all out to going inside to Howard and force the Lakers to double down on him.

“I don’t think LA will double down to start because they want to put more pressure on the 3-point shot. Orlando sometimes gets a little carried away with the threes. If the threes are falling, though, it could get really interesting. But to me it still comes down to Lakers experience and to Kobe.”

STEVE ROCCAFORTE: “I want to see Orlando win because I really like Stan Van Gundy as a coach. He coaches like a college coach in the pros. I just really like the Magic’s mix of young and old players, and how they can put five guys out there who can score in a hurry. It wouldn’t be a surprise to me if they won.

“That said, the Lakers have more experience and Kobe is the best player left in the playoffs. I may see this different than everybody else, but I think the Lakers are going to win because of the way the Rockets took it to them in the second round.

“That was a super physical series and, like last year when the Lakers lost to Boston, people were saying they were talented but soft. The Rockets made them step up and play physical and that helped get them ready for the Nuggets. If they play like they did in Game 6 against Denver, Orlando is in big trouble.”

ANDRE BOUTTE: “I have to go with Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson. They have been there before and that’s a significant edge. When it comes down to crunch time, Kobe can get the key basket or get to the foul line. And I just don’t think you can under-estimate what Jackson’s overall coaching experience means.

“A lot of teams seem to try to go smaller to matchup with Rashard Lewis. I think Jackson will go the other way, emphasize his post game and force Lewis to guard a big. Even though Dwight Howard is going to block some shots, they will keep going at him to try and get him in foul trouble.

“The only way I see Orlando having a chance is if it shoots well and can jump on the Lakers early. When the Lakers get behind, they tend to stand around and wait on Kobe. It’s going to be a great series. I just think Kobe and Phil Jackson will be too much to overcome.”

OK, there you have it. Four guys who really know their basketball taking the Lakers. That’s why I’m picking Orlando in seven.

Sports editor Bob West can be e-mailed at rdwest@usa.net.