04 June,2009 08:27 AM IST | | AFP
LA and Orlando take centre stage tomorrow, with Lakers star Kobe Bryant trying to prove he can win a National Basketball Association title without Shaquille O'Neal, and Orlando Magic going for their first championship.
Going into the best-of-seven NBA finals showdown, the Lakers haven't won a title since 2002 behind dominant centre and self-proclaimed 'Superman' O'Neal.
In Orlando they'll face a team with its own 'Superman' in Dwight Howard. "If we go hard for 48 minutes every game we should have the trophy," said Howard.
The Lakers have 2008 MVP Bryant and more talent than when they lost in six games to the Boston Celtics last year. Bryant is averaging 29.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists in the post-season. No wonder he's confident.u00a0
"Now we are in a place where we didn't get the job accomplished last year. Hopefully we will this time," Bryant said.
