LeBron James and Cleveland to clash with Kobe Bryant and Lakers in Finals

The top three teams from a year ago are still seen as the best after undergoing some major renovations. The Lakers, No. 1 in the West, will see if they can repeat as champs with Ron Artest potentially making waves. Cleveland, with the best record in the regular season, will find out if Shaquille O'Neal and Antawn Jamison can help get James his first title. The Magic, which shocked the Cavaliers last spring to win the East, will go for their its first title with Vince Carter playing the role of wingman to Dwight Howard.

In my opinions,here are 2 things to keep an eye on when it all tips off:

LeBron James gets back to business after taking a four-game vacation that had the NBA looking into his prolonged absence for "rest." Rest assured, because it's LeBron, the Cavs will be cleared of any wrongdoing. With O'Neal and Jamison on his side for the first time in the playoffs, this is James' best chance to win a title and end Cleveland's 45-year championship drought. What happens July 1? The bet here: He stays.

Unlike James, Kobe Bryant really needed the rest when he sat out L.A.'s final two games. He played all season with a broken right index finger and has had trouble lately getting lift on his shot due to swelling in his right knee. The fallout: In his last three games, he went through a stretch in which he missed 49 of 68 shots. "Bottom line, we're going to need him at his best during the playoff run," said forward Pau Gasol.