Good Life Inc.: 2008-05-25

This is the matchup most likely to be overlooked by sportswriters and critics alike, as the point is by far the most important position with the most responsibility.

Starting with Boston, I'm sure we can all agree that without the emergence of Rondo, the Celtics without a doubt wouldn't have lasted even past the second round, his quickness in attacking the basket put together with his sense of positioning of his teammates allow him to play the position in the true sense of the words point guard. The one thing that Rondo stands head and shoulders above most point guards is his rebounding, especially on the offensive boards, only Jason Kidd is a better rebounder at the position, his athleticism put together with his knack for the ball makes him a serious rebounding threat.

Now, with the positives out of the way we can mention his glaring weaknesses. First, his inconsistency and the inability to consistently knock down even a 15 foot jumpshot seriously hurts his team's offensive rhythm. Opponent defenses are often seen taking advantage of Rondo's shooting woes and "roaming" their point guard on double teams and help, the ball is often forced back into Rondo's hands at the end of the shot clock, and Rondo, reluctant to take the shot, will often be seen passing to one of the big three only to have them force up an airball while the shotclock buzzer goes off. His lack of experience is the most obvious weakness that Derek Fisher may take advantage of, so the difference maker for Rondo may be if his aggresiveness can overcome his inexperience on the big stage.

On the L.A. side, Derek Fisher seems to be the polar opposite to Rajon Rondo. Fisher is one of the leagues best knock down shooters, with seemingly unlimited range, and will shoot regardless if there's a defender in his face or not. Unlike most other spot up three point shooters, Fisher has a terrific pull up jumpshot, from mid range all the way out to the three point line. As an added bonus to his shooting abilities, his shot is also among the highest arcing in the league, as most of the makes don't even touch the rim, and much more likely to get a shooter's bounce.

If you start to think Derek Fisher is just a shooter, then you're terribly mistaken. Having played with Kobe Bryant for nine seasons, D-Fish knows exactly where his superstar likes to have the ball, and althought Lamar Odom and Kobe excel at pushing the ball up, Fisher can also push the ball up court or on the break with scary efficiency.

For a man in his mid-thirties, Derek Fisher has kept himself in unbelievable conditioning, and hasn't missed a game in three seasons, he was quick enough to not get burned by Allen Iverson, strong and tough enough to defend Deron Williams as well as anyone could, and kept Tony Parker from flashing his Finals MVP form in the West Finals.

As mentioned before, Derek Fisher's biggest advantage against Rondo is his playoff experience, having won three championships with the Lakers as either a starter or a sixth man, and went to the West Finals last year with the Jazz, Fish is as seasoned as a vet as they come, with leadership that all young point guards should aspire to have, he treats every game as his last, as he will often be seen diving out of bounds, slapping loose balls away, and hustling back on defense.

Edge: Lakers