2008 NBA Finals: Celtics 4, Lakers 2

Despite a bitter rivalry, Celtics point guard Sam Cassell and Lakers guard Kobe Bryant share a laugh during Game 1 of the 2008 NBA Finals, which Boston would win in six games.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Second-year point guard Rajon Rondo of Boston tries to steal the ball from Lakers power forward Pau Gasol in Game 2, which the Celtics would win, 108-102, at TD Banknorth Garden.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant looks to score on a reverse layup against Boston big men Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins in the first half of Game 3. Bryant would score 36 points in leading L.A. to an 87-81 victory.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Celtics guard Ray Allen steals the ball from Lakers forward Lamar Odom in the fourth quarter of Game 4. Allen and Odom were two of the game’s stars. Allen had 19 points and three steals in helping Paul Pierce (20 points, 7 assists) lead Boston to a 97-91 victory that put the Celtics one win from the title. Odom had 19 points and 10 rebounds for L.A.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant splits the Celtics defense for a layup in the second half of Game 4, when Boston erased a 35-14 lead by L.A. to claim the victory. Bryant had 17 points on six-of-19 shooting.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

The Lakers staved off elimination in Game 5 with a 103-98 victory at Staples Center, where the fans applauded while Celtics forward Paul Pierce could only wait to return to Boston for Game 6.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant hangs on the rim after making a steal and subsequent dunk to help seal the Game 5 victory over the Celtics.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Celtics forward Paul Pierce drives down the lane against Lakers power forward Pau Gasol in Game 6, a lopsided and championship-clinching 131-92 victory at TD Banknorth Garden. Pierce would be selected Finals MVP.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers forward Lamar Odom is fouled by Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett in Game 6, when Boston set an NBA Finals record with 18 steals.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is none too happy after Celtics forward James Posey hit a three-pointer in the Game 6 victory for Boston, which set a record for margin of victory in the Finals with a 131-92 win.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)