Lakers Go Up 2-0 in the NBA Finals Before Heading to Orlando

Game one may have been a 25 point blowout, but game two was another story altogether as the Orlando Magic kept up with Kobe Bryant and company and were one missed layup away from heading back to Orlando with the series tied up at one win a piece.

Neither the Los Angeles Lakers or the Orlando Magic played well in game two. Both Dwight Howard and Kobe Bryant had off games and to be honest, game two was as sloppy a game I have seen in the playoffs. It was just turnover after turnover for both teams, obviously the Lakers forced a bit more turnovers then the Magic did, but both of the teams superstars turned the ball over seven times. Kobe shot wasn't falling and Dwight Howard was still unable to get his game going in the paint.

The one positive that the Lakers can take to Orlando for game three is that they are up 2-0 and the role players like Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom are still on their game. Kobe may have had a forgettable performance in game two, even though he scored 29 points and dished out eight more assists, but the supporting cast stepped up yet again to keep the Lakers ahead in the series before heading to the Magic's home floor for the next three games.

The Magic on the other hand also have some positives from game two as Rashard Lewis (34 points) and Hedo Turkoglu (22 points) were able to get going shooting the basketball. They still have serious problems, especially at point guard, but at least the Magic shooters started to get going.

The one thing that impressed the most about the Magic in game two was Stan Van Gundy's inbounds play to Courtney Lee which could have potentially won the game and changed to outcome of the series. It was the perfect play, but just a couple of inches off the mark for Lee.

Ultimately though, I think this series will be over in one of the three games in Orlando with the Lakers winning it all, but I don't . If the Magic have a shot at winning one of these three games it will be game three in their first game at home.

I still believe the Lakers could pull off the sweep, but if the Magic shooters and Dwight Howard get going early in game three the Lakers will be in trouble. Game three, in my opinion, could be the most entertaining game of the series.

NBA Finals Game 3: Los Angeles Lakers @ Orlando Magic Tuesday, June 8th 7pm PSTOnToplist.com ranking: Best blogs on sports