On paper this should be a scary matchup. Ron Artest is still a defensive workhorse, and Shane Battier is so underrated the New York Times ran a 500 page story on his role with the Rockets back in February. And of course there is the Chinese version of Godzilla known as Yao Ming.

After the Lakers lackluster performance during the first round against the Jazz, many have questioned whether the Lakers have the killer instinct to go all the way. Andrew Bynums disastrous performances during the series have many worried about how he will perform against Ming.

Having said all that, am I the only person not worried about this series?

First of all the Lakers swept the season series against the Rockets 4-0. The last two games of the series the Lakers played without Bynum, one in Houston and one at Staples Center. While all of the games have been close, the Lakers have dominated the fourth quarters outscoring the Rockets by an average of just under 12 points.

So why are people worried?

Even if Bynum is on par with his performance against Utah, the Lakers will easily take care of Houston. The addition of Shannon Brown gives the Rockets yet another player to account for. While the games will tough, the Lakers should have no problem putting away the Rockets . Lakers will win in five games.

Finally Rob Hays, the sports editor of our sister blog Houstonist, emailed me on Friday wondering if we should do one of those bets that mayors tend to do. He would send over BBQ if the Lakers win. In the far fetching scenario the Lakers were to lose the series what should I send him? The only thing I could think of was Lindsay Lohan. Anyone?

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