Editor's Note: The Beginning of the End

There are only two options left for the Lakers: win the championship or lose. The gold Larry O'Brien championship trophy is just four victories beyond their grasp, and they will have to deal with the Orlando Magic to get it. Orlando offers a much different team than the ones the Lakers have seen in the playoffs. The Magic have one of the best all-around lineups, with Dwight Howard in the frontcourt and Rafer Alston and Rashard Lewis in the back. A series victory will require the best combined team-effort the Lakers can muster. But there are holes in Orlando's seemingly impenetrable armor. They are a team that lives and dies by the 3-pointer, and a strong perimeter defense can kill their most potent weapon. Dwight Howard has spectacular defense and will give Pau Gasol no room, but that just opens the lane for Kobe Bryant. Once he can get inside, he can take the pressure off Gasol and create more opportunities. Shannon Brown and Jordan Farmar are quick and will put pressure on the Magic's reserves. Lamar Odom has proven he can be a force when needed, and Trevor Ariza can shine knowing he won't be needed to guard LeBron James. This series will be tough, but it is far from impossible.