The tale of two cities.

One will be damned, while the other destined for greatness. This is how the NBA finals ends. There can't be co-champions in the league, there can only be one. After game 4 of the NBA finals in Los Angeles, the Boston Celtics are just a game away in claiming their 17th championship since joining the league. It is also fitting that they claim their championship at the expense of their arch-rival the Los Angeles Lakers.

Status: The Celtics is up three games to one and with the way the Celtics are playing they can close out the series in game five at the Staples center in Los Angeles. I'm sure that the Lakers will not give up the fight they would still try to extend the series to their favor or even sweep the remaining three games for a possible 15th championship for the franchise.

The protagonists

Los Angeles Lakers - We all know that this team lives and dies with Kobe Bryant. The addition of Pau Gasol in the picture is just to help Bryant by easing off the scoring pressure on the MVP and to be a defensive stop for the Lakers. Lamar Odom and Derick Fisher -- the veterans on the roster only produce average stats for L.A.they just play "predictable games" in the series. The only edge they have is experience and familiarity with Phil Jackson's play. Vladimir Radmanovic and "The machine" Vujacic they also give steady and consistent numbers for the team but that's it. The rest of the bench are used sparingly no special mentions given. The only department where the Lakers have the edge in the series is youth, unfortunately for LA the players that they have now does not have the experience to go all the way.

Boston Celtics - It has been a 360 degree turn for the Celts, thanks to the addition of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. Before this season the Celtics have been a disappointment barely reaching the playoffs or on bad days ending up at the bottom of the standings. "The Big Three" is indeed in the house, they have been awesome in the finals and they are the main reason why the Celtics have come this far. We seldom see superstars being relegated to the number 2 or 3 option, this was the case of the Celtics. The Celtics already has the maturity on their side, this is evident with the transfer of Garnett and Allen. Not only was there added scoring options for Boston but also they helped build the foundations of a great team. With upcoming guard Rajon Rondo doing wonders at the no. 1 position the Celtics have develop into a potent scoring team. James Posey also an off-season transferee from Miami also delivered in the series when they needed it by hitting those long-range shots. Hats off to veterans PJ Brown and Sam Cassell for giving quality minutes in the series.

Before the finals started a lot of critics and analyst predicted a Laker win primarily because of the MVP season Kobe has given the Lakers. The Celtics being the "underdog" proved them wrong by winning the first two games at Boston as if this was not enough they stole one from the Lakers homecourt. With the lost the Lakers conceded their first lost to the Celtics missing just a win to match an NBA record. It's now safe to say that DEFENSE will win the series. The largest margin for win with either team is just 10 points, this was a far cry from the previous rounds wherein these two teams would win by large margins. Nobody can prevent Kobe Bryant from scoring that's a fact but with the Celtics consistent defense showing up every game not even a Kobe rampage is enough to secure them the win and ultimately the series.

No, it's not Red Auerbach's ghost out to haunt the Lakers it's just a great example of teamwork and unselfishness. For Kobe and the Lakers it not yet your time, not just yet.