Lonnie White of the Los Angeles Times reports that the Lakers are the only thing standing in the way of the Lakers. Unless the Lakers slack off and just go through the motions on Wednesday, New Jersey's first appearance in the NBA Finals will be a short one.

Shaquille O?neal is too big and Kobe Bryant is too good to lose to the Nets. The Nets have tried nearly everything to avoid a sweep, but nothing seems to phase the Lakers. After fighting to get through the Western Conference Finals against the Kings, Los Angeles is in cruise control against the Nets.

It has been the opposite for New Jersey Coach Byron Scott, who has been learning as much as his players. Scott may have a few more twists to throw at the Lakers but the key to Wednesday will be the Lakers? mental approach. If Los Angeles comes ready to play, there's not much the Nets can do.