DO WE CARE ABOUT THE NBA FINALS?

When I was a kid, it was fun to watch the Lakers and Celtics do battle for the NBA title. I don't want to be dismissive of this year's incarnation of the NBA's greatest playoff rivalry, but I'm not excited.

It's not ABC's fault. I don't think they've overhyped it (yet). I really like the crew they have working the games (Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, and Mark Jackson). They do good work, and the broadcasts are enjoyable.

You can't complain about this matchup being overdone, as the Celtics haven't played the Lakers in the NBA Finals since 1987. Yes, this is their 11th Finals matchup, but it's been a while.

These are two dominant organizations. This year marks the 31st time one of them will win the NBA title.

They have great players. Kevin Garnett is going for his first NBA ring in a Hall of Fame career. So is Ray Allen. Paul Pierce is in the Finals for the first time. Kobe Bryant hasn't been to the Finals since Shaq left Los Angeles, so this is his chance to prove he can lead a team to the promised land.

There should be plenty of quality basketball, and no shortage of interesting storylines (officiating, anyone?).

So what's the problem?