Although I knew better than to pick against the defending NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs in the first round, I did it anyway. After all, the Spurs, for all of their four championships, had never repeated. I felt I was safe.

I was wrong.

Then I picked against the defending NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs in the second round. After all, Chris Paul and the Hornets looked pretty good in their defeat of a strong Dallas Mavericks team, quite possible the best seven seed ever in the NBA playoffs.

Wrong again.

Robert Horry comes through with a strong play against David West’s ailing back (eerily reminiscent of his play against Steve Nash the year before).

Now they’re up against the Lakers.

Now, the Lakers have a history of knocking out the Spurs, especially if Derek Fisher is allowed to make shots that are impossible to take with the amount of time left on the clock. And Derek Fisher is again on the Lakers.

Kobe Bryant is playing well, exceptionally well.

Pau Gasol plays well at times. Lamar Odom does as well.

The San Antonio Spurs have never repeated as NBA Champions.

So, what should the call be?

I’ve been wrong in these playoffs, but that hasn’t stopped me from making my prediction.

My prediction is San Antonio Spurs in 7.

Here’s why the Spurs have the edge, in my opinion…

1. Pau Gasol has no chance against Tim Duncan, arguably the best power forward to ever play the game.
2. Tony Parker isn’t as good as Deron Williams, but he will eat the Lakers alive in a very similar way.
3. The San Antonio Spurs play the right kind of offense to win in the NBA Playoffs.
4. And last, and most importantly, Robert Horry knows exactly what to do against Kobe Bryant’s ailing back.