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A matchup between the Lakers and Cavaliers in the NBA Finals would be ratings gold for the league.

There are no two ways around it. Such a pairing would pit this season's MVP, LeBron James, against last year's, Kobe Bryant.

It would provide a definitive answer to the question of which otherworldly talent has the better supporting cast. Are Cleveland's understudies (Mo Williams, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Wally Szczerbiak) better than those in Los Angeles (Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza)?

You can't argue that such a series, that many would see going seven hard-fought games, would be incredibly entertaining.

However, I'd be just fine with the alternative.

If the Magic are able to dispose of the Cavaliers (they have two more chances) and the Nuggets can rebound and win two-straight against the Lakers, the outcome should thrill more than just those in rain-soaked Orlando and much warmer than you might think Denver.

Imagine Dwight Howard dealing with the plethora of big men that Nuggets coach George Karl could throw his way.

In shifts, Karl could assign Nene, Kenyon Martin and Chris Andersen on Howard. The trio would be capable of making Howard work on both ends of the floor, and perhaps incite a few more technical fouls (two more would mean a one-game suspension).

Then there is Chauncey Billups, who wouldn't be as easily rattled as Williams has been against Orlando.

Billups, who Sports Illustrated's Chris Ballard so eloquently pointed out as made Allen Iverson look downright horrible, has the passing skills to find his teammates in positive positions -- mainly away from the outstretched (and oversized) arms of Howard.

There's also the small, but workable, storyline that Billups spent time with the Magic (without playing a single game) before moving on to the Timberwolves.

We can't forget about Carmelo Anthony either.

An appearance in the Finals would bring him even with Dwyane Wade and LeBron, his much more heralded 2003 draft classmates.

There are also the rehabilitation stories of Nene (cancer) and Andersen (drug abuse). It's pretty much a Lifetime movie in the making.

Validation of George Karl's coaching career would come as well, 13 years after he guided the Sonics to the NBA Finals against Michael Jordan's Bulls. He has a 933-642 career record, with a slightly disappointing .450 winning percentage in the postseason.

A second trip to the Finals, with a team that lacks experience (aside from Billups) and made a major trade just days into the season, would be a boost to his reputation.

And Denver's side is only half of the story...

Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy has been criticized for a majority of the season for his coaching philosophies, or lack thereof, but has weathered quite a few storms.

The Magic are playing without All-Star guard Jameer Nelson, and had to work Rafer Alston into the lineup midway through the season (shortly after Nelson when down with an injury), all while contending for home court advantage in the Eastern Conference.

Van Gundy has worked Cleveland over with the pick-and-roll, and has resisted the urge to change his gameplan. Some coaches would have altered the attack, but the Ron Jeremy of coaching (I know, that's a tired joke) is smart enough to know what works.

Howard has played a role in Van Gundy's struggles as well, calling the coach out for a lack of touches in the second round against Boston.

They appear to have worked out their differences amicably, while Howard has shown the mean streak many pined for this season. We've seen fewer smiles and more intensity from Dwight in the Conference Finals, although at times his passion has been a detriment to the Magic.

Regardless, who wouldn't want to see this generation's Clark Kent-turned-Superman on the game's greatest stage?

The next plot would involve Rashard Lewis. You know, the guy casual fans outside of Seattle weren't even aware of when he earned a contract worth $110 million. There were a lot of zeroes in that contract, but there were even more question marks.

Less than two years after the sign-and-trade that sent him to the Magic, he has proved to be the perfect complement to Howard on offense. He's not quite playing up to the deal’s value, but the doubters have dispersed.

Orlando assistant Patrick Ewing, who finally got a guarantee right in the team’s series against Boston, could see his head coaching stock rise with a trip to the Finals. He's has been pining for at least an interview, and helping a team get to the championship round would be a nice conversation starter.

There are plenty of storylines that ABC/ESPN could feature should the Magic and Nuggets advance, no fewer than would be showcased if the Lakers and Cavaliers do battle.

Either matchup would be entertaining, just trust me.

Andrew Perna is Deputy Editor of RealGM.com and co-host of RealGM’s Radio Show. Please feel free to contact him with comments or questions via e-mail: Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com.