Celtics Coach Doc Rivers says Rasheed Wallace will retire.

According to this article on SI.com it appears Rasheed Wallace will end his NBA career following last week’s NBA finals against the LA Lakers. Wallace, always a character, will probably best be remembered for his short temper and ejections. As a Pistons fan I’ll remember him best for being the final piece to the puzzle in their quest for an NBA title in 2004. When fully focused, Wallace was a great help defender and tough match up on the offensive end. He was able to stretch defenses with his 3-point shooting ability, but often would fall too much in love with the long ball rather than using his skills in the post. Though he showed his age in the last season or two, Wallace filled in admirably as a starter for the Celtics in Game 7 when Kendrick Perkins went down. He finished with 11 points and 8 rebounds. Congratulations Rasheed; and enjoy retirement!

Gasol puts in 2 of his 17 points Tuesday night.

The Lakers gave the fans, and NBA executives, their dream: Game 7. In what will surely be a memorable and tough fought winner-take-all battle Thursday night, the reigning champs served noticed they would not be dethroned easily.

LA played a complete game from start to finish, essentially keeping Boston out of the game completely. Kobe was his usual self, but two key starters, Pau Gasol and Ron Artest showed up with an intensity that may have been lacking in previous games. Gasol, who nearly had a triple-double, found opportunities near the basket much easier as Kendrick Perkins left the game early and probably won’t return for Game 7. Artest was able to keep Paul Pierce in check with only 13 points while adding 15 of his own.

The Lakers’ heart was fully on display in Game 6. They crashed the boards relentlessly, finishing with 52 to Boston’s 39. The bench also came to play as they outscored the Celtics reserves 25-13. The impact the bench had was evident when Shannon Brown threw down two ridiculous dunks in the second half.

The game on Thursday is set for 9 PM EST on ABC. With the unfortunate injury to Kendrick Perkins I don’t see the Celtics being able to pull out the victory and Kobe should get his 5th ring, tying Magic Johnson. Pierce, Garnett, Rondo, and Allen have far too much pride, though, to let Game 7 get out of hand. I expect them to take the initiative early on and be very aggressive. The Lakers should get just enough from Odom, Artest, Farmar, and Brown to withstand Boston’s push and come out victorious in a low-scoring affair 91-84.

As a basketball fan we couldn’t ask for better. “It’s Lakers-Celtics, biggest rivalry in NBA basketball, seven games,” says Rajon Rondo. “It’s what it is.”