How do the Spurs and Lakers measure up?

Everyone automatically assumes the Lakers are suddenly unbeatable, but let's look at some facts before we decide not to play next season.

The Lakers are still the oldest of the contending teams in the West. Adding two players, one of whom is clearly at the end of his career (Karl Malone) and another who clearly has lost a step or two (Gary Payton), might may put fear into the hearts of the Grizzles, but I really doubt it scares the Spurs, Mavericks or Kings.

Since I am a Spurs fan, let's look at the matchups:

Tim Duncan vs. Karl Malone: When Utah played the Spurs, Karl stayed away from Tim because Tim ate his lunch every time. There is no way Malone can stop Duncan.

Tony Parker vs. Gary Payton: Le Petite Point ran circles around Payton -- until Payton ended up in the Eastern conference.

Rasho Nesterovic, Kevin Willis and Malik Rose against Shaquille O'Neal: If Shaq's feet hold up, it is no contest. He wins. If they don't, young legs will beat him down the court. Heck, even the 40-year-old Willis could outrun him this past season.

Bruce Bowen and Manu Ginobili vs. Kobe Bryant: Nobody stops Kobe, but these two guys annoy the heck out of him and make him work harder than anyone else.

There is no sense talking about the three spot. Whoever the Spurs have is better than Devean George, and Rick Fox is becoming more and more of a non-factor every year.

Bench vs. bench: The Lakers have no bench, so the Spurs have the advantage.

Intangibles: If the Lakers hit a rough spot, watch for the egos to take over.