I’ve written off the Lakers about three or four times now, on this blog. Once before the playoffs, and several times before the Finals began, including after Game 1.But if they win Game 4 tonight and even the series, I will concede they have a chance. Even though they still would have to hold serve on Sunday to avoid going to Boston down 3-2.

There is a chance they can win one game in Boston. A chance. Detroit did it.

Here are the keys, in my opinion:

1. The Lakers need to get 20 points and 20 rebounds out of Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol. Doesn’t seem like much, but they didn’t manage it in Game 3. Gasol is now widely recognized as “soft” and Odom’s reputation is taking massive hits every time he plays a game in this series. The Lakers’ Big Two have to show up.

2. Sasha Vujacic and Jordan Farmar need to make five three-pointers, between them. If they do, that loosens up the Celtics defense and lets Kobe Bryant get to the rim — and take and make free throws.

3. They need to hold the Celtics’ Big Three to 60 points or fewer. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen … one of them can go for 20-plus, or even two of them … as long as it doesn’t add up to 61 or more.