Originally <a href='/showthread.php?p=17585590'>posted</a> on 01/23/2013:

Celtics don't get any flak because they didn't go out and sign Howard and Nash. This Celtics team is exactly the same as last years, just an old group of vets with a superstar PG and some average role players.

Lakers have one of the most dominant big men in the league IN HIS PRIME. They also have one of the best scorers of all time, past and present. Nash is still more than capable to run the point and Artest can still defend.

The Celtics have NO center. Pierce can't move. Garnett can only play 25 mins a game and their young defender can't stay healthy. Rondo is the only viable player on that team.

Lakers have talent that is underachieving. Celtics have old vets that are showing their age (besides Rondo and Sully).