Boston Celtics’ Paul Pierce, the opinionated self-loving guard, is on a historical mission. He wants to win successive titles, something the Celtics haven’t done in 20 years.
“I looked up and saw the banner from last season, but I also saw we haven’t repeated since ’68-69," Pierce told the Boston.com. “That’s motivation to repeat. So, let’s try to make more history."
The Lakers know how to win successive titles, having won three in a row not too long ago. And with the return of a healthy Andrew Bynum, a happy Kobe Bryant and the nucleus of last season’s team, the Lakers appear ready to teach the Celtics a little about history.
The biggest question facing the Lakers as the open training camp next week is how well Bynum will mesh with Pau Gasol? The Lakers signed Gasol last season after Bynum went down with a knee injury.
Another question could be the role of Lamar Odom. Making a smooth transition back to small forward could be key for Odom, who also could find himself coming off the bench.
Outside of the obvious (how long will Derek Fisher keep playing?), the Lakers don’t have many what-ifs and have the potential to be a dominating force in the West.
In the East, the Celtics have to replace James Posey, a free agent that he Lakers were interested in before he signed with New Orleans. The Celtics are hoping Darius Miles is the answer.
The Celtics also have to contend with LeBron James and the Cavaliers, who are strong contenders as well.
http://lakers.freedo...ltics-a-lesson/
