NBA Tip-Off: Warning Lakers! Why LA Should Worry About the Celtics, Not Heat

There’s a sleeping giant in the Eastern Conference who is receiving little attention due to the circus down in South Florida known as the Miami Heat. Even the two-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers are guilty of diverted attention on what seems to be their true rival, the team that appears to mount the greatest challenge to LA’s attempt at a three-peat.

As the 2010-2011 NBA season begins, the Boston Celtics sit on the outside looking in. They are the forgotten team right now. The newly assembled Heat with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are hard not to watch. They are a sparkling new diamond or a brand new sports car. You want to soak up everything. 

But the Celtics are the real deal. And, it would serve the Lakers (and the Heat, plus the rest of the league) quite well to remember this. Just like the rest of the NBA universe, it doesn’t appear the Lakers even have an eye on Boston.

They should. There are four key reasons why the Celtics will be better than last year. Yes, better. And, if that is the case, then that should shake Lakers fans to the bone.

Remember, last year, Boston got to a 13-point lead in Game 7. If not for a run for the ages that started in the third quarter by the Lakers, it would be the Celts having a ring ceremony when LBJ and the Heat come into Boston.

Here’s why Boston should scare Lakers fans to the core.

 

Length

Why are the Lakers still the team to beat this season? Simple. They possess the league’s top length and height. No team can boast the level of skill at the center and power forward position.

With a healthy Andrew Bynum to go with all-world Pau Gasol and "Mr. Versatile," Lamar Odom, the Lakers have the key advantage over the rest of the league. Throw in the best perimeter player and closer, Kobe Bryant, and you can see why LA is looking at a three-peat.

Bu...