Rebuilding a Rivalry

Who will make the playoffs first: The Lakers or the Celtics?

TA: I think residing in the Eastern Conference gives Boston a leg up on this one. I think with some smart draft choices, Boston has an outside shot in the next couple of years in a very top heavy conference. LA has talent but if the allure of Los Angeles doesn’t help them bring in a solid free agent or two, they could be in for a lengthy rebuild.

CC: The Lakers. It’s possible, if things shake out right, that the Lakers could make the playoffs this year. It would take a miracle, but an injury or two could make it a very real possibility. As for the Celtics, I don’t see them making the playoffs for at least two more years — depending on how quickly they rebuild.