While the Milwaukee Bucks are considered the heavy favorites to come out of the East, Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel thinks the Boston Celtics have a legitimate chance as well.
Vogel tipped his hat to the Celtics and their success this season. Boston currently sits third in the Eastern Conference with a 39-16 record. However, their star power (Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown who are averaging at least 20 points) and the return to form of Gordon Hayward (17.6 points per game) may give the Beantown team the needed push in the playoffs.
“I think they have a very legitimate chance of competing for the title, particularly coming out of the East. They're a team this year that is showing to be greater than the sum of their parts, and when you have that element to it, you absolutely are a contender,” Vogel said ahead of the Lakers' Sunday showdown with the Celtics, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
The Celtics flamed out last season due to chemistry issues despite their talent. This season, after letting Kyrie Irving go and welcoming Kemba Walker, it's clear things are changing in Boston. The players know their roles and haven't let individual success come over the team.
Will it be enough to overcome Giannis and Milwaukee? Only time will tell. But what is clearly evident, is that the Celtics have the firepower and right mix to compete for years to come.
As for the Lakers though, Frank Vogel can only hope that his Purple and Gold will be the ones to come out West.
Follow Us
Subscribe