Ric Bucher's post on Basketball | Latest updates on Sulia
Whether the Lakers make a deal before the February 21 trade deadline, one opposing GM opined, could depend on what
they do as the deadline approaches. If they close the gap on that last playoff spot -- they were four games out as of Saturday night -- the odds are much better that they stand pat. Should they lose ground, however, it would make more sense for them to aggressively explore what they can get. Isn't it somehow fitting that the Celtics, then, could have a huge influence on forcing the Lakers to cry "Uncle!" since they face Kobe and Co. twice between now and the trade deadline. (Heat, Clippers and Nets are also on the docket.) The Lakers-Celtics rivalry never dies, just the stakes change.