This year the Celtics/Lakers game doesn't seem to have as much buzz about it as it has in the past. Doc correctly points out that you can trace that to the teams' struggles.

Garnett confident situation will work out | Boston Herald

"It’s probably both of our faults," coach Doc Rivers said. "Neither one of has the record that either one of us thought, so nobody’s talking about it. So blame us, both teams. But it’s still the Lakers and the Celtics."

So if you need a little extra to prime the pump, here's a little dig that Kobe gets in on Paul Pierce.

Kobe Bryant feels pain of Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics - ESPN Boston

"If there's one Celtic that tries to talk smack to me, it will be Paul," Kobe reported. "We're similar in age, have been through some of the same things, so he feels like he can try. But he's not as good at it as I am. "I don't talk trash often, but when I do, I go for the jugular."

How very Kobe of him.

Oh and I suppose I should begrudgingly point out that Kobe had some very nice things to say about Rajon Rondo.