They can't beat the Lakers--their coach sucks, they have no bench and the big 3 are actually 1 and 1/2 to 2 at this point. The Lakers have to many weapons--they have a hall of fame coach--they have the best player on the planet, they have a superior bench (by far). And the Celtics have matchup problems. You have Pierce on Kobe (He can't guard Kobe--no one can) and Garnett will cover either Gasol or Odum which leaves one of them open. On the flip side, Kobe can easily guard Pierce and Gasol or Odum can take care of Garnet. They just don't have the matchups.