I love the optimism, I really do, but it is no less misguided than the blind pessimism. Let me ask one question, and be honest:
If th Lakers had a January like we just did would you be worried about them? Would you be thinking, "Wow, this team is still a contender, look how well they play in those losses."
How about if it is was Cleveland? Orlando? Pick a team....
If the Lakers had a January like we just did you would not be anything but overjoyed at their collapse. And that, sadly, is what we have here. I do not give up on my team, but when the Celtics were up 11 late I turned to my son and said, "The Celtics are in trouble again."
The big three problems:
1. Doc Rivers is not able to finish games
2. Taking big leads and then taking jump shots instead of driving.
3. Forgetting this is not the same team as 2007. They can and will be beat if they let up.