BOSTON (AP) — One way or another, the spotlight was always going to shine on the Boston Celtics in an Eastern Conference without LeBron James.
After back-to-back losses to James’ Cavaliers in the past two conference finals, his departure West to join the Los Angeles Lakers seemed to clear the path for Boston to take the reins in the East.
That hasn’t happened — yet.
Instead of solidifying themselves as the NBA champion Golden State Warriors’ chief challenger, the Celtics come out of the All-Star break still with much to figure out — and trailing Milwaukee and Toronto in the East standings.