[mrustow]

If the NBA were to "fix" the playoffs, why not make it a Celts vs. Lakers final?

Why would the NBA care about a Celtics-Lakers final? There was a time when the league would have cared about that matchup, but that time passed when all the particulars retired.

[Steve_Seattle]

"Why would the NBA care about a Lakers-Celtics final?"

Because despite their recent mediocrity, the Celtics still remain in the public eye as probably the most well-known professional basketball team. Tradition counts for a lot, and the Celtics' tradition still makes them a good marquee team.