---

It's always special when the Lakers come to Boston.

Even if the Celtics and Lakers never again meet for the NBA title (thanks, expansion), I don't think there will ever be a game that gets me more excited. Their matchups are always special. It does not matter what their respective records are, Celtics fans will always care when it is the Lakers, and vice-versa.

Last week at the Fleetcenter (sorry - the TD Banknorth Garden), the two team met for the second time in as many weeks, except for Boston fans, the feeling was quite different from the previous weeks battle.

The headline to this story was the arrival of Employee number 88 - now back to Employee number 8. Except, this Employee number 8 looked quite different than the one Celtics fans once knew.

Gone was the slightly overweight figure, the overly brash attitude and nowhere to be seen was the continuous flow of three-point attempts.

Boston fans now have the Antoine Walker they hoped for back when he was a lottery pick out of Kentucky. A power forward with the strength to dominate in the low block and the speed to take his defender off the dribble.

I think I can get to like the new Employee Number 8.

Considered the Celtics star of the future when first drafted, the longer he stayed around, the less welcome he seemed.

Once seen as the saviour, Antoine turned into a villain, more Sidney Wicks than Paul Silas, more Bob McAdoo than Dave Cowens.

Antoine's parting, though quite sudden was potentially the best thing to happen to him. A year in Dallas, though fun, was ultimately unrewarding, and his half-season in Atlanta won't last long in his memory bank.

Now Antoine is back, seemingly more mature and understanding of his role on the team, and he has been presented with quite an opportunity. The Celtics have great scorers (Paul Pierce, Ricky Davis), sold defenders (Raef LaFrentz, Tony Allen) and some special young talent (Al Jefferson, Delonte West). What Antoine provides is someone who can bring the entire team together, a player who can make it easier for Pierce and Davis to get shots, and a player who can command the low post.

It is not clear whether Antoine's second stay in Boston will last beyond this season, but he has brought some hope and excitement back to Boston. The Celtics may not be in the league of Miami or Detroit, but they may be closer to those teams than you think.