Kendrick Perkins believes the Celtics would be defending an NBA title right now if he didn't injure his right knee in Game 6 of the Finals nearly six months ago.

Instead, the Lakers won two straight to take the championship in seven games.

Perkins went down in the early moments of Game 6 and was forced to miss Game 7.

"For sure," the center said, "we would have won the championship."

Perkins is still recovering from the injury, but hopes to return to the court sometime in February.

Despite a myriad of injuries, Boston has been able to maintain the best record in the Eastern Conference.

"In seven games I don't think we can be beat by any team," Perkins said. "Too deep. Too much experience. Too many hard-working guys. Too many guys that have a chip on their shoulder."

There is a lot riding on Perkins return. In addition to Boston's title hopes, he's in the final year of his contract and figures to draw interest from multiple teams.

"I will show that I'm back and there are no issues with my knee," said Perkins. "I will have a bright future as far as free agency. We will see how this season turns out and how it goes from there.

"I want to be with the Celtics, but I got to think about my future."