Wyc Grousbeck, co-owner of the Celtics, said he believes the team is playing better and could be a contender this season.

“I just had lunch with Doc [Rivers] and he was saying he likes the way they’re playing and they’re coming together and I do, too,’’ Grousbeck said. “I see energy and heart. I do see [Sunday against the Lakers] as a game of energy and effort and we could have won it. We didn’t. I like the way they’re playing.’’

Grousbeck and team president Danny Ainge will have to determine when to break up the aging core of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.

“Everybody knows Danny is listening to what’s out there,’’ Grousbeck said. “Everybody knows we feel very sentimental about this team and also feel like they’ve got possibilities this year and we just have to see what happens. We love this team and we have to think short term and long term at the same time.’’