Saturday’s matchup could serve as a potential Finals preview and another chapter in the legendary Lakers-Celtics rivalry.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77)
© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Doncic, who was traded to the Lakers last month, will face the Celtics for the first time since last year’s NBA Finals loss. Since teaming up with LeBron James, Doncic has helped lead the Lakers to an eight-game winning streak, including Thursday’s thrilling overtime victory against the New York Knicks, where the duo combined for 63 points.
The Celtics, meanwhile, continue to find ways to win despite battling injuries. On Thursday, they were without three key starters in their victory over the Philadelphia 76ers but were boosted by Jayson Tatum’s return. The six-time All-Star delivered another stellar performance, finishing with 35 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.
“From my time in the league, I wouldn’t look at the Lakers as rivals; we only play them twice,” Tatum explained. “The teams that we’ve played over and over again in the playoffs—Philly would be one of them, and there [are] other teams as well.”
Tatum added, “But you respect and understand the history… What it means to the game of basketball and the NBA, and it’s an honor to be a part of that.”
Tatum’s perspective makes sense, considering the Lakers and Celtics haven’t met in the postseason since the 2010 NBA Finals—seven years before he entered the league. However, given the way both teams are playing this season, that could very well change in June.
The Celtics currently hold the No. 2 seed in the East with a 45-18 record and are riding on a three game winning streak. The Lakers, at 40-21, also sit second in their conference and have the second-best record since the All-Star break, behind only the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Saturday’s matchup could serve as a potential Finals preview and another chapter in the legendary Lakers-Celtics rivalry.
