The stage is set for one of the NBA's most storied rivalries as the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to host the Boston Celtics at Crypto.com Arena this Sunday. While it might not feature the legendary duels of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird or the fierce battles from the late 2000s and early 2010s, this matchup promises plenty of excitement.
The Lakers, sitting at 34-21, have been on a roll, winning 10 of their last 15 games. Meanwhile, the Celtics have defied expectations, posting a 36-19 record despite the absence of Jayson Tatum, who’s been sidelined all season with a torn Achilles. Jaylen Brown has stepped up in a big way, playing at an almost MVP level and leading Boston to victory in seven of their last eight games.
The Lakers will be at full strength for Sunday’s clash, just as they were in their recent win over the Clippers. Notably, Bronny James and rookie Adou Thiero remain with the South Bay Lakers in the G League.
Los Angeles is enjoying a stretch of home games, with nine of their next 14 matchups at Crypto.com Arena. They won't venture east of the Mountain Time Zone until March 16, when they face the Houston Rockets.
Back in December, the Lakers fell to the Celtics by 21 points, a game played without LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Sunday offers a chance for redemption and another chapter in this epic rivalry.