Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics
Celtics-Lakers Rivalry Renewed: Luka Doncic Adds New Chapter to Storied Matchup
Few rivalries in sports carry the same weight as the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers. With a combined 34 NBA championships and decades of legendary battles, their matchups are must-watch television. On Saturday, this iconic showdown gets another installment as the Lakers head to TD Garden to face the defending champion Celtics in a game loaded with intrigue.
This clash was already set to command attention, but the presence of Luka Doncic in a Lakers uniform elevates the stakes even higher. The superstar guard, acquired by Los Angeles in a blockbuster trade last month, will face Boston for the first time since falling to them in last year’s NBA Finals.
Doncic, LeBron Fueling Lakers’ Hot Streak
Since joining forces with LeBron James, Doncic has revitalized the Lakers. The team enters Saturday’s game on an eight-game winning streak, highlighted by a thrilling overtime victory against the New York Knicks on Thursday. Doncic and James combined for 63 points in that contest, showcasing the offensive firepower that has made Los Angeles a legitimate title contender once again.
Celtics Continue to Overcome Injuries
Meanwhile, the Celtics continue to roll despite battling injuries to key players. Boston was without three starters in Thursday’s win over the Philadelphia 76ers but saw Jayson Tatum step up in a major way. The six-time All-Star dropped 35 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, reinforcing why Boston remains a favorite to repeat as champions.
While the Celtics-Lakers rivalry is one of the most celebrated in NBA history, Tatum downplayed its current significance when speaking with reporters postgame.
“From my time in the league, I wouldn’t look at the Lakers as rivals; we only play them twice,” Tatum said. “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. 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 comments reflect the reality that Boston and Los Angeles haven’t met in the postseason since the 2010 NBA Finals, well before he entered the league. However, given how both teams are performing this season, a Finals rematch in June is a distinct possibility.
Jayson Tatum on the Celtics-Lakers rivalry:
"From my time in the league, I wouldn't look at the Lakers as rivals; we only play them twice. 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.
“But you… pic.twitter.com/cpHYQGAd07
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) March 7, 2025
A Potential Finals Preview?
The Celtics currently hold the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 45-18 record, riding a three-game winning streak. The Lakers, sitting second in the West at 40-21, have posted the second-best record in the league since the All-Star break, trailing only the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Saturday’s game is more than just another regular-season matchup—it’s a chance to see two of the NBA’s top teams go head-to-head, with championship aspirations looming large. If this season’s trajectory holds, it may not be the last time these two meet under the bright lights of basketball’s biggest stage.
