The Lakers have won eight straight games, and quite suddenly, they've become everyone's flavor of the week to challenge Oklahoma City in the Western Conference.
Indeed, the Lakers have vaulted themselves into the No. 2 spot in the West, and the streak includes wins over Denver and the Knicks, two teams that rate third in their conferences. There's a win over the Timberwolves in the mix, as well as two over the Clippers.
So it's not all patsies that the Lakers have been beating since they acquired Luka Doncic via trade. But they've not beaten anyone quite of the caliber they are facing on Saturday night at TD Garden in Boston, where they'll square off against the defending-champion Celtics. Not only are the Celtics the deepest and most talented team in the league, but they're also 12-3 in their last 15 games.
In addition to another chapter in what might be the greatest rivalry in sports, it's also a chapter in the personal rivalry -- rooted in respect -- between LeBron James and Jayson Tatum. This week, Tatum spoke about James.
"As much as we probably talk about LeBron, we probably don't talk about him enough. Being 40, in his 22nd season, playing at an All-NBA level is an incredible testament to the work ethic that he's put in," Tatum said.
"His game, his body, to stay in the best shape to be able to compete and perform at the highest level for over two decades now. Something that we should all strive to do, even if it might be unlikely. But it's a joy to be able to compete against him in these matchups for however long we get to do it for."
All that helps set the stage for what should be an electric atmosphere in Boston. The Lakers certainly tried to get the hype going, with a post on Twitter/X captioned, "Prep work - Show time."
Prep work - Show time.
@TISSOT | #YourTimeDefinesYourGreatnesspic.twitter.com/EOETVv2yKe
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 8, 2025
It's the second meeting of the teams this season, with the Lakers having downed Boston in Los Angeles on Jan. 23. Tip-off will be at 8:30 EST.
Related: JJ Redick's Locker-Room Message to Lakers Veteran Captures Attention
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This story was originally published March 8, 2025 at 2:59 PM.