On Thursday night, the Los Angeles Lakers showcased their strength as they defeated the Boston Celtics 117-96 at Crypto.com Arena, delivering one of their most dominant performances of the season. This game was not just another matchup; it was part of the NBA’s annual Rivalry Week, where the Lakers and Celtics—two of the league's most storied franchises—met for the first time this season.
From the tip-off, the Lakers showed their intent to send a message to the defending champions. LeBron James led the charge with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists, demonstrating he still possesses the explosive edge as he executed a stunning dunk during the second quarter. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis significantly contributed with 24 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks. His performance emphasized the Lakers' strategic decision to utilize a larger lineup, effectively challenging the Celtics defensively throughout the game.
Austin Reaves also shined, posting 23 points and six assists, demonstrating his pivotal role this season. His combination with Russell Westbrook and the newly integrated Rui Hachimura—who added 10 points and seven rebounds—propelled the Lakers to their best victory of the year so far.
The first quarter set the tone for the game, with the Lakers jumping to an early lead. A corner three from rookie Max Christie opened the scoring, quickly followed by defensive plays and strong shooting, as the Lakers won the first quarter 34-23. By halftime, they had amassed a comfortable lead of 67-48—reflecting their proficiency from beyond the arc where they shot 55 percent during the first half.
This offensive showcase came on the back of Boston’s struggles. Kristaps Porzingis was the only bright spot for the Celtics, scoring 22 points, but his effort was overshadowed by the team’s overall lack of support. Jayson Tatum, held to just 16 points, struggled against the Lakers' defense. Even more concerning for the Celtics was the glaring inefficiency of their supporting cast; they shot merely 20.8 percent from the field during the first half, leading to their lowest scoring output of the season.
The Celtics showed some resilience at the beginning of the second half, briefly cutting the deficit to 12 points thanks to some adjustments and increased energy. But any momentum they gained was quickly extinguished. The Lakers responded with fervor, pushing their lead back to 18 points. A particularly difficult stretch for the Celtics saw them missing multiple free throws, allowing the Lakers to regroup and regain control.
Stretched thin from their taxing schedule—five games across seven nights—Boston seemed fatigued, and it reflected on their court performance. Despite attempts to rally, the Celtics never got closer than 15 points, marking the night as one of their toughest losses this season.
The Lakers' defensive intensity was palpable, hindering the Celtics' offensive dynamism. They capitalized on every defensive lapse Boston exhibited. Their rebounding was superior, securing 41 percent of their offensive rebounds and denying the Celtics’ opportunities on second-chance points.
The win not only signifies the Lakers reclaiming their rhythm as they approach the halfway mark of the season but also solidifies their position within the playoff hunt. Now at 24-18, the Lakers sit fifth in the Western Conference, matching their earlier best record above .500 this season.
Looking forward, the Lakers are gearing up to face the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, aiming to maintain their momentum. For the Celtics, the need to regroup is urgent; they will head to Dallas next for what they need to make competitive after such shortcoming against the Lakers.
This game was more than just another matchup between two rival franchises; it was about establishing dominance and confidence heading down the stretch of the NBA season. With LeBron and Davis leading the charge, fans are hopeful this performance signifies the Lakers’ readiness to contend seriously for the championship.