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24 January 2025

Lakers Dominate Celtics With 117-96 Victory

Los Angeles asserts its prowess with impressive defense, signaling strong playoff aspirations.

The Los Angeles Lakers put together one of their best performances of the season, defeating the reigning NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, 117-96. The victory not only showcased the team’s dominance but also marked their biggest margin of victory over Boston in 18 years.

Despite the significance of the win, LeBron James was quick to temper expectations and explain its broader contextual importance. James was instrumental in the Lakers‘ victory, posting 20 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists, complementing Anthony Davis’s 24 points and Austin Reaves’s 23 points.

LeBron downplayed the importance of beating the Celtics, emphasizing, “Does a game like this against the Celtics…” He quickly interjected, “No, it sure don’t,” when asked about it. He elaborated, “It’s one game. They hoisted the Larry O’Brien trophy. We’re trying to aspire to get there.” He called on his teammates to focus on their habits and game improvements.

The Lakers executed their game plan on both ends of the court, which James credited to Cook JJ Redick and the coaching staff. “We had a game plan, and we executed,” he explained. “For the majority of 48 minutes, we executed. It’s about being uncomfortable to compete with their level.”

James not only led the team with his effort but also added another historic achievement to his résumé. He became the third oldest player in NBA history to record over 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists, following legends Michael Jordan and Karl Malone.

The Lakers controlled the game against the Celtics early on with their defensive strategy, limiting Boston’s league-leading three-point shooting. Coach Redick remarked, “That was one of, if not our best games, executing our defensive game plan.” He praised his players for not overreacting to Boston’s plays and sticking to their defensive principles.

Anthony Davis, who led the Lakers with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocked shots, echoed James’s remarks, stating the importance of teamwork and their strategy. “We had a game plan and we executed it. We know it’s a great team, defending champions, great players,” Davis said. He expressed hope to learn from this win and carry momentum through the rest of the season.

Austin Reaves played a pivotal role as well, contributing 23 points and 6 assists. His efficient shooting from the perimeter—four 3-pointers—was instrumental to the offense. “The ball was popping, we were sharing the basketball,” Davis noted, indicating their successful offensive approach.

The Lakers showcased impressive ball movement, finishing the game with 27 assists and shooting 47.2% from the field. They leaped to as much as a 28-point lead during the fourth quarter. The Celtics, averaging 117.7 points per game, were held below 25 points in the first three quarters by the Lakers’ tenacious defense.

Despite the loss, the Celtics managed to score 28 points by the end of the game, with Jaden Springer hitting the last 3-pointer. Kristaps Porziņģis emerged as Boston’s high scorer with 22 points, supported by Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

Looking forward, the Lakers hope this emphatic win against one of the league's elite teams establishes confidence and raises their standards. Upcoming games and the approaching trade deadline are hot topics as the team contemplates roster improvements. With Davis and James expressing concern about roster strength, Lakers’ management is on alert as the deadline looms on February 6.

Coach Redick acknowledged this sentiment, stating, “Our guys understand the respect you have to have for Boston as champions.” He emphasized the need for consistency and effort as the Lakers step onto the road for several games, starting with Golden State this weekend.

The Lakers not only made a statement with this victory but opened the door for potential future adjustments as they aim for playoff contention and build on their successful strategies.