The Los Angeles Lakers delivered one of their most emphatic performances of the young season on Monday night, dismantling the defending champion Boston Celtics 117-96 at Crypto.com Arena. In a game that carried echoes of basketball’s most storied rivalry, the Lakers imposed their will from start to finish, setting a tone that could reverberate well beyond a single regular-season contest.
Anthony Davis led the charge with 24 points, eight rebounds, six assists, a steal, and three blocks, showcasing the full breadth of his two-way dominance. LeBron James added 20 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists, turning back the clock once again with a performance that combined poise, power, and leadership. Together, the duo reminded the league that when healthy and locked in, the Lakers remain a formidable force.
The Celtics entered the game as the reigning NBA champions, having looked strong in their title defense early this season. Yet on this night, they were outmatched on both ends of the floor. Boston’s All-Star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown struggled to find rhythm against relentless defensive pressure. Tatum finished with just 18 points on inefficient shooting, while Brown was limited to 15, as the Lakers consistently clogged passing lanes and contested shots.
From the opening tip, Los Angeles appeared energized by both the magnitude of the matchup and the raucous home crowd. The Lakers raced out to an early double-digit lead, capitalizing on transition opportunities and punishing the Celtics inside the paint. Davis, in particular, was unstoppable, scoring with ease around the rim and altering Boston’s attempts near the basket. By halftime, the Lakers had stretched their lead to 18 points, leaving the Celtics searching for answers.
“We knew this game meant more than just another regular-season matchup,” LeBron James said afterward. “Anytime it’s Lakers-Celtics, there’s history involved. We wanted to come out, set the tone, and remind ourselves of the level we’re capable of playing at.”
That history was impossible to ignore. Lakers vs. Celtics remains the NBA’s most iconic rivalry, with decades of battles stretching from Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain to Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, and more recently Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce. Monday night’s clash, while not a playoff series, carried that same extra edge, evident in the physical play and intensity displayed on both sides.
The Lakers’ supporting cast also played a critical role. D’Angelo Russell chipped in 17 points, including several timely three-pointers, while Austin Reaves added 12 off the bench, providing energy and floor spacing. Rui Hachimura contributed 11 points and seven rebounds, further highlighting the depth that Los Angeles has sought to cultivate this season.
Defensively, head coach JJ Redick’s schemes were on full display. The Lakers mixed coverages effectively, rotating quickly and forcing the Celtics into contested looks late in the shot clock. Boston finished shooting just 41 percent from the field and 29 percent from beyond the arc, a testament to Los Angeles’ commitment to physical, connected defense.
For the Celtics, the loss served as a reminder of the challenges that await them in defending their crown. Head coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged the effort gap. “They outplayed us in every aspect,” Mazzulla said. “We didn’t match their physicality, we didn’t execute offensively, and we let their runs dictate the game.”
While it was only one regular-season win, the implications for the Lakers could be significant. After a shaky start to the campaign, questions had arisen about their consistency and ability to contend in a loaded Western Conference. Monday night’s performance, however, offered a glimpse of their ceiling—a team with star power, defensive grit, and enough depth to challenge anyone.
“This isn’t about proving anything to the outside world,” Davis noted. “It’s about us building the right habits, trusting each other, and showing that we can sustain this level. Tonight was a step in that direction.”
As the final buzzer sounded and the crowd erupted, there was little doubt the Lakers had delivered a statement. Against their fiercest rivals, in front of a national audience, Los Angeles reminded everyone why the purple and gold remain synonymous with championship aspirations. Whether this victory becomes a turning point in their season remains to be seen, but for one night, the Lakers looked every bit like contenders once again.
Leave a Reply