Lakers and Celtics: Still the Best Show in Town
Look, it's March 2026, and some things just don't change. The Lakers and Celtics are still squaring off, and it still feels like the biggest game on the calendar. This isn't just another regular season tilt; it's a measuring stick for both clubs, especially with the playoffs looming a month away.
The Lakers, sitting at 45-22, have found a rhythm after a somewhat shaky start to the season. They've won eight of their last ten, including a dominant 128-105 victory over the Warriors last week where Anthony Davis dropped 35 points and pulled down 15 boards. That kind of two-way force from AD is what makes this team truly dangerous, and it’s been consistent. LeBron James, at 41, is still defying Father Time, averaging 26 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds a night. His efficiency from deep, hitting 40% of his threes in February, has been a significant boost.
On the other side, the Celtics are rolling with a 48-19 record, perched atop the Eastern Conference. They've been a machine, winning six straight, including a nail-biting 118-116 victory against the Nuggets where Jayson Tatum hit the game-winner. That clutch gene is real with Tatum, who's putting up MVP-caliber numbers this season: 31 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Jaylen Brown's continued evolution as a secondary playmaker, dishing out nearly 6 assists per game, has made Boston's offense even more dynamic and less predictable.
Tactical Chess: Lakers' Size vs. Celtics' Spacing
Here's the thing: this game is going to be a fascinating clash of styles. The Lakers still lean on their size and defensive versatility. Jarred Vanderbilt has been a revelation defensively this year, often taking on the toughest perimeter assignments. Expect him to spend significant minutes trying to slow down Tatum or Brown. But the real challenge for L.A. will be containing Boston's relentless three-point barrage. The Celtics lead the league in three-pointers made, averaging 16.5 per game, and they're doing it at a 39% clip.
Boston's offense thrives on constant motion and off-ball screens, creating open looks for their numerous shooters. Kristaps Porzingis, when healthy, stretches the floor beautifully, pulling opposing bigs away from the rim. His 42% shooting from beyond the arc this season is a career-best and a nightmare for traditional defenses. If the Lakers' bigs, Davis and Christian Wood, get pulled out to the perimeter too often, it opens up driving lanes for Tatum and Brown, which is exactly what Boston wants.
For the Lakers, their offensive identity still revolves around LeBron's orchestrating and Davis's dominance in the paint. They average the most points in the paint in the league, 56.8 per game. They'll try to exploit Boston's interior defense, especially if Porzingis is guarding Davis. Al Horford, at 39, is still a savvy defender, but he can't guard both Davis and Wood simultaneously. Expect Darvin Ham to run plenty of pick-and-rolls with James and Davis, forcing Boston to make tough decisions on switches or help rotations.
One key matchup will be the point guard battle. D'Angelo Russell has been hot for the Lakers, averaging 20 points and 7 assists in his last five games, shooting 50% from three. He’ll be matched up against Jrue Holiday, one of the premier perimeter defenders in the league. Holiday's ability to disrupt Russell's rhythm and force turnovers could be a huge swing factor. The Celtics thrive on turning defense into offense, averaging 18 fast break points per game, good for third in the NBA.
A Look Back and a Hot Take
Their last meeting in Boston back in December was a classic, with the Celtics winning 122-119 in overtime. Tatum had 40 points, but Davis countered with 38 points and 16 rebounds. It was a back-and-forth affair that saw 15 lead changes. That game highlighted how evenly matched these teams are, despite their differing strengths. The Lakers did win the rebounding battle 50-42 in that contest, which is a stat they'll need to replicate at home.
My hot take for this game? The Celtics are a better team on paper, but the Lakers' desperation to secure home-court advantage in the West will fuel a performance that catches Boston off guard. They've been phenomenal at home this season, holding a 28-7 record at Crypto.com Arena.
The Prediction
This is going to be a tight one, but I think the Lakers' home crowd and Anthony Davis's continued MVP-level play give them the edge. They'll find a way to slow down Boston's three-point attack just enough. Expect a high-scoring affair that comes down to the wire.
Bold Prediction: The Lakers win by 5, with LeBron hitting a crucial late-game shot.