When The Pursuit of Destiny Collides With Respectability: The State of the Celtics-Lakers Rivalry Now

Boston, losers of three straight, still have the league's best record and visions of winning an NBA title. The Lakers, their longtime rival, are just hoping to play their way into the playoffs.

BOSTON – Regardless of the records, there’s always a different kind of buzz whenever the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers get together. 

Despite losing their last three games, the Boston Celtics (35-15) still have the best record in the NBA and are on just about everyone’s short-list of NBA title contenders. 

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers (23-26) have played .500 basketball (5-5) over the last 10 games, and are now just two games behind the NBA champion Golden State Warriors who currently have the seventh-best record in the Western Conference. 

 “It’s gonna be a good game, two really good teams going at it,” Boston’s Malcolm Brogdon told reporters at the team’s practice facility Saturday morning.

As much as the focus will be on who will win, there’s always a heightened level of “who to watch” when these historical basketball powers fare off against one another.