The Boston Celtics are coming off a dominant 123-105 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers as they prepare for a marquee showdown against the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Boston star Jayson Tatum took a moment to reflect on James’ remarkable NBA longevity and sustained excellence.
Following his 35-point performance in just 31 minutes against Philadelphia, Tatum was asked about facing the Lakers and didn’t hesitate to praise the four-time NBA champion.
“I mean, as much as we probably talk about LeBron, we probably don’t talk about him enough,” Tatum said. “Being 40 in his 22nd season and playing at an All-NBA level is incredible. It’s a testament to the work that he’s put into his game, to his body, to stay in the best shape and be able to compete and perform at the highest level for over two decades now.”
Tatum added that James’ career is a blueprint for longevity and success — one any aspiring athlete should aim to follow. “It’s something we should all strive to do, even if it might be unlikely,” Tatum continued. “But it’s a joy to be able to compete against him in these matchups for however long we get to do it for.”
Tatum on the Celtics-Lakers rivalry
Tatum also acknowledged the historical significance of the upcoming matchup, emphasizing the deep-rooted rivalry that has defined the NBA for generations — from the Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson era to today’s stars like Luka Doncic and Tatum himself.
“You respect and understand the history and all the guys that wore the Lakers and Celtics uniform and what it means to the game of basketball and the NBA,” Tatum said. “It’s an honor to be a part of that. I’m certain everybody is looking forward to that matchup as they do every single year.”
Historic Celtics-Lakers showdowns
The Celtics-Lakers rivalry has produced some of the most iconic moments in NBA history. One of the most memorable clashes came in the 1984 NBA Finals when Larry Bird’s Celtics battled Magic Johnson’s Lakers in a grueling seven-game series. Boston emerged victorious, sealing the championship in Game 7 at the Boston Garden — a series that further intensified the rivalry.
The Lakers responded in the 1985 NBA Finals, where Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s brilliance and Magic Johnson’s leadership powered Los Angeles to their first-ever Finals victory over Boston. The Lakers closed out the series in Game 6 at Boston Garden, a landmark win that shifted the balance of power.
In more recent history, the 2008 NBA Finals reignited the rivalry when the Celtics’ Big Three — Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen — dominated Kobe Bryant’s Lakers in six games, punctuated by a commanding 131-92 win in the clinching Game 6. The rivalry reached new heights again in 2010, when Bryant delivered a masterful performance to lead the Lakers to a seven-game triumph and claim his fifth NBA championship.