The Lakers vs Celtics rivalry delivered drama once again on Sunday, but not the kind Los Angeles wanted.
The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a heavy 111-89 defeat to the Boston Celtics at Crypto.com Arena, turning what was meant to be a celebration of franchise legend Pat Riley into an uncomfortable reality check.
The game took place in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon, during a halftime ceremony honouring Riley’s legacy.
Instead of glory, the Lakers endured a 22-point embarrassment that raised serious questions about their defence and mentality.
For British NBA fans following one of sport’s greatest rivalries, this wasn’t just another regular-season clash. It was a symbolic statement game, and Boston delivered it emphatically.
Why Did Lakers vs Celtics Feel Bigger Than a Regular-Season Game?
Riley even declared before tip-off: “The time has come to kick some Boston ass.”
But the script flipped. Instead of a nostalgic triumph, Boston dominated from the second quarter onwards.
By the fourth quarter, chants of “Let’s go Celtics!” echoed around the arena in Los Angeles.
For UK viewers staying up late to watch via TNT Sports and NBA League Pass, it felt like witnessing a cultural shift rather than just a loss.
How Did the Celtics Outclass the Lakers?
The numbers tell a clear story.
| Key Stat | Celtics | Lakers |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 111 | 89 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 41 | 31 |
| Jaylen Brown Points | 32 | — |
| Payton Pritchard Points | 30 | — |
| Largest Lead | 24+ | — |
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Boston’s defensive structure disrupted LA’s rhythm early. They rotated quickly, switched aggressively, and hunted mismatches.
Jaylen Brown Set the Tone
Jaylen Brown scored 32 points and came close to a triple-double. He attacked switches relentlessly and exposed smaller defenders inside.
He didn’t just score, he controlled tempo.
Payton Pritchard Delivered a Shooting Clinic
Payton Pritchard hit six three-pointers and added 30 points. Each basket drained momentum from the home side.
Lakers coach JJ Redick admitted after the game: “Pritchard made a lot of them tonight. He played a great game.”
Did Defence Cost the Lakers the Game?
Yes. The Lakers were slow on rotations and soft on closeouts. They allowed Boston to dictate matchups.
Luka Dončić finished with a team-worst minus-21 when on the floor. Boston repeatedly forced him into isolation defence and capitalised.
After the match, Dončić said, “They were physical. We have to match their physicality on the defensive end.”
Meanwhile, LeBron James admitted: “We’ve got a lot of room to grow.”
For a team with championship ambitions, that statement carries weight.
What Does This Mean for the Lakers’ Title Hopes?
The Lakers entered the 2025–26 season as contenders after assembling a roster built around LeBron and Dončić. However, Sunday exposed a familiar weakness: defence under pressure.
Against elite Eastern Conference sides, defensive lapses become fatal.
Boston showed what a complete unit looks like, physical defence, efficient perimeter shooting, and tactical clarity.
If Los Angeles cannot fix its defensive structure before the playoffs, teams will target the same vulnerabilities.
Lakers vs Celtics Still Matter in 2026?
The Lakers vs Celtics rivalry remains the NBA’s most storied clash, with 17 championships each entering this season.
But legacy does not win games. Boston walked into LA during a ceremony celebrating the 1980s dominance, and controlled every modern possession.
The contrast felt sharp. One team celebrated history. The other built it.
