LAKERS vs. CELTICS

The greatest rivalry in sports just got a seismic upgrade. With Luka Dončić now donning the purple and gold, the Lakers are armed and dangerous in their quest to tie the Celtics at 18 championships. But Boston isn't backing down from their throne.

Let's be real, Lakers Nation: we've been living in the shadow of Boston's 18th banner for too long. Since they hoisted that trophy in 2024, the Celtics hold an 18-17 edge over the Lakers in NBA titles, with nine of Boston's titles coming over the Lakers as they hold a 9-3 advantage in the 12 NBA Finals matchups. That one-championship gap has been eating at every Lakers fan's soul, and rightfully so.

But here's the thing: 2025 feels different. It feels like our year.

On February 1st, 2025, everything changed. Luka Dončić was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis in a three-team deal facilitated by the Utah Jazz. It was the first time in National Basketball Association (NBA) history that two reigning All-NBA Team players were traded for each other midseason.

This wasn't just a trade—it was a declaration of war.

Think about it: we now have a 40-year-old LeBron James who's still elite, paired with a 26-year-old Luka who brings historic offensive numbers. Luka Doncic and LeBron James are two of the only three players in NBA history with career averages of at least 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists per game. The other is Oscar Robertson. That's elite company, and now they're on the same team, wearing our colors.

The rivalry got its first real test of the new era when the teams met during NBA Rivals Week. For the first time in 40 years, both teams enter a regular-season matchup at least 50 games into the season ranked among the top two of their respective conferences. The stage was set for fireworks.

The Los Angeles Lakers saw their eight-game winning streak come to an end in a 111-101 loss to the Boston Celtics. Sure, we lost, but let's talk about what we saw:

• ⚡ Luka delivered: 34 points and 8 rebounds
• ⚡ Tatum responded: 40 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists
• ⚡ The intensity was real: Both stars exchanged words and smiles

Here's why Lakers fans should be optimistic about tying the championship count:

The Dynamic Duo is Clicking

The Lakers struck a deal to acquire Doncic at midseason, and he meshed well with the team's existing stars in James and Austin Reaves. Austin Reaves has stepped up huge as the third piece, increasing his scoring average to 20.2 points per game along with 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists per contest.

Defense Wins Championships

Here's what might surprise you: the Lakers have actually become a better defensive team since acquiring Doncic, rising to the top 10 in points allowed per game. Their lockdown defense fueled an eight-game win streak with a league-leading 107.1 defensive rating in that span.

The X-Factors

With Rui Hachimura shooting over 41% from three and Dorian Finney-Smith providing defensive stability off the bench, the Lakers have the depth to make serious noise in the playoffs.

The Lakers and Celtics don't face each other again in the regular season, which means any future matchup this year would be in the NBA Finals.

Can you imagine it? Lakers vs. Celtics in the Finals, with championship #18 on the line for both teams. LeBron and Luka versus Tatum and Brown. Purple and gold against green and white. The basketball gods would be smiling.

This Lakers team has the talent, the motivation, and the opportunity to tie the most important number in franchise history. The question isn't whether this rivalry is still relevant—it's whether you're ready to watch the Lakers reclaim their rightful place atop the NBA mountain.

Banner 18 is calling, Lakers Nation. Are you ready to answer?