As the TD Garden prepares to host the Celtics vs Lakers, Boston citizens have a headache — this Saturday, you might have to plan your route carefully because the traffic’s about to get wild! It’s not just another weekend on the road, but it’s the ultimate East vs West showdown! And no, it’s not a usual clash between both conferences but the two most successful teams of all time. It is Boston locking horns with LeBron and Luka Doncic’s LA. And their rivalry is pure NBA royalty. Well, rivals for generations, but the Celtics’ head coach referred to a major difference in the Lakers. Guess what?

After the Celtics’ 123-105 win over the 76ers on Thursday, when Joe Mazzulla stepped into the press conference, the obvious question popped up about their next game against the Lakers. The reporters were also curious to know the coach’s thoughts on how Doncic’s addition has changed the team’s dynamics. “I mean, obviously, you know that his ability to score,” Mazzulla said.

In the ten games he has played under JJ, the Slovenian has averaged 23.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.9 steals. Sure, we’re used to Doncic putting up some jaw-dropping numbers, but even the greats need time to adjust. And as they gear up, the Celtics will face the Lakers who will be in a new look, and it’s not just LeBron James’ shine at 40 we’re talking about. Now, they’ve got Luka Doncic in the squad. But how does that change things?

Mazzulla further added, “It looks like they’re playing with the level of joy that their offensive firepower also really good in defense. I think since the trade, they’re like number one in defense. So a well-balanced team, and it’s going to take a connected game on both ends of the floor.”

Doncic is still settling in on the defensive end, but HC JJ Redick has adjusted his tactics for the backcourt, as Anthony Davis’ absence has created a gap. And the rookie coach’s strategy seems to be working for the Lakers. While Mazzulla knows it won’t be easy to snatch a win from the new Lakers, his star player, Jayson Tatum, doesn’t even consider them rivals. But what did he say?

Jayson Tatum makes a bold statement about Luka Doncic’s Lakers

The Lakers and Celtics rivalry has been raging for decades. While the intensity of that rivalry may not be as apparent today, there was a time when it turned fierce and, at times, downright ugly. And everybody knows the legacy of this historic rivalry, but Tatum doesn’t buy into it anymore. But what justifications does he have to claim it?

“I obviously understand the history between the Lakers and Celtics. I would say, from my time in the league, like, I wouldn’t look at the Lakers as rivals,” Tatum boldly stated in the presser. But he didn’t imply that he doesn’t consider them competition. Rather, he highlighted, “We only play them twice. The team that we’ve played over and over again in the playoffs, Philly, would be one of them, and, you know, the other teams as well.”

Despite that, Tatum acknowledged the significance of the history and the legacy of the past. “But you respect and understand the history and all the guys that wore the Lakers and Celtics uniforms and what it means to the game of basketball in the NBA, and it’s an honor to be a part of that, for sure. So, you know, certainly, everybody’s looking forward to that matchup as they do, you know, every single year,” he added. The Lakers might not be rivals for Tatum, but he understands the level of competition and is just as excited to face them as everyone else.

The Celtics will meet Luka Doncic for the first time this season, as the 26-year-old couldn’t suit up with the Mavs earlier due to injury. One thing is for sure, both the Celtics and Doncic will feel the pressure from the 2024 NBA Finals. This matchup will be nothing short of it, though. So, brace yourselves as this game is bound to live up to the hype.