Not even for a moment did the Los Angeles Lakers wave the white flag against the New York Knicks, they were caught in a deficit for most of the night. But it ended up being an overtime thriller against the Big Apple. LeBron James and Luka Doncic both scored 30+ for a second straight game and the Lakers’ win streak is now up to eight games. For a moment, it did seem that would come to an end. However, that feeling is going nowhere as they go on the road. But they can’t live over it for long either. Up next is the rival Celtics, and in their den TD Garden. And as the two most successful teams come for a face-off, how can you not expect the stars to have a word on it?

The newly improved Purple and Gold’s schedule face their biggest rivals in history. Also happen to be the defending champions. The Shamrocks themselves are on a three-game winning streak sitting 2nd seed in the eastern conference. But is James concerned with the upcoming heavyweight clash? Probably not. As two of the most prolific teams in NBA history get ready for their 302nd regular season game, James is excited about the great teams the Lakers will face on their upcoming road trip.

“It’s the same. For us you know prepare and put our best foot forward no matter who we playing. Obviously Boston, defending champs. They are a f****** great team so waiting for that matchup, Brooklyn you know Milwaukee, Denver. A lot of good teams on this road trip so just put our best foot forward,” the Akron Hammer said after a challenging win against the Knicks.

The Lakers have an edge going into the contest. They beat a fully healthy Celtics by 21 points the first time they met this season. But not only was it at home, but back then they still had Anthony Davis, a defensive tank who helped tackle the Celtics’ size and dynamic talents. In the era of Luka Doncic so far, the results have been breathtaking.

However, as the team inches toward the postseason, every game becomes more and more important from a preparation standpoint. The Boston Celtics are looking to go back-to-back. The Lakers too are viewed as potential contenders who could demolish those dreams if the 18-time champions slip up even in the slightest.

The stakes are high and the game itself is packed with a long history and is another chapter to the NBA’s greatest rivalry. But for Jayson Tatum, it’s more than a blockbuster matchup. He’s excited to savor what’s left of his duel with LeBron James, who is getting close to the end of his career.

One of the last battles between LeBron James and Jayson Tatum

When Jayson Tatum came into the NBA, he didn’t have time to expand himself like other rookies. The Boston Celtics selected him, intending to deepen their core in their immoral chase for a championship. That season they came one series short of making it to the Finals. It was there and the only time Tatum got a taste of what the LeBron James postseason experience looks like.

Since then, the Celtics prospect has climbed the ranks and become one of the best players in this league. It has also led to some defining moments in his career. His 44-point explosion in 2022 or even his iconic poster against James as a rookie stand out. The next time they face will also be a game that settles the score.

Jayson Tatum has a 7-7 record against LeBron James in the regular season. But while there’s everything to play for, the Celtics’ keystone also admires the King. And he is looking forward to playing him in what could be one of the final matchups.

“I mean as much as we probably talk about LeBron, we probably don’t talk about him enough right? Being 40 in his 22nd season playing at All-NBA level is incredible, a testament to the work that he’s put into his game, to his body to stay at the best shape to be able to compete and perform at the highest level for you know over two decades… It’s a joy to be able to compete against him um you know in these matchups for however long we get to do it for,” said Tatum.

As fans, waiting for two days may seem long. But it’s also fitting given the gravity of this matchup. LeBron James and Luka Doncic have been thriving as a tandem. The Lakers have followed their electric energy and drastically improved their systematic play. On the other side, Joe Mazzulla is as much an intricate planner as JJ Redick. And although they fell short the first time, that’s all the more reason the reigning champions will be immersed in winning this game.

For the NBA fanatics, it could be a treat of a game. Tatum has been in great form over the last few games and so have his Celtics teammates. As for the Lakers, games against well-oiled teams help them measure their postseason viability.