The GOAT LeBron James vs. the reigning champions! A fierce rivalry that began in the 60s is still going strong. The two most successful franchises in the NBA will clash on Thursday. Though both teams have faced significant losses this season, we still expect to see some competition. The Boston Celtics are heading to Crypto.com Arena to take on the Los Angeles Lakers. But there might be some bad news for the Lakers fans.

The Lakers will fight for that home-court edge, but with the Celtics rolling on the road lately, it looks like they’re set to extend their streak. The Celtics have really been showing out this season. With an average of 117.7 points per game, they’re way ahead of the Lakers’ 111.2, which already gives them a solid advantage. But here’s where it gets even more interesting: Boston’s three-point shooting is on fire, hitting 36.3% from beyond the arc, while the Lakers come in a bit behind at 35.2%.

You’d want King James and star Anthony Davis to be fully healthy if they want to pull off a win. Their status for this matchup was just announced. Bron is probable for Thursday’s game against the Celtics despite dealing with a left foot issue, as reported by Jovan Buha, Lakers beat writer for The Athletic. This injury has been troubling Bron throughout the season, but it looks like it won’t stop him from suiting up on Thursday.

Dealing with right calf soreness, Anthony Davis‘ status is also probable for Thursday against the Celtics as reported by Buha. The injury hasn’t slowed him down much, though. Over his last nine games, he’s been on fire, putting up a double-double in each one. He’s averaging 25.6 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks during that stretch. Even with this calf issue, AD’s numbers are looking solid.

Now, just these stars, even Jalen Hood-Schifion, is sitting out the matchup against Boston owing to a left hamstring injury. It’s unclear when he’ll return to the Lakers’ lineup since he’s still rehabbing his strained hamstring. The earliest he could play is Saturday against the Warriors, but there’s no guarantee yet.

Meanwhile, Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) won’t be suiting up for Thursday’s game either. However, he’s been cleared to make his long-awaited season debut on Saturday against the Warriors. He’s been out for the first 42 games after undergoing surgeries in May for a right midfoot sprain and a left foot bone spur.

Christian Wood is also out for this matchup. Wood’s been sidelined all season, recovering from knee surgery in September. Looks like we’ll have to keep waiting for any updates on him.

Though such an injury report is definitely worrying for the Lakers fans, it is to be seen if the home game will be the lucky charm for them. Let us now take a look at the depth chart of the Lakers for this matchup.

Can the LeBron James and Co. pull off a win at their home?

The Celtics are coming in hot with the better record and an offense that’s averaging a solid 117.7 points per game. Meanwhile, the Lakers aren’t too far behind, putting up 111.2 points per game. But here’s the thing – Jayson Tatum is on fire, averaging 27.5 points a game, and he’s going to be a major factor in Boston’s chances. Will the available Lakers stars be able to edge past the Celtics?

And looking at the aforementioned question, it is crucial we also look at the Lakers depth chart.

That said, don’t sleep on the Lakers. They’ve been finding their groove, especially after a dominant win over the Wizards. That has got to give us some faith, right? Let us know what you think in the comments.