Lakers’ Commanding Performance
Los Angeles controlled the game from the start, finishing the first quarter with a decisive 17-5 run and building a lead they would never relinquish. By the fourth quarter, the Lakers extended their advantage to 28 points, cruising to their second straight victory after a challenging stretch.
Key Performances
- Anthony Davis: The star forward led the scoring for the Lakers with 24 points, showcasing his dominance in the paint.
- Austin Reaves: With 23 points, Reaves continued his breakout season, providing a spark on both ends of the court.
- LeBron James: The 38-year-old superstar contributed 20 points and 14 rebounds, including passing NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon for seventh place on the all-time defensive rebounds list. James now has 9,720 career defensive rebounds.
The Lakers also benefited from Gabe Vincent’s contributions, as he tied his season high with four 3-pointers and finished with 12 points.
Team Stats
- The Lakers hit 11 3-pointers in the first half, tying their season high for a half, and finished the game shooting 15 of 35 from beyond the arc.
- Defensively, Los Angeles held the Celtics to just 96 points, capitalizing on Boston’s fatigue from a demanding schedule.
Celtics Struggle After a Tough Schedule
The Celtics, playing their third game in four days, struggled to keep up with the Lakers’ energy. Kristaps Porzingis led Boston with 22 points, while Jaylen Brown added 17.
- Jayson Tatum, also selected as an All-Star, finished with 16 points but was unable to match his usual offensive impact.
- Boston was coming off a hard-fought 117-113 overtime win against the Clippers the night before, which may have contributed to their lackluster performance.
Highlight Moments
One of the game’s defining moments came late in the first quarter when LeBron James drove past Luke Kornet and Sam Hauser for a thunderous dunk. The basket capped off the Lakers’ dominant 17-5 run, giving them a comfortable 34-23 lead to end the quarter.
Bronny James Gets Playing Time
Bronny James, LeBron’s son, appeared in his second consecutive game. He played four minutes and attempted one shot, continuing to gain valuable experience in his rookie season.
Looking Ahead
Both teams will return to action on Saturday:
- Celtics: Boston travels to Dallas to face the Mavericks, looking to rebound after the loss.
- Lakers: Los Angeles begins a challenging six-game road trip against the Golden State Warriors, aiming to build on their momentum.
The Lakers’ decisive win over the Celtics showcased their ability to dominate on both ends of the floor. With LeBron James reaching another career milestone, Anthony Davis leading the charge, and role players stepping up, the Lakers appear poised to make a strong push as they embark on a tough road trip. Meanwhile, the Celtics will look to regroup and recharge as they continue their grueling schedule.
