Jayson Tatum hypes Celtics and Lakers rivalry ahead of Saturday’s big game.
Jayson Tatum is aware that many will be watching Saturday’s showdown between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers.
Tatum shared his thoughts after the Celtics’ 123-105 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. He led Boston with 35 points, shooting 14-of-23 from the field and 5-of-11 from three-point range.
With him and Jaylen Brown leading the Celtics while LeBron James and Luka Doncic headline the Lakers, Tatum understands the hype around the game.
“It’s gonna be a fun one, man. ABC. Celtics vs. Lakers. It’s what the fans want to see,” Tatum said.
Jayson Tatum: “It’s gonna be a fun one, man. ABC. Celtics vs. Lakers. It’s what the fans want to see.”
Jared Greenberg: “Well, thanks for that promo on TNT. Appreciate it.”
Kevin Harlan: “Come on. What’s going on? Hey, you can’t do that.”
How Jayson Tatum, Celtics match up against Lakers
The previous meeting between Jayson Tatum’s Celtics and the Lakers ended in a 117-96 blowout loss on Jan. 23.
Although it was an away game, Boston struggled with their shooting, finishing 38% from the field and 34% from three-point range. The Lakers, however, shot 47% overall and 43% from beyond the arc.
Tatum recorded 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists that night. Kristaps Porzingis led Boston with 22 points and seven rebounds, while Jaylen Brown added 17 points and eight rebounds.
Defensively, the Celtics couldn’t stop the Lakers’ offense, allowing six players to score in double digits. LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Anthony Davis combined for 67 points.
With Luka Doncic replacing Davis on the Lakers roster, Boston will need to adjust its defense. James and Doncic will challenge the Celtics with their elite scoring and playmaking, making defense the key to victory.
The Celtics vs. Lakers game will tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.
Richard Pereira became an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints in January 2025. He graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 2023 and had the special chance to cover the men’s basketball team’s journey to the Final Four in Houston.
