The rivalry between the Lakers and the Celtics has long been one of the most legendary in NBA history, but this weekend’s showdown has taken things to a new level. Saturday night’s game at TD Garden has officially become the most expensive home game in Boston Celtics history, with courtside seats soaring to an astonishing $23,112.

Even the least expensive tickets are going for $485, while the average price for a seat is an eye-popping $731.

These record-setting ticket prices highlight the importance of this matchup, as both teams enter the contest as the No. 2 seed in their respective conferences.

With the Lakers riding an eight-game winning streak and the Celtics continuing to dominate the Eastern Conference, anticipation for this game is at an all-time high.

For the first time since 1985, both the Celtics and Lakers are ranked in the top two of their conferences after playing at least 50 games. The Lakers currently hold a 40-21 record, making them the second seed in the West, while the Celtics sit at 45-18, securing the second spot in the East.

If history is any guide, this could be a preview of something much bigger. The last time these teams were in this position in 1985, they met in the NBA Finals, where the Lakers triumphed in six games, securing their first-ever Finals victory over the Celtics.

That series was a turning point in the rivalry, as Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar finally overcame Larry Bird and Boston’s dominance.

One major factor behind the skyrocketing ticket prices this time is the addition of Luka Doncic, whom the Lakers acquired from the Mavericks in a blockbuster trade last month. Since Doncic’s arrival, Los Angeles has gone 9-1 in games he has played, emerging as serious championship contenders alongside LeBron James.

This will be Luka’s first game against the Celtics since they defeated his Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals, adding even more intensity to an already heated matchup.

Doncic’s star power, combined with LeBron James continuing to play at an elite level at age 40, has made this game a must-watch event. Fans are eager to see two of the league’s biggest stars—LeBron and Luka—face off against Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in a high-stakes battle between two historic franchises.

While Lakers-Celtics games have always drawn attention, this one has reached unprecedented levels of demand. According to TickPick, it ranks as the seventh-most expensive regular-season game in NBA history.

The most surprising part?

The Lakers have been involved in all 10 of the most expensive NBA regular-season games ever recorded.

To put things in perspective, even the priciest game in NBA history—the Lakers vs. Jazz in 2016, when Kobe Bryant played his final game—had an average ticket price of $1,137. With Saturday’s game averaging $731 per ticket, it’s clear that fans are willing to pay a premium for what could be the most significant game of the season.

Both teams understand the weight of this matchup. The Lakers won the first meeting earlier this season, defeating the Celtics 117-96 at Crypto.com Arena on January 23. However, with Boston playing at home this time, the Celtics will be determined to make a statement and even the score.

With Luka Doncic and LeBron James leading the Lakers and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the Celtics, this game has all the makings of an instant classic. If these teams meet again in the NBA Finals, ticket prices could break even more records.

For now, those fortunate enough to attend Saturday’s game will witness history—not just on the court, but in their wallets as well.