Jayson Tatum Remarks on Lakers Rivalry Before Celtics Matchup

As the Boston Celtics prepare to face the Los Angeles Lakers on March 8, the historic rivalry between the two franchises is reignited, despite Jayson Tatum's comments downplaying the Lakers as rivals. Tatum stated that, while he respects the legacy of the matchup, he views rivals as teams faced repeatedly in playoffs, pointing to the Philadelphia 76ers as a more significant competitor. The Celtics recently achieved a 123-105 victory over the 76ers, and Tatum praised LeBron James for his impressive performance in his 22nd season, acknowledging the challenge he poses. The addition of Luka Doncic to the Lakers adds another layer of complexity to the matchup, which Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged in his comments about the Lakers' improved dynamics. Both teams boast a rich history, with the Celtics holding 18 championships to the Lakers' 17, making every encounter a must-watch event. Despite Tatum's perspective, the cultural significance of the Celtics-Lakers rivalry remains a focal point for fans and analysts alike.