Los Angeles, January 23, 2025 – The Los Angeles Lakers showcased their most dominant performance of the season, defeating their fierce rivals, the Boston Celtics, 117-96 at Crypto.com Arena. This commanding win not only bolstered the Lakers’ confidence but also sent a strong message across the league about their potential.
Despite Boston’s recent championship glory and their 18-17 edge in titles over the Lakers, Thursday night belonged to Los Angeles. The Lakers’ aggressive three-point shooting and rediscovered defensive toughness helped them establish control early and maintain it throughout the game.
Key Performers
The Lakers’ star trio—LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves—combined for an impressive 67 points. Contributions from the bench were equally significant, with Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht adding 12 and 13 points, respectively, including a series of clutch three-pointers.
“We executed our game plan for the full 48 minutes,” said LeBron James. “To compete with a team like Boston, you have to embrace being uncomfortable, and tonight we did just that.”
Boston struggled to find their rhythm, shooting only 37.8% from the field and 32.5% from beyond the arc. The Celtics’ star Kristaps Porziņģis led his team with 22 points, but it wasn’t enough to challenge the Lakers’ momentum.
A Championship Mindset
Lakers coach JJ Redick praised his team’s focus and effort. “Boston’s the defending champion; they can dominate in so many ways. But tonight, our guys respected the challenge and delivered,” Redick said.
The game also reignited conversations about roster adjustments, especially following Anthony Davis’ comments earlier this week. Davis expressed his desire for the Lakers to acquire another center, allowing him to play at his preferred power forward position.
“We need another big,” Davis said. “I’ve always been at my best playing as a [power forward].” Both Davis and LeBron have emphasized the importance of bolstering the roster ahead of the February trade deadline.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers (24-18) are set to embark on a challenging six-game road trip during the Grammy Awards week, facing teams like the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and New York Knicks. Despite their struggles on the road this season, this victory against Boston could serve as a confidence booster.
Anthony Davis summed up the team’s mindset: “Whether or not changes happen, our focus remains on competing with the players in this locker room. Our goal is always to have a championship mindset.”
As the Lakers aim to secure their 18th championship, performances like this against top-tier opponents will play a critical role in building belief both on and off the court.
The Los Angeles Lakers secured a decisive 117-96 victory over the Boston Celtics on January 23, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Performance Highlights:
- Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks. NBA
- Austin Reaves contributed 23 points and 6 assists. NBA
- LeBron James added a double-double with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists. NBA
The Lakers’ defense was formidable, limiting the Celtics to a 38.5% shooting percentage from the field.
This victory is significant for the Lakers, as it not only boosts their confidence but also strengthens their position in the Western Conference standings. Historically, the Celtics lead the regular-season series with 166 wins to the Lakers’ 135.
For a visual recap of the game, you can watch the full game highlights here:
