Lakers seek third straight win vs Celtics
The Lakers will renew their iconic rivalry with the Boston Celtics Sunday evening in Los Angeles. The LakeShow is seeking its third straight win, while the Celtics are continuing their west coast road trip.
The GREATEST rivalry in the NBA 🍿
BEAT BOSTON 😈 pic.twitter.com/jucRaMn7BR
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) February 22, 2026
Here are the keys to a victory for the Lakers tonight.
Continue to Build an Offensive Rhythm
The Lakers were nearly perfect offensively in their return from the All-Star break against the Clippers. In fact, they had the most efficient quarter of any team the entire season in the first quarter of that game.
With the big three and supporting cast fully healthy, it is important that LA builds upon its previous performance. It won’t be easy, though, as they are facing a Celtics defense that allows the second fewest points per game.
Guarding Jaylen Brown
With Jayson Tatum out due to injury, Jaylen Brown has taken over as the Celtics #1 option. Brown has taken full advantage of the opportunity, averaging over 29 points per game to go along with seven rebounds and just shy of five assists.
The Lakers will have to give him a lot of attention when he has the ball, and if possible, make him a passer more than a scorer. Letting Brown get off to one of his hot first-quarter starts is a recipe for trouble.
Win the Turnover Battle
The Celtics are elite when it comes to taking care of the basketball. They turn the ball over just 11 times a game, which is the fewest in the league. The Lakers, meanwhile, rank in the bottom ten in that category.
However, both teams are in the bottom half of the league’s ranks in terms of forcing turnovers. If the Lakers can be the ones to create turnovers and get out on the fastbreak, where they excel, they can open up the game and control the pace.
Wrap Up
Tip-off for this marquee matchup is set for 3:30 PM on NBC. A win tonight for the Lakers would move them into the four seed, while a loss and a Wolves win could send them down to the six seed.
The Lakers will have just one game remaining on their 8-game homestand after tonight.
