Honestly, if you grew up watching basketball, you know the deal. There are rivalries, and then there is basketball lakers vs celtics. It’s the kind of match-up that makes your dad stop channel surfing and actually sit down. Even now, in 2026, with the league looking totally different than it did five years ago, this specific pairing feels like the only thing that actually stays the same.
It’s the green vs. the purple and gold. East Coast vs. West Coast. 18 banners vs. 17.
Most people think this rivalry is just about the 80s—Bird and Magic trading blows like heavyweights. But that’s a narrow way to look at it. The tension is baked into the floorboards of the TD Garden and the Crypto.com Arena. Just look at the most recent clash on December 5, 2025. Boston absolutely dismantled LA 126-105. Jaylen Brown went off for 30 points, and the Celtics hit 24 three-pointers. It wasn't even close, yet social media was a war zone for 48 hours afterward.
That’s the thing. Even a blowout feels like a statement of historical dominance.
The Numbers That Actually Matter (And Who’s Winning)
Let’s get the math out of the way because, in this feud, stats are weapons. As of early 2026, the Boston Celtics hold the edge in the all-time series with 211 wins to the Lakers' 166. That’s a gap that bothers Lakers fans more than they’d like to admit.
When it comes to championships, the Celtics finally broke the tie in 2024. They’ve got 18 rings now. The Lakers are sitting on 17. If you’re a Lakers fan, you probably count the 2020 bubble title as the equalizer, but Boston fans will remind you every five seconds that 18 is a bigger number than 17.
- Boston: 18 Championships
- Los Angeles: 17 Championships
The postseason history is even more lopsided. They’ve met in the NBA Finals 12 times. Boston won nine of those. Nine! Jerry West, "The Logo" himself, had to endure loss after loss to Bill Russell’s Celtics in the 60s. He once averaged 33 points a game across 38 Finals fixtures against them and still didn't get a ring until 1972 against the Knicks.
Talk about a heartbreak.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Modern Era
You’ll hear casual fans say the rivalry died when Kobe retired. Or when LeBron got older. That’s just not true. The 2025-2026 season has added some weird, fascinating layers.
Take the February 2025 trade. The Lakers moved Anthony Davis and somehow landed Luka Dončić. It was a move that shook the league’s foundation. Now, you have Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown—the "Jays" who finally proved they could win it all—staring down a Lakers squad led by LeBron James and Luka.
It’s a different kind of chess match now.
In that December 2025 game, LeBron was actually out with sciatica and foot issues. He’s 41. He’s human. But the drama didn't stop. Austin Reaves stepped up and dropped 36 points, trying to carry the load. It didn't work because Boston’s depth is just terrifying right now. Jordan Walsh—a name many didn't expect to be a factor—even chipped in 17 points for the C's.
Even when the stars are nursing injuries, the intensity doesn't dip. You've got Bronny James making his TD Garden debut, scoring five points while his dad watches from the bench in street clothes. The narrative never stops.
The Luka Factor in LA
Luka in a Lakers jersey feels wrong to some, but it fits the franchise's "Showtime" DNA perfectly. He’s the modern-day version of the high-IQ, flashy playmaker that the Lakers have always craved. When he faces Boston, it’s not just a game; it’s a test of whether the Lakers' superstar-first philosophy can still beat Boston’s "system and depth" approach.
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Why the 1960s Still Haunted the 1980s (and Today)
We can't talk about basketball lakers vs celtics without acknowledging the 60s. It’s the root of the "Lakers can't beat Boston" complex. Red Auerbach used to light those victory cigars right in the Lakers' faces.
- 1959: Celtics sweep Minneapolis Lakers 4-0.
- 1962: A brutal 7-game series. Boston wins.
- 1966: Another 7-game heartbreaker for LA.
The Lakers didn't actually beat Boston in a Finals series until 1985. Think about that. For over 20 years, the Lakers were the "little brother" in terms of championships. That’s why the 1984 Finals loss felt so catastrophic for Magic Johnson. He was "Tragic Magic" for a summer because the weight of that history was so heavy.
When they finally won in '85 and '87, it wasn't just about those specific years. It was about exorcising 20 years of demons.
Actionable Insights for the Next Matchup
If you’re looking to bet on or just analyze the next game on February 21, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena, keep these three things in mind.
First, look at the three-point volume. Boston lives and dies by the arc. In their 126-105 win last December, they shot a season-high 24 threes. If the Lakers can't run them off the line, it’s over.
Second, check the injury report for LeBron and Luka. The Lakers without their primary initiators are basically a lottery team, as evidenced by that 21-point loss.
Third, watch the transition game. The Celtics’ "identity," as Lakers coach JJ Redick put it, is their ability to punish you for every mistake. They had 31 assists in their last meeting. They don't just beat you; they move the ball until you’re exhausted.
Don't Fall for the "It's Just Another Game" Quote
Players say it all the time. "It's just 1 of 82."
They’re lying.
When Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum walks into the arena against LA, they know the history. They know that a win against the Lakers means more to the city of Boston than a win against the Hornets or the Magic.
The rivalry is alive because the fans won't let it die. And honestly? The NBA is better for it.
Next Steps for the Die-Hards:
Check the standings as we approach the February 22 clash. If the Lakers are still hovering around the 5th or 6th seed while Boston leads the East, expect LA to play with a desperate "nothing to lose" energy. Also, keep an eye on the Bronny James minutes—if the game gets out of hand again, he'll likely see more floor time, which is always a polarizing talking point for the fans.