POTW: The ultimate showdown: Lakers vs Celtics

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POTW: The ultimate showdown: Lakers vs Celtics

Illustration by Gabriella Denney.

Hayden Braun, Contributing Writer

The upcoming matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers on Jan. 23 will be highly competitive. 

The Celtics have been dominant this season with a 28-11 record, sitting No. 2 in the Eastern Conference. Celtics forward Jayson Tatum leads the team with an outstanding 28.1 points per game and 9.4 rebounds according to ESPN, while Celtics guard Jaylen Brown holds 23.8 points per game, according to ESPN

Boston’s offense is ranked No. 5 in the league, averaging 118 points per game, according to Fox Sports. Defensively, they rank No. 6, allowing just 108.7 points per game, according to Fox Sports.

The Lakers have faced inconsistency and league-average performance this season. They sit at a 20-17 record and are No. 7 in the Western Conference. The unavailability of star role players, like forward LeBron James and center Anthony Davis due to injury, has been a key factor in the Lakers’ performance this season. The Lakers’ success relies on their role players, which has created inconsistency in both offensive and defensive output. The Lakers’ supporting cast has had some moments this season, but they have yet to find consistent secondary contributors. 

James is averaging 23.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game, according to ESPN. While Davis contributes 25.9 points and 11.9 rebounds, according to ESPN

However, the Lakers’ defense has struggled, ranking No. 20 in the league in points allowed with 114.3 points per game, according to Fox Sports

The Celtics’ superior overall performance and more balanced play on both sides of the ball look to have the Celtics favored in this exciting matchup.

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