Lakers Stars Questionable for Thursday's Celtics Clash

In their first meeting this season, the Celtics bested the Lakers 126-115 in a Christmas contest showcasing the NBA's most iconic rivalry.

In a Christmas clash showcasing the NBA's most iconic rivalry, the Boston Celtics earned a 126-115 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Tinseltown. At the center of it was a selfless approach from Jayson Tatum that exemplified his team's maturation.

The now five-time All-Star undoubtedly wanted to seize the spotlight as he debuted his second Jordan signature sneaker on the marquee date on the NBA's regular season calendar in a battle between the Celtics and Lakers set in the arena his childhood idol, Kobe Bryant, starred.

But that wasn't meant to be.

Unfazed, Tatum fueled Boston's offense with his facilitating and screening, setting up his teammates to shine brightest. The three-time All-NBA selection finished with seven assists. He created 18 points with his passing. He also registered four screen assists, leading to ten points off his picks. Both were game-highs.

Since then, the Celtics have remained a freight train, plowing their way to an NBA-leading 37-11 record. Conversely, the purple and gold are 24-25 and ninth in the Western Conference.

As the two teams prepare for Thursday's rematch at TD Garden, Los Angeles lists Lebron James (left ankle peroneal tendinopathy) and Anthony Davis (bilateral Achilles tendinopathy) as questionable for the contest. Cam Reddish (right ankle sprain) is out.

As for the hosts, after missing the last two games due to left hamstring tightness, Boston lists Luke Kornet as questionable for Thursday's matchup.

Further Reading

Celtics' Fending Off Pacers' Second-Half Surge Reflects Their Determination to 'Fight Through Everything'

Derrick White Opens Up About Shooting Slump After Propelling Celtics Past Pelicans: 'Don't Feel Sorry for Yourself'

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Top Heat in One of Their Best Performances This Season

Celtics Finding Joy in Basketball and Each Other's Company: 'We've Been Blessed'

Fixated on Winning, Jayson Tatum Again Proves He's Not 'Bored Making the Right Play Over and Over'

Brad Stevens Shares What Celtics Are Looking to Add and How He Hopes to Do So

Derrick White Opens Up About Journey from Uncertainty He Belonged in the NBA to an All-Star Caliber Guard

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'

Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'