Lakers News: Darvin Ham Views Celtics Christmas Clash As Measuring Stick Game
Today at 2 p.m. PT, your 16-14 Los Angeles Lakers -- the ninth seed in the Western Conference, will play host to their biggest historical rival in the NBA -- the 22-6 Boston Celtics -- currently the East's top seed. The two clubs have squared off a whopping 12 times in the NBA Finals, more than any other two franchises.
Both clubs boast at least two All-Stars this season (if everyone stays healthy), and Boston may even have a third and fourth in Jrue Holiday (a 2023 inclusion while with the Milwaukee Bucks) and the upstart Derrick White.
Los Angeles head coach Darvin Ham certainly seems to be honoring the moment. He relayed as much prior to the matchup, per Khobi Price of The Orange County Register.
“They’re one of the teams that’s at the top of the food chain in our league,” Ham said. “A team that’s definitely a championship contender. We get a chance to see where we are. You don’t have to have a Knute Rockne speech for this one. It’s a classic Lakers-Celtics game. Both teams are playing – for the most part of the year – playing at a high level. It’ll be a great chance to see where we are against the best of the best in terms of competition.”
LA's two All-Stars, point forward LeBron James and center Anthony Davis, are merely questionable to play as they grapple with ongoing maladies. Boston's much younger incumbent All-Stars, small forward Jaylen Brown and power forward Jayson Tatum, are expected to suit up.
