Los Angeles Lakers v Boston Celtics: top two collide
Los Angeles Lakers meet Boston Celtics at crypto.com Arena, Friday 2:00pm (NBA). First plays second: the top two on the ladder go head to head.
The big picture
Los Angeles Lakers come in 1st on the ladder; Boston Celtics are 2nd. Only a couple of spots separate them, so there is plenty riding on it.
Los Angeles Lakers are 8–2 in NBA 2026-27, averaging 122 points for and 114.3 against.
Boston Celtics are 7–2 in NBA 2026-27, averaging 114.8 points for and 105.1 against.
Form
Los Angeles Lakers have won four of their last five and most recently beat Portland Trail Blazers 124–118.
Boston Celtics have won four of their last five and most recently beat Charlotte Hornets 119–80.
Los Angeles Lakers arrive on a 4-game winning streak.
Head to head
These sides have met 63 times on our records since 2002: Los Angeles Lakers 31, Boston Celtics 32.
Last time out (2025-26), Boston Celtics won 111–89 at crypto.com Arena.
Boston Celtics have won the last three against Los Angeles Lakers.
Biggest margin between these two: Boston Celtics by 39 points in 2007-08 (131–92).
Players to watch
For Los Angeles Lakers, watch Luka Doncic (40.1 points a game, 70 rebounds in 2026-27) and Austin Reaves (23.5 points a game, 32 rebounds in 2026-27).
For Boston Celtics, watch Jayson Tatum (27.9 points a game, 50 rebounds in 2026-27) and Paul George (19.6 points a game, 44 rebounds in 2026-27).
At crypto.com Arena
Los Angeles Lakers have won 17 of their last 22 at crypto.com Arena.
The deeper numbers
Boston Celtics are NBA's best first-quarter side in 2026-27: +6.8 points a game in first quarters.
Los Angeles Lakers are NBA's best third-quarter side in 2026-27: +7.1 points a game in third quarters.
What the numbers say
On form, ladder and history, Los Angeles Lakers have the edge.
Written automatically from Lineball's own match and player database. Not betting advice.
