Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Sends 3 Words to Luka Doncic After Lakers Debut
The Celtics’ Dominance and the Luka Doncic Lakers Era Begins
Boston Celtics Cruise to Victory Over Miami Heat
The Boston Celtics secured a decisive 103-85 victory over their Eastern Conference rivals, the Miami Heat. While the game started off slowly for the Celtics, with only 18 points scored in the first quarter, they quickly turned things around. Dominating the second and third quarters, Boston left no room for Miami to mount a comeback. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Celtics had made a strong statement about their continued dominance in the East.
All Eyes on Luka Doncic’s Lakers Debut
Despite the Celtics’ impressive performance, the basketball world quickly shifted focus to Luka Doncic, who was making his highly anticipated debut with the Los Angeles Lakers. The buzz surrounding Doncic’s move to L.A. had been immense, with fans and analysts eager to see how he would fit in with the historic franchise.
During the post-game interviews, Celtics star Jayson Tatum was asked about Doncic’s arrival in Los Angeles. However, rather than engaging in the discussion, Tatum offered a response that seemed to subtly dismiss the topic.
Jayson Tatum’s Subtle Jab at the Lakers
When asked about Doncic becoming a Laker, Tatum responded with a remark that many interpreted as a passive-aggressive dig at his long-time rivals.
“A lot of kids watch the Celtics play…I’m not a little kid anymore, so I don’t really watch the Lakers play. I’m a big Celtics fan.”
Tatum’s words, while seemingly innocent, carried an underlying tone that reflected the deep-rooted Celtics-Lakers rivalry. His reluctance to discuss the Lakers emphasized his commitment to Boston and distanced him from any previous admiration he had for the franchise.
Tatum’s Past Love for the Lakers and Kobe Bryant
Tatum’s response came as a surprise to some, given his well-documented admiration for Kobe Bryant and the Lakers growing up. He has spoken openly about how Bryant inspired him to play basketball and how he modeled parts of his game after the Lakers legend.
“My favorite team was the Lakers. Kobe Bryant was the reason I started playing basketball. He always was and will be my favorite player of all time,” Tatum once shared passionately.
However, as the face of the Celtics franchise, it’s understandable why he chose not to express those sentiments at this moment. The historic rivalry between Boston and Los Angeles is one of the most intense in all of sports, and acknowledging any lingering admiration for the Lakers could be seen as a betrayal to his current team and fanbase.
Celtics-Lakers Rivalry Remains Fierce
The Celtics and Lakers have a long-standing rivalry that has defined generations of NBA basketball. With Boston’s recent championship win over Doncic’s former team, the Dallas Mavericks, tensions between the two franchises are set to reach new heights.
Boston defeated Dallas in just five games in the 2024 NBA Finals, with Jaylen Brown earning Finals MVP honors. The Celtics dominated Doncic and the Mavericks, further solidifying their status as the league’s top team.
As fate would have it, Boston and Los Angeles already faced off once this season, with the Lakers securing a victory in late January. The next meeting between these two powerhouses is set for March 8 at TD Garden, where Doncic will make his highly anticipated return to Boston—this time wearing the purple and gold.
Looking Ahead for the Celtics
Beyond the intense rivalry, Boston faces some key financial and roster decisions in the coming months. Reports indicate that former Celtics big man could be heading overseas rather than remaining in the NBA, while Boston’s ability to make moves in the buyout market remains limited due to salary constraints.
Despite these challenges, the Celtics continue to focus on their championship aspirations. With Tatum leading the charge and the team performing at an elite level, Boston remains a top contender in the Eastern Conference and a team to watch as the season progresses.
