Preview: Celtics at Lakers, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026 LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — The NBA’s most storied rivalry renews Sunday when the Boston Celtics visit the Los Angeles Lakers at crypto.com Arena. The Celtics (36-19) enter with the better record, but the Lakers (33-21) have been strong at home. Both teams are riding momentum, with Boston winning eight of its last 10 and Los Angeles victorious in seven of its last 10. A marquee matchup features Boston’s Jaylen Brown against the Lakers’ LeBron James. Brown is coming off a historic triple-double in Boston’s 121-110 win at Golden State on Thursday, posting 23 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists. Over his last 10 games, he is averaging 26.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists. James, in his 23rd season, remains a triple-double threat. He recorded 28 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists in the Lakers’ most recent game, a 124-104 win over Dallas on Feb. 12. In his last 10 contests, he is averaging 20.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.8 assists. The Celtics won the season’s first meeting decisively, 126-105, in Boston on Dec. 5, 2025. They have won three straight in the series overall. Boston’s recent success has been fueled by balance. In the win over Golden State, Payton Pritchard added 26 points and seven assists, while Derrick White contributed 10 points, eight assists and four blocks. The Celtics’ defense has held opponents under 100 points in three of their last 10 games. The Lakers have shown offensive firepower, scoring 119 or more points in five of their last 10 games, including a 142-point outburst against Washington. Supporting James, Jaxson Hayes (16 points, seven rebounds) and Rui Hachimura (21 points) were key in the Dallas victory. This game kicks off a challenging road trip for Boston, which visits Phoenix and Denver next. The Lakers begin a three-game homestand before a difficult trip to Phoenix and Golden State. Tipoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. PST.