One can make a case for the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers in the experience department if one squints hard enough, but only the Celtics have a winning roster that is young, healthy, and poised to repeat as champs this season.

Behind the NBA's hottest new duo, LeBron James and Luka Dončić, the Los Angeles Lakers entered Saturday night's showdown with the Boston Celtics on an eight-game winning streak that had vaulted them up the Western Conference standings and firmly into the championship conversation.

Jayson Tatum notches 40 points while Jaylen Brown adds 31 in the Celtics' 111-101 win over the Lakers.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 71 points Saturday night as the Boston Celtics defeated LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers 111-101

Paul Pierce reacts to Jayson Tatum downplaying the Boston Celtics-Los Angeles Lakers rivalry, saying, "It will always be a rivalry!" Pierce explains why this historic matchup holds lasting significance and why it will never lose its intensity,

Jayson Tatum scored 40 points as the Boston Celtics halted the Los Angeles Lakers' eight-game unbeaten streak with a statement 111-101 victory in their heavyweight NBA showdown at TD Garden on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).