Boston Celtics Report

Countdown to LA: Let's do this

January, 30, 2011

1/30/11

6:00

AM ET

By Chris Forsberg | ESPNBoston.com

Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesFor the first time this season, the Celtics and Lakers clash Sunday at the Staples Center.

LOS ANGELES -- For the first time since Game 7 of the NBA Finals, the Celtics and Lakers clash Sunday afternoon (3:30 p.m., ABC) at the Staples Center. As the hype reaches a crescendo, here's a fresh dose of preview content:

--WHAT TO WATCH FOR: CELTICS VS. LAKERS--

The Celtics and Lakers will be against each other Sunday, but ESPN Boston and ESPN Los Angeles joined forces to preview the matchup with a focus on Boston's success despite injuries, the Lakers losing in patches, Shaq's return to Hollywood, and predictions about Sunday's blockbuster. A sampling: "Boston has the emotional edge, but I think the Lakers are also sick of the whispers about lacking a true 'statement win' against the NBA's elite."

--A 'BIG'-TIME MATCHUP FOR CELTICS AND LAKERS--

Just more than seven months ago, the Boston Celtics lost Game 7 of the NBA Finals in Los Angeles. What's the biggest adjustment they've made since then? Adding three centers who each stand darn near 7 feet tall. The Celtics return to L.A. on Sunday to play the Lakers for the first time since being outrebounded by 13 and spending the postgame locker room drenched in salty tears rather than spraying champagne.

--LAKERS IN SEARCH OF FIRST BIG WIN--

There have been hundreds of highlights and big moments. There have already been plenty of big games. It's what hasn't happened for the Los Angeles Lakers this season that's becoming a little alarming: big wins. Oklahoma City Thunder? Eh … New Orleans Hornets on the road? Not bad, still eh … Those are good teams, not great ones. Those are teams the Lakers must keep down, not climb over.

Click HERE to read more in our Countdown to LA series.

Chris Forsberg

Celtics reporter, ESPNBoston.com

Covered Celtics since 2007
Emmy award-winning videographer
Joined ESPNBoston.com in 2009

Tags:

Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Morning Shootaround, 2010Game47, CountdownToLA

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PLAYOFFS - Final

TEAM	1	2	3	4	T
	24	15	28	21	88	» Recap » Box Score » » Conversation
	10	17	20	33	80	» Recap » Box Score » » Conversation
Points » C. Anthony (NYK) 21 points Rebounds » T. Chandler (NYK) 12 rebounds Assists » R. Felton (NYK) 7 assists

TEAM	W	L	GB	PF	PA
New York	54	28	-	99.9	95.7
Brooklyn	49	33	5.0	96.8	95.0
Boston	41	40	12.5	96.5	96.7
Philadelphia	34	48	20.0	93.1	96.5
Toronto	34	48	20.0	97.2	98.6

TEAM LEADERS

POINTS

Paul Pierce

PTS	AST	STL	MIN
18.6	4.8	1.1	33.4

OTHER LEADERS

Rebounds

K. Garnett

7.8

Assists

R. Rondo

11.1

Steals

R. Rondo

1.8

Blocks

K. Garnett

0.9

Boston Celtics Report