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.

The Boston Celtics snapped the Los Angeles Lakers' impressive winning streak, with Jayson Tatum delivering a stellar performance that reinforced his status as one of the league's top players. Despite his standout performance,

After the game, Celtics star Jayson Tatum spoke to the media and said he believes the rivalry is in a good spot it has been in. “The rivalry is alive.” Tatum also told ESPN's Lisa Salters that the NBA is in a better place when Boston and L.