Few rivalries in sports are as special as the Lakers vs. Celtics. With over a dozen meetings in the NBA Finals, countless all-time greats taking part, and even a video game series, the rivalry has it all.
This season, yet another element has been added to the rivalry.
Saturday, Los Angeles’ newest superstar, Luka Doncic, will get his first taste of the Lakers-Celtics rivalry. Adding to the excitement is that Doncic’s last time facing the Celtics came in Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals, when Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum were crowned champions for the first time in their careers.
STREAM: Watch Celtics-Lakers live with Sling
Fast forward eight months, and Doncic is teaming up with longtime Celtics heel LeBron James, who is days removed from being named Western Conference Player of the Month in February.
The storylines are endless, making this a fitting way to usher in a new chapter of the game’s greatest rivalry. Sporting News will track live score updates, results, and highlights from Saturday’s primetime game.
Lakers vs. Celtics live score
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Lakers vs. Celtics updates, results, highlights from 2025 NBA rivalry game
(All times Eastern.)
Pregame
6:54 p.m.: Los Angeles’ frontcourt will be thin Saturday night.
Rui Hachimura is already out with a left knee injury. Now, center Jaxson Hayes has officially been ruled out with a right knee contusion.
6:50 p.m.: The first injury update of the night is no update.
Less than two hours before tip-off, head coach Joe Mazzulla has nothing to offer on the status of Jrue Holiday, Sam Hauser or Kristaps Porzingis.
Joe Mazzulla says there are no updates on the three questionable players — Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday and Sam Hauser — for tonight’s game against the Lakers.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) March 8, 2025
Lakers vs. Celtics start time
- Date: Saturday, March 8
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET | 5:30 p.m. PT
Lakers vs. Celtics is set to tip off shortly after 8:30 p.m. ET from TD Garden on Saturday, March 8.
What channel is Lakers vs. Celtics on?
- TV channel: ABC
- Streaming: Sling
Lakers vs. Celtics will be broadcast on ABC. Streaming options include Sling.
Sling is the home for sports fans, as it offers a wide range of channels. You can always cheer for your favorite teams with channels like ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1, and more.
Lakers schedule 2024-25
Here are the upcoming games on Los Angeles’ schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| March 8 | at Celtics | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
| March 10 | at Nets | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| March 13 | at Bucks | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| March 14 | at Nuggets | 9:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| March 16 | vs. Suns | 3:30 p.m. | ABC |
Celtics schedule 2024-25
Here are the upcoming games on Boston’s schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| March 8 | vs. Lakers | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
| March 10 | vs. Jazz | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| March 12 | vs. Thunder | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| March 14 | at Heat | 7 p.m. | NBA TV |
| March 15 | at Nets | 6 p.m. | — |
