Hardwood Houdini
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3 reasons the Boston Celtics-Los Angeles Lakers rivalry is back

By Andrew Hughes

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 23: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks to pass the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 23, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 23: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks to pass the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 23, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

LeBron James’ presence on the Lakers

When I was recalling the recent playoff history of the Boston Celtics, it kept revolving around one man: LeBron James. Unfortunately for the C’s, they didn’t fare as well the past decade as they did in the 2000’s.

There was once a time where the “Big 3” C’s with Rajon Rondo, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen easily handled James’ Cavaliers teams. In both 2008 and 2010 the C’s sent James home from the playoffs.

After he took his talents to South Beach, it all changed. As previously mentioned, James’ Heat defeated the C’s in consecutive years in 2011 and 2012. After he returned to Cleveland, his Cavaliers team beat Boston again in consecutive years, besting them in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2017 and 2018.

With James finally out west, the Boston Celtics can finally meet their greatest rival on the ultimate stage in the finals. It only seems fitting that their most heated rival has joined their historical rival in Los Angeles.

As they say, the enemy of your enemy is your friend, making James and the Lakers perfect for each other…and the rivalry.

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