The Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Boston Celtics in a thrilling match at TD Garden. Fans enjoyed the fierce competition between the star players: Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown for the Celtics, and LeBron James paired with Luka Doncic for the Lakers.
Tatum played 45 minutes, scoring 40 points, recording eight assists, and grabbing 12 rebounds. Brown also performed strongly, playing for 42 minutes and scoring 31 points, along with two assists and six rebounds.
James contributed 22 points, nine assists, and 14 rebounds on the opposing side, while Doncic added 34 points, three assists, and eight rebounds. Ultimately, the Celtics secured a victory over the Lakers with a final score of 111-101. Following the game, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith shared his thoughts, stirring up debate among fans.
During a recent NBA episode on ESPN, Smith presented his list of the top 5 duos in the NBA today. Surprisingly, he placed the Tatum and Brown duo in 1st place, with the James and Doncic duo in 2nd place.
Stephen A thinks Tatum & Brown are a better duo than LeBron & Luka 😭 pic.twitter.com/9WCPyhID3S
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) March 9, 2025
Smith ranked the Denver Nuggets duo of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic in third place, followed by the Milwaukee Bucks duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard in fourth place. Finally, he placed the Golden State Warriors’ dominant duo of Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler in fifth place.
Stephen A. Smith Under Fire For Ranking Tatum And Brown Above James and Doncic As A Duo
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When Stephen A. Smith’s list of the top five duos in the NBA today surfaced on social media, fans flooded the comment section with their reactions. Many criticized Smith for ranking the duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic below that of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. This sparked a heated debate between Celtics fans and Lakers fans, each defending their respective duos.
Bro still mad he got embarrassed in public lol @FadeAwayMedia
— ໊ (@zerowontmiss) March 10, 2025
No chance
— Noto (Lock/in) ⟐ (@Notothegoat) March 9, 2025
That’s a wild take! Tatum and Brown are elite, but LeBron and Luka together would be an unstoppable force.
— When I Think (@aboutu07) March 9, 2025
How’d Luka look Sat night and in the Finals last year against Tatum and Brown? Luka has the body of a Sea Manatee….dude gets tired and hungry by the 3rd quarter of every game
— Aardvark Trap (@Aardvark_Trap) March 10, 2025
Still mad apparently pic.twitter.com/GjFc9xsAnv
— The Lakers Forum 🌟🎥🎬 (@TheLakersForum) March 9, 2025
i guess he didn't get the message pic.twitter.com/ipCp6iCNRX
— yezos (@yeeeeezos) March 9, 2025
The Lakers currently occupy the 2nd position in the Western Conference standings, with a record of 40 wins and 22 losses in the ongoing 2024-25 NBA season. They are set to face the Brooklyn Nets in their next game at Barclays Center.
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