Saturday night is making way for potentially the biggest regular season game of the 2024-25 season. The Lakers will visit Boston to take on the Celtics in what could be a preview of the NBA Finals. Many people are excited to see Luka Doncic and LeBron James go head-to-head with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, but Kendrick Perkins’ excitement is in the coaching duel between Lakers’ JJ Redick and Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla.
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Both Mazzulla and Redick are the picture-perfect definition of a basketball sicko. They eat, breathe, and sleep basketball. Redick has made waves through the league by shining in his first year as a professional coach. His extensive knowledge and attention to detail in the game have provided the Lakers with an element they didn’t have in the past.
Perkins believes the battle between Mazzulla and Redick will be just as entertaining as the players on the court, if not better. Perkins took to ESPN’s NBA Today to share his excitement about the matchup. However, he does worry about Redick’s sleep habits ahead of a big game.
“What is JJ cooking?” Perkins asked. “We know against the Nuggets, he said he didn’t sleep for two days. How much rest is he getting right now, preparing for the Celtics? That’s the question.”
The 2008 NBA champion references Redick’s infamous statement following the Lakers’ convincing 123-100 win over the Nuggets. Over the past few years, Denver has played the role of a bully to the Lakers. Going into Denver and getting a win became Redick’s top priority.
The Lakers coach admitted that he sacrificed two days’ worth of sleep to formulate their game plan. His outrageous lengths to lead the Lakers to success are one of the many reasons he is earning recognition as one of the best head coaches in the NBA.
On the other hand, Perkins believes Mazzulla doesn’t have to change anything. Their way of playing won the Celtics a championship. Mazzulla doesn’t show much emotion, maintaining a deadly poker face but his passion for the game is on par with the eccentric Redick.
Most importantly, fans will get the opportunity to witness a potential Finals matchup between two of the NBA’s juggernauts.
This game will be a huge test for Luka Doncic
Los Angeles has looked amazing since acquiring Doncic as they are on an eight-game win streak. The five-time All-NBA member’s dominance is an ode to Nico Harrison but, more importantly, a great sign for his new team.
The Lakers have gone up against a few playoff teams but each pales in comparison to the Celtics. Doncic has had enough games to get his legs under him to shake off any remaining rust from his recent calf injury.
Many analysts are already predicting that this will be a potential Finals matchup. Shannon Sharpe didn’t waste any time proclaiming the Lakers as his pick to make it in the West. His First Take costar Stephen A. Smith isn’t far behind, stating his belief that they have the necessary tools.
Boston is still the team to beat until someone dethrones them. This game will serve as the perfect opportunity for the Lakers to send a message. A victory would not only be significant to the morale of the team but also play a heavy role in the narratives surrounding title contention.
