With newcomer Luka Doncic making his LA debut against the defending champion Celtics on Saturday, here’s a look at some of the top Lakers debuts vs. Boston:
Magic Johnson, 1979
Stats: 23 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals
Game result: 123-105 win
The first installment of the Magic-Larry Bird rivalry in the NBA resulted in a decisive victory for the Lakers at the Forum. Johnson, continuing a strong rookie season, scored over 20 points for the 11th time that December. Playing 40 minutes, he shot 50% from the field. Larry Bird contributed 16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 assists. This game marked the beginning of 37 matchups between Magic and Bird, further intensifying the Lakers-Celtics rivalry.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 1975
Stats: 28 points, 24 rebounds, 7 assists, 6 blocks
Game result: 123-113 loss
Abdul-Jabbar was acquired by the Lakers in a blockbuster trade with the Milwaukee Bucks during the 1975 offseason. Much like the Doncic trade, Abdul-Jabbar’s move drew parallels due to his high scoring average at the time. Despite his 28 points and 24 rebounds in his debut against the Celtics, the Lakers fell short. Abdul-Jabbar would go on to lead Los Angeles to six NBA championships.
Wilt Chamberlain, 1968
Stats: 16 points, 22 rebounds, 4 assists
Game result: 116-106 win
Chamberlain’s move to the Lakers from the Philadelphia 76ers continued his long-standing rivalry with Bill Russell and the Celtics. The two had faced off in multiple postseasons, including the 1964 NBA Finals. In his debut with the Lakers, Chamberlain delivered another strong performance, while Russell grabbed 21 rebounds. The Lakers emerged victorious in this first meeting after Chamberlain joined the team.
Shaquille O’Neal, 1996
Stats: 22 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 blocks
Game result: 110-94 loss
O’Neal, the Lakers’ marquee acquisition in the 1996 offseason, made an impactful debut against the Celtics, though Los Angeles was unable to secure the win. O’Neal had his typical dominant performance, shooting 66% from the field. This game also marked rookie Kobe Bryant’s first Lakers-Celtics matchup. Bryant struggled, contributing just two points on 1-of-7 shooting in 20 minutes off the bench.
Pau Gasol, 2009
Stats: 24 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists
Game result: 110-109 win
Acquired midseason in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, Gasol faced the Celtics in the 2008 NBA Finals, where the Lakers fell in six games. Gasol’s regular-season Boston debut came in February 2009 during an overtime thriller. He recorded his third straight 20-point double-double, with a key block on Glen Davis’ jumper in the final seconds, leading to Lamar Odom’s go-ahead free throws and a Lakers victory.
LeBron James, 2019
Stats: 28 points, 12 assists, 12 rebounds, 3 steals
Game result: 129-128 win
James, playing just his second game in the Lakers’ past 20 due to a groin injury, returned to action against the Celtics in February 2019. He became the third Lakers player with a triple-double in Boston, joining Magic Johnson and Elgin Baylor. James led Los Angeles back from an 18-point deficit in the first half, and the game ended with Rajon Rondo hitting a game-winning jumper as time expired.
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