The Boston Celtics head into Staples Center on Sunday to play the Los Angeles Lakers where the heated rivals finally have a mutual enemy: the NBA rumor mill.
Thursday’s trade deadline is fast approaching and both Boston’s Rajon Rondo and L.A.’s Pau Gasol have been linked to multiple trades.
On Friday, Gasol’s name was mentioned as a done deal to the Houston Rockets, for the second time this season.
Gasol will suit up for Sunday’s marquee matchup, just as he did Friday, scoring 12 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in a 105-102 win over Minnesota.
At last year’s deadline, the Celtics traded a central piece in Kendrick Perkins that shocked the franchise. Whether they will repeat that this year with Rondo remains to be seen.
A week ago, Rondo brushed aside the rumors with a historic performance of 18 points, 20 assists and 17 rebounds in a nationally televised 115-111 overtime win over the New York Knicks.
The teams met in Boston on Feb. 9, and LA escaped with an 88-87 win, going ahead on a tip-in by Andrew Bynum with 1:29 left and holding on.
Boston took that to heart, losing seven of its next eight.
But the Celtics (21-18) have regrouped and won six of seven coming into Sunday’s game, which kicks off an eight-game road trip.
Boston must prove its 5-10 road record is not indicative of its skill with 18 of the final 27 games coming away from TD Garden, starting with a difficult game in L.A.
The Lakers (24-16) are 17-2 at home, allowing just 86.9 points in those contests and leading the league in rebounding with 45.8.
The Celtics are last, averaging only 38.9 boards.
Despite all the circulating rumors and statistical disparities, “The reality is that in the last four years, these two teams have won three championships.” Lakers guard Derek Fisher said.
Boston center Chris Wilcox will not make the trip. He is undergoing cardiac testing.