Boston’s Josh Richardson relates Lakers, Celtics ‘know the sense of urgency’ needed for tonight’s game

With both teams hovering around .500, their storied rivalry takes on an unusual tenor.

The Boston Celtics will take on the Los Angeles Lakers at TD Garden Friday, Nov. 19 with a worse record than their West Coast rivals, but neither team is going to point to their position in the standings as a point of pride.

Currently sitting at 10th in the East with a 7 – 8 record, the Celtics are one game behind Los Angeles at 8 – 8, with both teams hungry for a win and crossing their fingers that key players can suit up to help them earn one. LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, and Robert Williams III are all game-time decisions for their respective teams, but neither has hit the panic button just yet.

Speaking with the media after practice Friday morning, Celtics wing Josh Richardson explained why the two franchises are keeping their cool despite their rough starts to 2021-22.