After snapping their losing streak in Oklahoma City on Saturday, the Los Angeles Lakers will look to start a new streak as they prepare to face off against the Boston Celtics in a highly anticipated matchup on Christmas Day. This will be the first time since the 2008-09 season, and just the fifth time ever, that the historic rivalry between the two teams will be reignited on this iconic day.

The last Christmas meeting between the Lakers and Celtics took place in 2008, following their intense Finals matchup. The Lakers managed to end the Celtics' winning streak in that game, adding another memorable chapter to their historic rivalry.

Although both teams do not currently hold long win streaks, the Celtics are considered one of the top teams in the league, while the Lakers have shown glimpses of their potential after a challenging stretch. Saturday's victory was a significant step in the right direction for the Lakers, setting the stage for a captivating contest on Christmas.

The Lakers' new-look lineup appears to match up well against the Celtics, who are led by the dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, with strong support from their wing players. The Celtics have distinguished themselves this season as one of the best teams in the league, particularly due to their success in shooting beyond the arc.

According to Cleaning The Glass, the Celtics boast the highest 3-point shooting frequency overall, including the top non-corner shooting frequency in the league. While their proficiency in corner 3-point shooting ranks second in accuracy, they struggle when it comes to scoring at the rim, ranking 27th in frequency and 30th in short midrange frequency. Their strategy revolves around outscoring opponents from the perimeter and capitalizing on scoring opportunities near the basket, taking advantage of defensive focus on their outside shooting.

The Lakers face a significant challenge in slowing down one of the league's top offenses, but their revamped lineup may provide some solutions. With a greater ability to switch defensively, as demonstrated in their recent win against the Thunder, the Lakers could find success against the Celtics' offensive firepower.

It's worth mentioning LeBron James' history of success against the Celtics. Throughout his career, James has consistently performed at a high level when facing Boston, averaging 29.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game in 58 contests. As a Laker, he has maintained impressive numbers against the Celtics as well, with averages of 27.8 points, 8.6 assists, and 8 rebounds in six games. In their last matchup, James dropped 41 points against Boston, which included a memorable putback dunk and a controversial missed call.

With all the ingredients for an exciting and competitive showdown, the Lakers will be aiming to secure a victory against their fierce rivals on Christmas Day, setting themselves up for a memorable present.

In terms of injuries, the Lakers' Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt are listed as probable, while Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and Cam Reddish are questionable. Gabe Vincent is the only player currently ruled out with a knee injury. On the Celtics' side, Luke Kornet is probable, while Kristaps Porzingis, Svi Mykhailiuk, and Lamar Stevens are listed as questionable due to various injuries and illnesses.