The Boston Celtics are the NBA’s top team with 18 “world championship titles” last season. The Los Angeles Lakers will do their best to equal coach Joe Mazzulla’s team in the title list this season. As the NBA recently announced, “Rivalry Week” begins next January.

According to the NBA, Rivalry Week will include nine NBA games, including Celtics vs. Lakers.

The announcement was made on Thursday as part of the release of the Celtics’ free agent evaluations. The release of the Rivalry Week schedule came immediately after the dates of the NBA Finals rematches between the Celtics and the Mavericks.

Will the Celtics have to contend with strong competitors like the Lakers? Only time will tell.

First, NBA fans whet their appetites with the latest news.

Dates for Celtics vs. Lakers announced

The date for the Celtics vs. Lakers Rivalry Week clash has been announced for Thursday, January 23rd at 10 p.m. ET. The game will take place at the same time as Bucks vs. Heat as part of an NBA doubleheader.

Lakers and Celtics extend season series

Last season, the Lakers and Celtics split their season series at two games each. Austin Reaves and Kristaps Porzingis were their teams’ top scorers during the season split, adding extra drama and excitement to this year’s duels.

Both teams are expected to have the lion’s share of players from last season back on the roster, while the Lakers have hired JJ Redick as their new head coach, along with Bronny James, the player who made waves in the Summer League.

It is uncertain when these two storied franchises will meet again in the NBA Finals. For now, fans should sit back and enjoy the fireworks of the regular season.