Boston Celtics Outclass Lakers in NBA 2K26 Summer League as Jordan Walsh Shines
Boston Celtics Outclass Lakers in NBA 2K26 Summer League as Jordan Walsh Shines:
Las Vegas, NV. The rivalry between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers never fails to deliver drama, even during the NBA 2K26 Summer League. On Thursday night at the Thomas & Mack Center, Jordan Walsh stepped up as the star of the night. His 17-point performance guided the Celtics to an 87-78 victory, proving that Boston’s young core plans to stay competitive and ready for the upcoming season.
The atmosphere inside the arena buzzed with energy from the opening tip. Fans wearing green and gold jerseys exchanged chants and jeers, creating an environment that felt more like a playoff showdown than a Summer League matchup. Every possession felt intense as rookies and second-year players battled for roster spots and bragging rights.
Celtics and Lakers Trade Blows Early
Boston and Los Angeles opened the game with a back-and-forth exchange that had the crowd roaring. Both squads played aggressive defense and hustled for loose balls. The Lakers found an early rhythm behind the solid play of Bronny James. The rookie guard showcased the skills that turned heads during the draft. He scored tough buckets in traffic, pushed the pace in transition, and set up teammates for open shots.
After 12 minutes, the Lakers grabbed a 26-21 lead. Their bench exploded in cheers as they walked off the floor with momentum on their side. The Celtics, however, refused to fold.
Celtics Lock Down Lakers in the Second Quarter
Head coach Joe Mazzulla demanded a defensive turnaround during the quarter break. His young Celtics delivered. They turned up the pressure on the perimeter, closed driving lanes, and forced the Lakers to settle for contested jumpers. Boston’s defense stifled Los Angeles, holding them to just nine points in the second quarter.
On the offensive end, Jordan Walsh attacked the rim relentlessly. He found gaps in the Lakers’ defense, hit timely mid-range shots, and knocked down two crucial three-pointers. His effort energized his teammates. Hugo González contributed with smart cuts and solid rebounding, while Kenneth Lofton Jr. battled in the paint and distributed the ball with vision uncommon for a big man.
By halftime, Boston erased the first-quarter deficit and built a five-point lead. Their bench celebrated each defensive stop like a playoff win, showing the unity that Celtics fans love to see.
Momentum Stays with Boston After Halftime
When the third quarter started, the Celtics refused to ease up. Walsh continued to shine, showcasing his versatility by scoring inside and outside while crashing the boards with tenacity. His teammates matched his intensity. González sank key shots to stretch the lead, and Lofton Jr. played the role of point forward, finding open shooters and keeping the Lakers’ defense off-balance.
Boston’s defense swarmed Bronny James during this stretch. Although James still found ways to score, the Celtics made him work for every point. The Lakers struggled to find other consistent scoring options as Boston’s defenders rotated quickly and forced turnovers.
By the time the third quarter ended, the Celtics extended their lead to 10 points. Fans wearing green jerseys roared in approval, sensing victory against their storied rivals.
Lakers Attempt a Late Push but Fall Short
The Lakers tried to rally in the final frame. DJ Steward stepped up with timely buckets, while Cole Swider and Christian Koloko chipped in with big plays near the rim. Bronny James continued to attack, using his quick first step to create space for floaters and drives.
Yet Boston’s defense once again proved too strong. Walsh, González, and Lofton Jr. played with relentless energy on both ends. They contested shots, boxed out hard, and never let the Lakers string together a decisive run. Every time Los Angeles threatened to close the gap, Boston answered with smart shot selection and tough defense.
When the final buzzer sounded, the Celtics secured an 87-78 win that showcased their talent, depth, and commitment to player development.
Standout Performers for Boston
Jordan Walsh finished the night with 17 points, shooting 6-for-11 from the field and an efficient 2-for-4 from beyond the arc. He grabbed six rebounds and swiped two steals, making an impact at both ends of the floor.
Hugo González backed him up with 13 points, five rebounds, and a block that brought the crowd to its feet. Kenneth Lofton Jr. delivered an all-around performance with 12 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals, and a block. His playmaking skills made a big difference in Boston’s half-court sets.
The trio gave Celtics fans plenty of reasons to feel excited about the future. Their chemistry and hustle showed that Boston’s pipeline of young talent remains strong.
Bronny James Leads Lakers Despite the Loss
Bronny James led the Lakers’ scoring effort with 18 points on an efficient 7-for-13 shooting clip. He grabbed three rebounds and dished out five assists while showing flashes of the all-around game that scouts expect from him. DJ Steward added 14 points and played solid defense on Boston’s guards.
Cole Swider and Christian Koloko contributed 12 points each, providing interior presence and timely buckets. Despite the loss, the Lakers can draw positives from Bronny’s poise under pressure and Steward’s steady hand in the backcourt.
What This Means for Boston’s Future
Summer League games may not count toward the regular season standings, but performances like this matter. Walsh’s aggressive approach, González’s reliable shooting, and Lofton’s versatility offer Boston fans hope that the franchise can sustain success for years to come.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla and his staff can use this game as proof that the Celtics’ developmental system works. Young players stepped up on defense, shared the ball, and maintained intensity from start to finish — qualities that translate well to the big stage.
Final Thoughts: Rivalry Remains Alive
Whenever the Celtics and Lakers face off, stakes run high, no matter the setting. Thursday night’s Summer League battle in Las Vegas proved that pride, tradition, and passion drive this rivalry forward, even in July.
Jordan Walsh emerged as the standout star, leaving fans eager to see how he fits into the Celtics’ plans when the regular season tips off. If he keeps this level of energy and execution, he might carve out a role alongside Boston’s seasoned veterans.
For Lakers fans, Bronny James offered another glimpse of his potential. His ability to handle pressure, create shots, and run the floor shows why the Lakers invested in him. He has a long road ahead, but nights like this hint at a bright future in Los Angeles.
The Celtics now shift focus to the rest of the NBA 2K26 Summer League schedule. They aim to build on this momentum and keep their young core locked in. If Thursday’s win says anything, it’s that Boston’s next generation plans to defend the green with the same pride that built one of the NBA’s greatest dynasties.
Boston Celtics Outclass Lakers in NBA 2K26 Summer League as Jordan Walsh Shines
