This Lakers-Celtics game is a prime contrast of elite basketball culture (Celtics) vs poor basketball culture (Lakers.)
The Celtics play hard on every possession, they play physical hustling defense, and they are able to develop talent so well that when they have to get rid of Porzingis and Horford to save money, players like Queta are able to step in and become starting level players. Not only that, they were able to manage their cap sheet well and escape the luxury tax entirely. Nearly all of their players can pass, shoot, or defend. And they run good offense.
In the meantime, the Lakers manage assets poorly, have missed on draft picks for a long time now, and spend plays complaining to refs, not hustling, and giving up loose balls and offensive rebounds. Plus Luka, Lebron, and AR often hold the ball too long and waste time.
It’s just a noticeable contrast in how well each franchise is run. Boston has such an elite culture from the top to bottom where everyone is bought in.