Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Took Leadership Stride Against Lakers

Celtics star Jayson Tatum is already well-established, but the 25-year-old showcased improvement during Boston’s Christmas Day win over the Lakers on Monday night.

Tatum, who the Celtics can always lean on for outside shooting, rim protection and defense, took a stride in leadership. It even prompted ex-NBA head coach and current ESPN analyst Doc Rivers to compare Tatum to the one and only Magic Johnson — multiple times — throughout the game.

Aside from scoring 25 points, Tatum found other ways to help Boston attack the scoreboard, finishing with a season-high seven assists. The greater context of that total was Tatum’s growth in making that extra pass, which wasn’t made through his earlier seasons, to find the best quality shot. That’s being a leader and the fullest display of a team-first mindset.

“I think that’s what we talk about when he’s got to reinvent,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters postgame, according to Jared Weiss of The Atheltic. “It’s not so much sacrifice as it is reinvent. You’re starting to see what leadership looks like and what value looks like for him.”

Having a new-look supporting core after Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens added Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday in the offseason, there are no reasons to doubt the starting unit. Tatum’s surrounded by the deepest core of talent since being drafted by Boston in 2017.

“I say it all the time, we have a really, really good team. We all just kind of make it easier on each other,” Tatum told reporters, per NBC Sports Boston video. “… We all sacrifice to be a better team, be a better group. Hopefully, it’s going to pay off in the end.”

Aside from Porzingis and Holiday, the emergence of All-Star-caliber guard Derrick White and Al Horford’s ability to effectively play a sixth-man role make the Celtics an extremely versatile crew. Mazzulla’s upgraded rotations allow for nearly anyone on the roster to fill the role of a No. 1 any given night, which makes this season Banner 18 or bust.

Tatum’s step towards being a franchise-first star only compliments the current roster and Boston’s greater goal: a title.