Christmas basketball is upon us, and with it comes the ultimate NBA showdown: the Boston Celtics vs. the Los Angeles Lakers in a clash of titans. But excitement turns to uncertainty as Lakers' superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis are both listed as questionable for the highly anticipated matchup.

The Lakers have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly during their undefeated In-Season Tournament run. However, recent struggles have marred their momentum, pushing them to a meager 2-5 record in their last seven games. Their lone win in this stretch came courtesy of a dominant LeBron James performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder, suggesting the Lakers' dependence on their star duo.

This dependence is amplified by the looming Christmas battle against the top-ranked Celtics. James, a Christmas Day regular throughout his career, is struggling with left ankle tendinopathy, throwing his participation into doubt. Davis, on the other hand, is grappling with a left ankle sprain and bone bruise.

Losing either James or Davis, let alone both, would be a monumental blow to the Lakers' Christmas aspirations. James' leadership and scoring prowess are irreplaceable, while Davis' defensive anchor and interior scoring remain crucial against the Celtics' formidable lineup.

The Lakers face a daunting scenario. Without their star duo, they'll be hard-pressed to match the Celtics' firepower and defensive intensity. However, Christmas games are known for their unpredictability, and the Lakers' fighting spirit shouldn't be underestimated.

Whether James and Davis suit up or not, the Christmas clash between the Lakers and Celtics promises to be a spectacle, filled with tension, rivalry, and potentially, a major upset. Tune in on December 25th to witness the drama unfold.