CELTICS WANT THEIR 19TH NBA CROWN

As Boston chase history, Lakers’ father-son pair of LeBron-Bronny embark on their own

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WASHINGTON - Defending champions the Boston Celtics launch a quest for back-to-back titles, LeBron James teams up with his 20-year-old son and familiar faces debut in new places when the National Basketball Association's (NBA) 79th season begins on Oct 22.

The Celtics will raise a record 18th championship banner when the New York Knicks visit Boston, while James and the Los Angeles Lakers entertain the Minnesota Timberwolves in opening-night contests.

Boston fans have not celebrated back-to-back NBA crowns since 1968 and 1969 - the end of the Bill Russell dynasty - but, after ending a 16-year title drought, star Jayson Tatum yearns for such glory.

“It was never just about just trying to win one,” Tatum said. “Now you get to be at least in the same room with the other Celtics, great teams, the other great players.”

Tatum, who helped the United States team win Paris Olympic gold, says the Celtics feel different as champions.

“It does feel different being up here as a champion and knowing what it takes, and wanting to be on the top of the mountain as many times as you can,” he said.

Tatum and Jaylen Brown lead a veteran Celtics line-up with star guard Jrue Holiday and injured centre Kristaps Porzingis. No team have retained their title since the Golden State Warriors in 2018.