BOSTON -- Sure, the Boston Red Sox knocked out the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series in October and the New England Patriots dispatched the Los Angeles Rams in the Super Bowl less than a week ago, but let's get real: The only "Beat L.A." rivalry with actual juice is Celtics vs. Lakers.

Their rich, storied histories were heightened by the gamesmanship both franchises engaged in as the NBA trade deadline approached Thursday. The Los Angeles Lakers, desperate to pair LeBron James with another superstar, worked feverishly on a package to pry away Anthony Davis, who asked for a trade out of New Orleans just 10 days ago.

When L.A. failed to beat the clock, the biggest winner was its East Coast nemesis, the Boston Celtics, who implored the Pelicans to be patient. And if they could wait, Boston could utilize its treasure trove of young players and draft picks to make its own run at the 25-year-old star come July.

Against this backdrop, the two teams squared off at a raucous TD Garden on Thursday night. Never mind this version of the purple and gold came in mired in 10th place in the Western Conference, fighting to stay above .500. Never mind it has been nine long years since the foes faced each other in the Finals.

They are forever intertwined because of Jack Kent Cooke's balloons, Boston's parquet dead spots, Kareem's skyhook, Larry's 3-point daggers, Magic's no-look passes, the bruising back-and-forth battles between Pierce and Kobe.

And now, apparently, because of Rajon Rondo's frantic buzzer-beater.