Celtics play-off push gains traction

LOS ANGELES: Kyrie Irving scored 30 points as the Boston Celtics overcame Lebron James’ 80th career triple-double with a 120-107 victory over the injury-riddled Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday.

Marcus Smart and Marcus Morris each scored 16 points for Boston, who are gaining traction in their post Allstar break play-off push.

Gordon Hayward added 15 points as the Celtics won their third consecutive game on a four-game California road trip that concludes Monday against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Celtics’ latest match-up with their storied rivals didn’t really live up to the history — the Lakers are struggling mightily and appear to have given up on any chance of making it to the NBA postseason.

Irving, who missed Wednesday’s victory over the Sacramento Kings with a bruised thigh, nailed a series of clutch shots down the stretch. He also tallied seven rebounds and seven assists. “I am just having fun. We are competing at a very high level and holding ourselves to a high standard and it starts with me,” said Irving. “It is another step for us in the road trip.”

Irving and James are former teammates, winning an NBA title with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.

James can only dream of similar success with his current team, which has now lost five straight.

On Saturday he finished with 30 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds, leading a rag-tag Lakers crew that was missing three starters.

Moe Wagner scored a careerhigh