Just one day after Luka Doncic inked a jaw-dropping three-year, $165 million extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Boston Celtics wasted no time taking a swipe at the NBA superstar. The move, which came only six months after the Lakers acquired Doncic in a blockbuster trade that stunned the league, has already stirred up the historic rivalry between the two franchises.
At just 25 years old, Doncic is a force to be reckoned with. In his seven years in the NBA, he’s racked up an impressive resume: five All-Star selections, five All-NBA honors, and a remarkable run to the 2024 NBA Finals with the Dallas Mavericks, marking the franchise’s third appearance in the championship series. Yet, his trade to the Lakers left fans and analysts scratching their heads, wondering why Dallas would part ways with such a generational talent.
DONCIC DENIED 🚫#NBADefenseWeek pic.twitter.com/WLW0HGmYIm
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) August 4, 2025
The Celtics, however, didn’t miss their chance to remind Doncic of their dominance. On August 4, fresh off the announcement of his lucrative new deal, Boston’s official X account took a cheeky jab at the Slovenian star. They posted a photo of Jayson Tatum emphatically rejecting Doncic’s layup attempt during the Celtics’ first matchup against the Lakers since the trade. The caption? A bold “DONCIC DENIED #NBADefenseWeek” paired with a no-entry sign emoji for extra sting.
Not content with one jab, the Celtics doubled down, sharing a video clip of the same play. In it, Doncic breezes past Al Horford, only to meet Tatum’s perfectly timed block at the rim. The follow-up caption read, “JT said NAH” with a triumph emoji, cementing Boston’s trolling masterpiece.
The Celtics’ social media antics are no surprise, given the storied rivalry between the two teams. Dating back to 1959, when Boston defeated Los Angeles in the NBA Finals to claim their second title, the Celtics and Lakers have clashed in 12 championship series, with Boston holding an 8-4 edge. With Doncic now donning the purple and gold—and potentially locked in for years to come—the rivalry is poised to heat up even more.
Doncic’s new contract, which includes a player option for 2028, could set the stage for an even bigger payday. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, if Doncic opts out in 2028, he’ll be eligible for a staggering five-year, $417 million extension—an investment that could keep him in Los Angeles through his prime. For the Celtics, this only raises the stakes, as they’re likely to face Doncic in high-stakes matchups, possibly even in the NBA Finals, for years to come.
Doncic’s history with Boston hasn’t been all bad. He’s delivered clutch buzzer-beaters against the Celtics in the past, showcasing his flair for the dramatic. But the 2024 NBA Finals told a different story, with Boston dismantling Doncic’s Mavericks in a gentleman’s sweep to claim the title. That defeat clearly left a mark, and the Celtics’ latest social media salvo suggests they’re ready to keep the pressure on their new rival in Lakers colors.
As Doncic settles into his new home with the Lakers and the Celtics continue to flex their championship pedigree, one thing is clear: this rivalry is far from over. With both teams loaded with talent and a history of bad blood, the NBA is in for some must-watch battles—and maybe a few more viral X posts.