Clash of the Titans

Los Angeles

Two years after being outmuscled and outplayed in the NBA Finals by their arch-rivals, the Boston Celtics, the reigning champion Los Angeles Lakers have a perfect opportunity for redemption, starting this week.

The two heavyweight teams, who have a combined 32 NBA titles, will play a mouth-watering, best-of-seven championship series for a 12th time with Game One set for Thursday (Friday, Beijing time) at Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.