Lakers Seek Third Exhibition Victory Over Celtics Tonight

The Lakers and the Boston Celtics, who must wait until Jan. 22 for the next opportunity to beat each other up, will play at 7:30 tonight at the Forum in an exhibition game that has been sold out for several weeks.

Thursday night at the Forum, the Lakers defeated the Celtics, playing without the injured Larry Bird, for the second time this month, 128-124, before another sellout crowd which saw a total of eight technical fouls, two ejections, 72 personal fouls and 84 free throws attempted.

Byron Scott, who scored 20 points, said the game was played rough, especially for an exhibition. “I’m glad I had my health insurance paid up,” he said.

Maurice Lucas complained of back spasms and did not practice Friday, but he is expected to play.