Lakers vs. Celtics: Rondo Will Outshine Kobe in Heated Rivalry Game

It doesn't get much better than Celtics vs. Lakers in front of a national audience.

That's usually the time reserved for Lakers star Kobe Bryant to shine, but this time around, Black Mamba may have to share the spotlight with Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo.

If last Sunday's performance against the New York Knicks were any indication, Rondo may be taking the spotlight all to himself Sunday afternoon.

There are plenty of reasons Rondo has the chance to, and likely will, outshine Kobe on Sunday, but the biggest reason is that he's starting to become a player that plays his best when all eyes are on him.

Everything says this should be an easy win for Los Angeles.

The Lakers are a remarkable 17-2 at the Staples Center this season, and the Celtics are a dismal 5-10 away from Boston.

Mike Brown's team excels on the defensive end of the floor, allowing only 92.0 PPG, good for sixth in the NBA, while Doc Rivers team struggles mightily on the offensive end, scoring only an average of 90.8 PPG, only 26th-best in the league.

All signs point to an easy Lakers win, but anything can happen when Los Angeles and Boston get together, and look for Rondo to be huge today.

After last Sunday's insane triple-double against the Knicks, where Rondo scored 18 points, dished out 20 assists and grabbed 17 boards, it's been a struggle for the Celtics floor general.

In his last two games combined, Rondo has combined for only 13 points, 13 assists and three rebounds.

He's a guy who lives for the big moments, and the Lakers will likely get Rondo's best today.

Big moments?

That's all you need to know about Bryant, who will almost certainly bring his A-game against the rival Celtics.

Bryant's had his struggles this week as well, though, combining to shoot only 17-for-57 from the floor in road losses to Detroit and Washington.

He rebounded Friday night in an 11-of-26 effort in a win against Minnesota.

Both will have big games, but if Bryant's shot isn't falling, it's hard for him to put up big numbers in other areas.

Rondo may have difficulties getting to the rim against the Lakers' length, but he could have a huge day in other areas, mainly setting up his teammates.

National television games bring out the best in the NBA's best stars, and we get a look at two of them today in Rondo and Bryant.