Austin Reaves Shines Despite Lakers' Loss to Celtics

In a challenging matchup against the Boston Celtics on December 5, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a 126-105 defeat, despite a standout performance from guard Austin Reaves. Reaves led the Lakers with 36 points and eight assists, showcasing his ability to step up in the absence of stars Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Marcus Smart, who were sidelined due to various reasons.

The Lakers struggled early, trailing 39-17 after the first quarter and facing a 69-46 halftime deficit. Reaves managed to ignite some momentum in the third quarter, scoring 16 points as the Lakers narrowed the gap to 97-82, but their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by the Celtics' strong shooting performance, including a season-high 24 three-pointers.

Coach JJ Redick praised his team's fight, highlighting their resilience, and expressed hope for the return of key players in the upcoming game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Meanwhile, Reaves' recent performances have solidified his role as a pivotal player for the Lakers, averaging impressive stats without Doncic in the lineup, further emphasizing his growth and importance to the team's success amid ongoing challenges.