Lakers Struggle Without LeBron James and Luka Doncic in Loss to Celtics
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The Los Angeles Lakers faced a tough 126-105 defeat against the Boston Celtics on December 5, 2025, missing both LeBron James and Luka Doncic. LeBron sat out due to sciatica and arthritis in his left foot, while Doncic was absent for personal reasons, as reported by ESPN.
Lakers coach JJ Redick expressed hope that both players could return for their next game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite Austin Reaves leading the Lakers with 36 points, the team struggled significantly, trailing 39-17 after the first quarter and failing to recover.
The Celtics, led by Jaylen Brown's 30 points, dominated the matchup, shooting a season-high 24 three-pointers at 53.3%. The Lakers' depth was tested as they dropped to 16-6 for the season, with Reaves and Gabe Vincent providing some offensive spark but not enough to overcome Boston's early lead.
Celtics' Derrick White and Jordan Walsh also contributed significantly, showcasing their depth and offensive execution throughout the game. The loss raised questions about the Lakers' performance without their star players, as they aim to maintain a strong season trajectory moving forward.