Well, you just can't make this stuff up. The date is December 5, 2025, and one of the NBA's most storied rivalries is about to tip-off at TD Garden. But if you were expecting a full-blown clash of titans between the Lakers and Celtics, you might want to sit down for this. In a shocking turn of events, the Lakers are heading into this hostile environment without their two biggest stars, Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
Key Highlights
- ✓ The Los Angeles Lakers will face the Boston Celtics without superstars Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
- ✓ Doncic is out for personal reasons, attending the birth of his second child in Slovenia.
- ✓ The Celtics are also shorthanded, missing Jayson Tatum (long-term Achilles injury) and Jaylen Brown (illness).
- ✓ Austin Reaves is expected to lead the Lakers' offense after a massive 44-point performance against Toronto.
- ✓ LeBron James recently saw his double-digit scoring streak, intact since 2007, come to an end.
A Roster Suddenly Decimated
Just hours before the game, the Lakers dropped an injury report that sent shockwaves through the fanbase. The headliner, of course, is Luka Doncic. He's officially listed as out for personal reasons, and it's a completely understandable one—he has traveled to Slovenia to be with his family for the birth of his second child. This marks his second straight absence, and there are whispers he might miss the entire road trip.
As if losing the league's leading scorer wasn't enough, the Lakers are also without the King. LeBron James is sidelined with the same nagging issues that have plagued his season: right sciatica and left foot joint arthritis. To make matters worse, defensive anchor Marcus Smart is also ruled out as he continues to manage a left lumbar muscle strain. It's a triple blow that leaves the Lakers looking incredibly thin against their age-old rivals.
The Towering Shadow of Luka's Absence
Let's be real for a second: losing Luka is a massive deal. Since arriving in that blockbuster trade from Dallas back in February 2025, he has completely reshaped this Lakers team. The man is an offensive juggernaut, leading the entire NBA with an incredible 35.3 points per game, not to mention chipping in with 8.9 rebounds and 8.9 assists. He's been putting up an MVP-caliber campaign.
We just saw what he's capable of on December 1st, when he dropped a 38-point, 11-rebound masterpiece against Phoenix. That's the kind of production you simply can't replace. For now, though, family comes first, and his incredible season is on a temporary pause. For the Lakers and head coach JJ Redick, the challenge is figuring out how to generate any kind of offense without their primary creator.
LeBron's Unselfish Moment
Speaking of missing stars, LeBron’s absence comes right after a truly fascinating moment. His unbelievable streak of consecutive double-digit scoring games, which had been running since 2007, finally came to an end against Toronto. With the game on the line and him sitting on eight points, he passed up the final shot to find an open Rui Hachimura, who drained the game-winning three-pointer.
LeBron knew the streak would end if Hachimura scored, but he made the winning play. "Just playing the game the right way," James said afterward. "You always make the right play... That's just been my M.O." It's a testament to his basketball IQ, even as his body keeps him on the sidelines more often than not this season.
Next Man Up: All Eyes on Austin Reaves
So, with the stars out, who steps into the spotlight? All eyes are turning to one man: Austin Reaves. He’s coming off an absolutely explosive 44-point performance against Toronto, and now, he suddenly finds himself as the number one option for the Lakers' attack. It's a massive responsibility, especially with the game taking place in the notoriously hostile environment of the TD Garden.
Of course, he won't be able to do it alone. The Lakers will need big contributions from their role players. Guys like Deandre Ayton, who is shooting a ridiculous 71.2% from the floor while averaging 15.8 points and 8.6 boards, will have to be a force inside. Rui Hachimura, fresh off his game-winner, will also need to bring his efficient scoring (14.0 points on 54.2% shooting) to the table. This is a true test of the team's depth.
The Celtics Have Their Own Problems
Here's the twist in all this: the Boston Celtics are far from full strength themselves. This isn't a case of one healthy giant taking on a wounded foe. Boston is dealing with significant absences of its own, which levels the playing field considerably. Their superstar forward, Jayson Tatum, is out long-term after undergoing Achilles surgery, a huge blow to their lineup.
On top of that, their other star, Jaylen Brown, is also out for tonight's game due to illness after missing Thursday's contest. Without their two main scorers, the Celtics are also forced to lean heavily on their depth. Players like Payton Pritchard, who is having a great season averaging 17.3 points per game, will become a major factor. This game has suddenly turned into a battle of the benches.
A Look at the Head-to-Head History
When you look at how these two teams have matched up recently, it's been incredibly competitive. Over their last five games, neither team has been able to dominate. The Celtics took the most recent game on March 9, 2025, with a 111-101 victory, but the Lakers won convincingly 117-96 back in January.
This back-and-forth history suggests that tonight's game, even with all the missing star power, could be a nail-biter. It’s not about who has the bigger names anymore; it’s about which team’s system and supporting cast can execute under pressure. Momentum and execution in the final minutes will likely decide this one.
Conclusion
The bottom line is this: a game that was circled on every NBA fan's calendar has been completely turned on its head. The Lakers are without their offensive engine in Doncic and their veteran leader in LeBron, while the Celtics are missing their one-two punch of Tatum and Brown. This legendary rivalry has transformed into a gritty, unpredictable showdown between two depleted but proud franchises.
For the Lakers, it’s a massive test of resilience and an opportunity for a player like Austin Reaves to prove he can carry the load on the biggest stage. For the Celtics, it's a chance to show off their depth and toughness at home. Forget the superstars; tonight is about heart, grit, and which team’s role players want it more.
