The Los Angeles Lakers, second in the Western Conference at 16-5, face the Boston Celtics, fifth in the East at 14-9. Austin Reaves led the Lakers to a recent win, while the Celtics are on a winning streak.

LeBron James and Luka Doncic are both out for the Los Angeles Lakers’ matchup with the Boston Celtics on Friday night. James is sitting with sciatica, which kept him sidelined for the first 14

Jaylen Brown had 30 points, eight rebounds and eight assists and the Boston Celtics cruised past Los Angeles 126-105 on Friday night, with the Lakers playing without LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

Luka Doncic is out for the Lakers' rivalry game against the Celtics due to personal reasons, marking his second consecutive absence. With LeBron James

Jaylen Brown had 30 points, eight rebounds and eight assists and the Boston Celtics cruised past Los Angeles 126-105 on Friday night, with the Lakers playing without LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

On Saturday, the NBA announced that Smart had been fined $35,000 for his actions: "Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart has been fined $35,000 for making an obscene gesture toward a game official, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations."

Celtics rivalry faces a unique twist on December 5, 2025, as both teams grapple with significant player absences. With stars like Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum out, the game hinges on depth and role players like Austin Reaves and Derrick White.

Already down Luka Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Boston Celtics on Friday night without LeBron James.