The Boston Celtics didn’t just beat the Los Angeles Lakers — they embarrassed them. On a cold Friday night at TD Garden in Boston, the Celtics rolled to a 126-105 victory, fueled by a season-high 24 three-pointers and a masterclass from Jaylen Brown, who dropped 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. The Lakers, missing their two biggest stars — LeBron James (out with sciatica and left foot joint arthritis) and Luka Doncic (away for personal reasons) — never stood a chance. And yet, even without them, the Celtics played like a team on a mission.
From the opening tip, Boston owned the game
The Celtics didn’t just start strong — they exploded. In the first quarter alone, they outscored the Lakers 39-17, turning the arena into a roaring cauldron. Boston Celtics guard Derrick White nailed five three-pointers, while Jordan Walsh added 17 points off the bench. The ball moved like a symphony: 31 assists on 48 field goals. That’s not just good offense — that’s poetry in motion.
By halftime, the lead was 23 points. At 69-46, the Lakers looked lost. Their defense? Nonexistent. Their rhythm? Broken. And with LeBron James watching from the bench in street clothes, the absence was more than physical — it was emotional. The crowd knew it. The players knew it. Even Austin Reaves, who scored 36 points for LA, looked like he was playing against ghosts.
The Lakers’ fight — and the James family moment
It wasn’t all one-way traffic. The Lakers clawed back in the third, outscoring Boston 36-28. Gabe Vincent chipped in 18 points, and Reaves kept firing. For a moment, it felt like the Lakers might pull off a miracle. But Boston’s depth, discipline, and defensive rotations — led by Jaylen Brown — slammed the door shut.
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for. With 6:38 left in the fourth quarter, Bronny James checked in. His father, LeBron James, stood up slowly, clapping. Bronny, 20, finished with five points and one assist — not a superstar stat line, but a historic one. It was his TD Garden debut, and the crowd gave him a standing ovation. You could feel the weight of legacy in that moment. The Lakers may have lost the game, but they gained something quieter, more human.
Why this win matters — beyond the record
The Celtics’ record improved to 13-9, extending their winning streak to four games and marking their sixth win in seven outings. They’re now 7-4 at home, and with Jayson Tatum still sidelined (and Marcus Smart out too), this win proves they’re not just a two-man team. Brown, White, Walsh, and the bench are stepping up — hard.
Meanwhile, the Lakers remain 16-6, still the Western Conference’s best. But their two biggest names are now missing a combined 16 games this season. LeBron James, 40, is battling chronic pain. Doncic, just 26, is dealing with personal issues that remain private. Without them, LA’s offense stalls. Their defense collapses. They’re not just missing stars — they’re missing identity.
What’s next? A tough road ahead
The Lakers face the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night, December 7, 2025 — a team that just beat the Celtics by 14 points last week. If James doesn’t return, this could be a dangerous trap game.
The Celtics, meanwhile, head to Toronto to face the Raptors — a team they beat by 22 points just two nights before this game. With Brown back and the offense humming, Boston looks like a genuine title contender. And with Jayson Tatum expected to return before the All-Star break, they’re only getting stronger.
It’s worth noting: this was the second meeting between these franchises in 2025-26. The first, in Los Angeles, ended in a 118-115 Celtics win. That game had James and Doncic playing. This one didn’t. The difference? Night and day.
Historic rivalry, modern reality
The Celtics-Lakers rivalry dates back to 1959. Sixteen NBA Finals matchups. Bill Russell, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kobe Bryant. This game wasn’t about legacy. It was about survival. For Boston, it was proof they can win without Tatum. For LA, it was a warning: their dynasty isn’t just aging — it’s cracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Jaylen Brown’s performance compare to his usual play?
Brown’s 30-point, eight-rebound, eight-assist night was his best of the season — and one of the most complete games of his career. He shot 11-of-20 from the field, including 4-of-7 from deep, and played lockdown defense on multiple Lakers guards. His efficiency (62% FG) and playmaking elevated Boston’s entire offense, especially with Tatum out.
Why is LeBron James’ absence so impactful for the Lakers?
James is the Lakers’ offensive engine and defensive leader. When he’s out, their field goal percentage drops by 6.2%, and their assist-to-turnover ratio falls below 1.5 — well below their season average of 2.1. Without him, they rely too heavily on Reaves, who can’t carry the load nightly. Boston exploited that gap perfectly.
Is Bronny James’ debut a sign of things to come?
Yes — but not as a star. Bronny played just 6:38 and showed glimpses of defensive hustle and court awareness. He’s not yet a rotation player, but his presence signals the Lakers’ long-term investment in him. His debut at TD Garden — in front of his father, in a rivalry game — was symbolic. He’s not replacing Doncic or James. He’s carving his own path.
What does this loss mean for the Lakers’ playoff seeding?
Not much yet — they’re still 16-6, tied for second in the West. But if James misses more games, their win-loss record could slip. The West is brutal: Phoenix, Denver, and Sacramento are all hot. Losing to a Celtics team without Tatum could cost them home-court advantage in a first-round series.
How does this win affect Boston’s title chances?
It’s a statement. Without Tatum, they still beat a top-5 team by 21 points. They’re now 7-4 at home, and their bench is the deepest in the league. If Brown continues this form and Tatum returns healthy, Boston becomes the most dangerous team in the East — and a serious threat to any Western contender.
Why did the Lakers allow 24 three-pointers?
They were out of position. Without James and Doncic, their defensive rotations were slow. Boston’s ball movement — especially between Brown, White, and Payton Pritchard — exposed LA’s lack of help defense. The Lakers gave up open looks on 19 of those 24 threes. That’s not bad luck — that’s a systemic breakdown.
Comments
Uma ML
December 8, 2025 AT 00:46 AMOh please. Another ‘Celtics are a real team now’ hot take? Jaylen Brown had a good night, sure - but let’s not pretend this isn’t just a glorified scrimmage with the Lakers’ B-team. The moment LeBron and Luka are out, everyone suddenly acts like Boston is the 2008 Celtics. Wake up. This isn’t a statement. It’s a statistical anomaly wrapped in fanboy delusion. And don’t even get me started on Bronny’s 6 minutes - cute, but don’t confuse sentimentality with substance. This team still folds when the pressure’s real.
Saileswar Mahakud
December 9, 2025 AT 19:07 PMMan, I just watched the highlights and honestly? That third quarter was everything. Even with the score, you could feel how hard the Lakers fought. And Bronny? Bro, that ovation gave me chills. No stats needed. Just seeing his dad stand up, clapping like a proud papa… that’s basketball at its purest. Boston won, sure. But tonight? LA won hearts.
Rakesh Pandey
December 11, 2025 AT 10:17 AMThat Celtics offense was smooth like butter on warm toast. No drama no ego just ball moving and shooters hitting. Brown was quiet dominant not flashy just efficient. And the bench? Holy crap Jordan Walsh just popped off. LA looked like they forgot how to play defense. Not even mad just impressed. Boston playing like they got nothing to lose and everything to prove