Lakers Fall to Celtics 111-89
The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a 111-89 loss to the Boston Celtics on February 23, shooting just 39.1% from the field for a season low. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 25 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, while LeBron James contributed 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Austin Reaves added 15 points and 7 rebounds in the blowout defeat that dropped the Lakers to 34-21.
- This loss marked the second of a three-game losing streak for the Lakers and completed a season sweep for the Celtics in their storied rivalry. - The 89 points scored by the Lakers was their second-lowest point total of the season. - Boston's victory was largely powered by Jaylen Brown, who recorded 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, and Payton Pritchard, who scored 30 points off the bench, including six three-pointers. - The game was a contentious one, with the Lakers being called for three technical fouls in response to what were described as "questionable calls." - This matchup was only the 12th time this season that Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves have played together due to injuries. - At halftime, the Lakers honored their former coach Pat Riley with a statue unveiling ceremony outside their arena, celebrating the four championships he won with the team in the 1980s. - The loss dropped the Lakers to 6th place in the Western Conference standings. - This season is Luka Dončić's first full season with the Lakers after a blockbuster trade in February 2025 that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks.
