The historic rivalry between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers added another chapter on Saturday, December 6, 2025, but this edition was missing its usual star power. The Celtics capitalized on a depleted Lakers squad, securing a convincing 126-105 victory at TD Garden during the NBA regular season.
Boston's Depth Overwhelms Short-Handed Lakers
With the Lakers missing their top offensive weapon, league-leading scorer Luka Dončić, alongside veterans LeBron James and Marcus Smart, the purple and gold faced an uphill battle. Boston seized the opportunity, displaying its formidable roster depth. Jaylen Brown orchestrated the win with a stellar all-around performance of 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.
He was far from alone, as the Celtics had six players score in double figures. Derrick White contributed 19 points, while Payton Pritchard added 15. The most surprising spark came from rookie Jordan Walsh, who continued his remarkable efficiency by scoring 17 points. Walsh has now made 18 of his last 19 shot attempts over a three-game stretch, providing an unexpected offensive boost.
Reaves' Valiant Effort Not Enough for LA
Facing the deficit, the Lakers leaned heavily on guard Austin Reaves, who delivered a game-high 36 points in a valiant effort to keep his team competitive. Gabe Vincent provided support with 18 points, and center Deandre Ayton controlled the glass with a game-high 10 rebounds.
However, the firepower from a complete Celtics team proved too much to overcome. The balanced Boston attack consistently found answers, turning the latest installment of the NBA's most iconic rivalry into a showcase of their collective strength versus the Lakers' injury-induced limitations.
Standings Implications and Looking Ahead
The victory marks Boston's ninth win in their last eleven outings, solidifying their position in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. They now hold a 14-9 record, good for 5th place in the East. Despite the loss, the Lakers remain near the top of the Western Conference with a strong 16-6 slate, holding onto 3rd place.
This game underscored the importance of health and depth in the long NBA season. While the Celtics ride a wave of momentum, the Lakers will eagerly await the return of their superstar trio to re-ignite the full fury of this timeless rivalry in future matchups.
