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3 lessons from LA Lakers vs. Boston Celtics: LeBron James absence felt despite Austin Reaves’ 36 points

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Dec 5, 2025 9:35 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers were toppled by the Boston Celtics with both Luka Doncic and LeBron James unavailable.

After what looked to be a course-correcting win over the Toronto Raptors, the Los Angeles Lakers lost to their biggest NBA rivals, the Boston Celtics.

For all the talk of LeBron James giving up his scoring streak to help the Lakers win against the Raptors, his absence became an even bigger talking point.

LeBron’s critics will always find a way to diminish his greatness, something they have done for over 20 years now.

But how the LA Lakers played in the second night of a back-to-back without him and Luka Doncic is a far better rebuttal than anything he could say or write.

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Austin Reaves can’t carry the LA Lakers by himself

Austin Reaves had yet another solid game for the LA Lakers, as he put up 36 points on 9-18 shooting from the field, and 3-8 shooting from beyond the arc.

It was a great follow-up to his 44-point performance against the Raptors the previous night. However, this time, it wasn’t enough to get the win for the LA Lakers.

Is Austin Reaves a reliable No. 2 option?

Austin Reaves’ performances this season have been INSANE! He is averaging more in his fifth season in the NBA than Kobe Bryant did!

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Reaves’ agent sent a warning to the Lakers after their last win. Given tonight’s loss despite Reaves’ performance, he isn’t likely to stoke that fire on social media.

More than Luka Doncic, LeBron James’ absence felt by LA Lakers in the assists column

Luka Doncic missed his second game in a row for the LA Lakers due to familial obligations. For the first game, it wasn’t too much of a problem.

Despite LeBron James scoring less than 10 points, he made the game-winning play against the Toronto Raptors.

Can LeBron James still save his poor start to his 23rd NBA season?

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However, without LeBron’s willingness to make the right play, the LA Lakers struggled to playmake, dishing out just 14 assists as a team.

Deandre Ayton flounders without star playmakers

Perhaps no player felt the absence of both Luka Doncic and LeBron James more than Deandre Ayton. The Bahamian center was struggling on the offensive end.

Ayton would end the game with just 6 points to go along with his 10 rebounds, 1 steal, and a block. This might be one of his weakest stat lines since he joined the LA Lakers.

Now, it should be mentioned that Ayton is not a big who can create his own shot with ease, and relies on his guards and other teammates to set him up.

Given that the Lakers were without two of their best playmakers, his offensive struggles make a lot more sense. But 6 points is still far too low, and Ayton cannot be this bad for the LA Lakers ever again.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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