The much-anticipated NBA showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics on Friday, December 5, 2025, is shrouded in uncertainty, overshadowed by a wave of injuries to key stars. Instead of the classic rivalry fireworks, the focus has shifted to health concerns and the immense pressure on the remaining players to step up.
LeBron James' Major Injury Setback Clouds Marquee Matchup
The biggest news is the likely absence of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James. The 40-year-old icon is officially listed as doubtful for the game due to a persistent right sciatica issue and a newly diagnosed case of left foot joint arthritis. This development makes his participation highly unlikely, especially on the second night of a back-to-back.
James played 35-36 minutes in a narrow 123-120 win over the Toronto Raptors on December 4. However, he managed only eight points, which ended his historic NBA-record streak of scoring in double figures at 1,297 consecutive games, a run that began back in 2007. This season, injuries have severely limited him to just six appearances, where he is averaging 14.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists on 41.3% shooting.
Lakers and Celtics Battle Mounting Injury Lists
The Lakers' woes extend beyond LeBron. They will also be without their other marquee player, Luka Dončić, who is away for personal reasons. Dončić remains the league's top scorer, averaging 35.3 points per game. Additionally, guard Marcus Smart will miss his fourth straight game with a back injury.
This places the offensive burden squarely on the shoulders of Austin Reaves. Reaves is coming off a spectacular performance against Toronto, where he exploded for 44 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. Now averaging 28.9 points per game, he has become the team's primary playmaker and will be the focal point of the Lakers' attack. The frontcourt will rely on DeAndre Ayton (15.8 PPG, 8.6 RPG) and Rui Hachimura.
On the other side, the Boston Celtics are also navigating significant absences. Star forward Jayson Tatum remains out long-term with an Achilles injury. Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown is considered day-to-day due to illness. Despite this, the Celtics are riding high after a dominant 146-101 victory over the Washington Wizards.
Who Steps Up for the Shorthanded Celtics?
In their last outing, the Celtics received a massive boost from Derrick White, who posted 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists. Rookie Jordan Walsh also impressed with a perfect 22-point effort. With key players sidelined, guard Payton Pritchard, who is averaging 17.3 points, is expected to see extended minutes as Boston leans on its depth and home-court advantage at TD Garden.
The game is scheduled for a 7:00 PM ET (6:30 PM CST) tip-off and will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video and SportsNet LA. Despite the injury chaos, the Lakers, with a record of 16-5, enter as narrow favorites over the Celtics, who stand at 13-9 or 14-9. With both lineups depleted, this historic rivalry game is poised to be a gritty, defensive battle rather than a high-scoring spectacle. All eyes will be on the sidelines to see if LeBron James attempts one final surprise return, but the night truly belongs to the supporting casts thrust into the spotlight.
