The iconic Los Angeles Lakers versus Boston Celtics rivalry faces a significant twist ahead of their December 5, 2025, showdown. The Lakers will be without their offensive powerhouse, Luka Doncic, dealing a major blow to their chances in a critical early-season test.
Luka Doncic Sidelined for Personal Reasons
The Los Angeles Lakers have officially listed superstar Luka Doncic as out for the marquee matchup against the Celtics. The absence is due to personal reasons related to the birth of his second child. This marks his second consecutive game missed, having also sat out the team's Thursday game against the Toronto Raptors.
Reports indicate Doncic has traveled to his home country of Slovenia to be with his family, and there is a possibility he could miss the entirety of the Lakers' ongoing road trip. His absence creates a massive void in the Lakers' lineup, as he is the NBA's leading scorer with an average of 35.3 points per game, alongside 8.9 rebounds and 8.9 assists.
Injury Crisis Deepens for Los Angeles Lakers
The Doncic news compounds an already difficult injury situation for the Lakers. The team's injury report for December 5 presents a grim picture for fans:
- Luka Doncic (Out): Personal reasons.
- LeBron James (Doubtful): Managing right sciatica and left foot joint arthritis.
- Marcus Smart (Out): Continues to nurse a left lumbar muscle strain.
This comes as the Lakers navigate a demanding schedule, fresh off a taxing back-to-back set of games. The team must now rely heavily on its depth chart to compete against a historic rival.
Austin Reaves Steps into the Spotlight
With Doncic unavailable and LeBron James likely sidelined, the offensive responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of guard Austin Reaves. Reaves is coming off a spectacular 44-point performance against the Toronto Raptors, and head coach JJ Redick will need him to replicate that form in the hostile environment of TD Garden.
Reaves' ability to create shots and lead the offense will be the key factor for the Lakers if they hope to steal a victory on the road. His matchup against the Celtics' defense becomes the central storyline of the game.
Boston Celtics Also Missing Key Pieces
The Boston Celtics are not entering the rivalry clash at full strength either, offering the depleted Lakers a glimmer of hope. The Celtics will be without their franchise cornerstone, Jayson Tatum, who is out long-term following Achilles surgery.
Furthermore, star forward Jaylen Brown (averaging 29 PPG) is listed as a game-time decision after missing the previous contest due to illness. Boston's depth, including players like Payton Pritchard (17.3 PPG), will be tested as they aim to capitalize on the Lakers' misfortune.
What This Means for the Lakers' Season
Losing Luka Doncic for multiple games is a severe test of the Lakers' resilience and roster construction. Since his arrival in February 2025 via the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas, Doncic has completely reshaped the team's identity and driven their offensive resurgence.
This period challenges Coach Redick's system and provides an opportunity for role players to step up. The team will hope Doncic can rejoin the squad after the road trip, potentially in time for crucial fixtures like the NBA Cup quarterfinals against the San Antonio Spurs.
For now, the December 5 clash against the Celtics transforms from a star-studded spectacle into a battle of grit, depth, and which team's supporting cast can rise to the occasion under the bright lights of one of sports' greatest rivalries.
