On Friday night, the Los Angeles Lakers will play the Boston Celtics (in Massachusetts).
The Lakers are coming off a 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors (on Thursday night) in Canada.
Lakers Star LeBron James Ruled Out Against Celtics
Before the game, LeBron James was ruled out due to a foot injury.
Via ESPN’s Shams Charania: “Lakers’ LeBron James is out for tonight’s road game against the Boston Celtics.”
Lakers’ LeBron James is out for tonight’s road game against the Boston Celtics.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 5, 2025
Many people reacted to the news on social media:
@BENEV_N_O_SUNNY: “No way this is his last season tho, no way he’s missing his last chance to play in Boston”
@Footballjogfv: “No Lebron and no Doncic, the game went from Box Office to average”
@luchadorgmz: “I think the Lakers offense has actually run with better pace and fluidity in the first 10 minutes without LeBron.”
@LakeShowYo: “No Luka or LeBron today… Austin Reaves might actually drop 60 ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜”
@worldofao: “No Lebron as expected (even though I think the load managing breaks the rhythm), hoping we see more Thiero minutes and even Vando! We need the energy and activity tonight against Boston.”
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James is in the middle of his 23rd NBA season (and eighth playing for the Lakers).
The future Hall of Famer comes into the day with averages of 14.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists per contest while shooting 41.3% from the field and 25.9% from three-point range in six games.
Via StatMuse: “Fun Fact: LeBron James has more Finals appearances (10) than games with single-digit points (9).”
MORE: LeBron James Made His Feelings Clear About Former Lakers Star Brandon Ingram
The Lakers are currently the second seed in the Western Conference with a 16-5 record in 21 games.
They have gone 8-2 over their last ten games (and are 9-2 in 11 games on the road).
After the Celtics, the Lakers will play their next game on Sunday when they visit Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center.
Via Real Sports: “LeBron James in his career: 14 — Games with 50+ PTS 9 — Games with under 10 PTS”
MORE: NBA Fans React To LeBron James’ Performance In Lakers-Raptors Game
As for the Celtics, they are the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 13-9 record in 22 games.
They have gone 8-2 over their last ten (and are also in the middle of a three-game winning streak).
Following the Lakers, the Celtics will visit the Toronto Raptors on Sunday in Canada.
