We are now a couple of games into the second half of the season, and things are already getting interesting. The Boston Celtics destroyed the Los Angeles Lakers 111-89 on Sunday. This sparked concerns among Lakers fans, as the Purple and Gold are trying to secure a spot in the playoffs this year. Prominent NBA figures, from analysts to personalities, all shared their thoughts on social media after Boston’s impressive showing.
NBA World Concerned for the Lakers
The big three of Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves are finally back and in full force. Since the All-Star break, the trio proved that the Lakers are still the best team in LA after beating the LA Clippers, 125-122, on Friday.
Despite coming off an injury, Reaves proved that he never lost his touch after scoring 29 points, supporting Dončić’s 38 points.
However, Sunday’s performance against the Celtics was the complete opposite after Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard combined for 62 points to humiliate the Lakers at home.
The trio of Reaves, James, and Dončić was neutralized, scoring lower numbers than usual. Dončić added 25 points, James had 20, while Reaves posted only 15 points. The NBA world couldn’t help but express its concerns for the Lakers on social media. Here’s what some of them had to say on X:
Joavn Buha wrote: “The Lakers are now 8-4 in their 12 games with the Big 3. Their four losses are to the four best teams they’ve played record-wise: Spurs, Rockets, Celtics, and Suns. They’ve lost all of those games by double digits. That’s concerning.”
The Lakers are now 8-4 in their 12 games with the Big 3. Their four losses are to the four best teams they’ve played record-wise: Spurs, Rockets, Celtics and Suns. They’ve lost all of those games by double digits. That’s concerning.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) February 23, 2026
Daman Rangoola wrote: Beyond the X’s and O’s, beyond the roster construction, beyond all that — I’m first and foremost disgusted Lakers let go of the rope against the CELTICS in our home building. Not sitting right with me.”
Beyond the X’s and O’s, beyond the roster construction, beyond all that — I’m first and foremost disgusted Lakers let go of the rope against the CELTICS in our home building. Not sitting right with me
— Daman Rangoola (@damanr) February 23, 2026
Dan Greenberg exclaimed, “CELTS CONTINUE THEIR WEST COAST TRIP BY GIVING THE LAKERS THE BELT. IMAGINE BEING SO PATHETIC YOU HAVE TO LIE ABOUT HOW MANY TITLES YOU’VE WON AS A FRANCHISE. VERY SAD. 18 > 12.”
CELTS CONTINUE THEIR WEST COAST TRIP BY GIVING THE LAKERS THE BELT. IMAGINE BEING SO PATHETIC YOU HAVE TO LIE ABOUT HOW MANY TITLES YOU’VE WON AS A FRANCHISE. VERY SAD. 18 > 12
HIT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/H2yjZbbXw5
— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) February 23, 2026
Dave McMenamin reported: “The Lakers lose big to the Celtics again, 111-89, after losing by 21 back in December in Boston. Luka 25 pts on 9-of-22 5 reb 3 ast; LeBron 20 pts on 9-of-21 5 ast 4 reb; Reaves 15 pts on 4-of-10. LAL shot 9-of-30 from 3 (30%). J.Brown (32p 8r 7a) & P.Pritchard (30p 8a) led BOS”
The Lakers lose big to the Celtics again, 111-89, after losing by 21 back in December in Boston. Luka 25 pts on 9-of-22 5 reb 3 ast; LeBron 20 pts on 9-of-21 5 ast 4 reb; Reaves 15 pts on 4-of-10. LAL shot 9-of-30 from 3 (30%). J.Brown (32p 8r 7a) & P.Pritchard (30p 8a) led BOS
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 23, 2026
Esfandiar Baraheni wrote: “Payton Pritchard, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White thoroughly outplayed the Lakers trio tonight.”
Payton Pritchard, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White thoroughly outplayed the Lakers trio tonight
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) February 23, 2026
Fortunately for the Lakers, they remain in fifth place with a 34-22 record in the Western Conference. They still have several opportunities to climb the ranks, as they are only one game behind the third-placed Denver Nuggets, who have a 36-22 record.
