BOSTON — The Los Angeles Lakers’ dream of championship contention took a significant hit Saturday night, as their leader, LeBron James, exited with a groin injury in a highly anticipated showdown against the Boston Celtics.
James left the game with 7:05 remaining in the fourth quarter, shortly after scoring his final field goal in an attempt to mount a comeback. He initially tried to stretch it out before ultimately heading to the locker room for the night. Without him, the Lakers struggled, and the Celtics secured a decisive 111-101 victory at TD Garden.
This game, the most expensive ticket of the season, was billed as a potential NBA Finals preview. However, the major takeaway was not the Celtics’ dominance, but the stark reality that the Lakers’ championship aspirations rest on the health of a 40-year-old legend.
LeBron’s Injury and Its Implications
James was quick to downplay the severity of the strain, recalling his Christmas Day injury in 2018—his first season as a Laker.
“The first thing that popped in my mind was Christmas Day. I’ve been there before and I know what type of injury you’re dealing with,” James said. “No, it’s not as bad as that.”
Back in 2018-19, James’ groin injury derailed a promising Lakers season, and the team spiraled from fourth in the Western Conference to missing the playoffs entirely. This time, the injury appears to be less severe, with an expected absence of a week or two rather than a season-altering layoff.
James’ health is paramount as the Lakers navigate a brutal schedule, featuring three sets of back-to-back games and multiple grueling stretches. The team, currently third in the West, is just two games from the fifth seed—where they’d lose home-court advantage in any playoff series.
Next Man Up: Can Dončić Carry the Load?
With James sidelined, the responsibility now falls on Luka Dončić, who has been rounding into form in recent weeks. He delivered an impressive performance Saturday, finishing with 34 points, eight rebounds, and five three-pointers in 36 minutes.
Despite a sluggish third quarter that saw the Celtics build a 22-point lead, Dončić led a spirited comeback attempt, cutting the deficit to 96-92 with just over five minutes remaining. However, Boston’s All-Star duo of Jayson Tatum (40 points) and Jaylen Brown (31 points) proved too much, as they relentlessly attacked Dončić and Austin Reaves on defense.
“Not much concern,” James insisted after the loss, downplaying the setback. “Obviously, we go day to day, look at it each day, see if it gets better, and take the proper measurements moving forward.”
The Road Ahead
The Lakers’ recent eight-game win streak showed glimpses of their potential, but without James, they will be tested. The defending champions know they can compete, but continuity remains an issue.
“We’re not where they are, the defending champions,” James admitted postgame. “They’ve been playing together for a long time. They’ve got great chemistry and know what they want to do.”
For now, Dončić will have to take the reins and keep the Lakers in the upper tier of the West until James returns. As James tapped Dončić on the shoulder on his way out of the locker room, the message was clear: It’s Dončić’s time to step up.
With the playoffs looming, the Lakers’ title hopes hinge on James’ health—an uneasy reality for a team built around a 40-year-old legend.
