Though Luka Dončić’s fourth-quarter explosion showed he is capable of keeping the Lakers in big games, LeBron James’ fourth-quarter groin injury will loom large after this loss, which snapped Los Angeles’ eight-game win streak. With 6:44 left in the game, James called for a timeout and eventually headed to the locker room with a left groin strain.

Jayson Tatum had 40 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, and the Boston Celtics held off a late rally to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 111-101.

Emmanuel Acho, LeSean McCoy, James Jones and Chase Daniel react to LeBron James missing 1-2 weeks after suffering a groin injury against the Boston Celtics, then discuss how concerning this is for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Los Angeles Lakers were thoroughly played by the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics on Saturday and lost by a final score of 111-101. They trailed by as many as 22 points in the second half, and although they came to within four points in the fourth quarter, it never really felt like a comeback win was very likely.

Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick laid out what he felt was the blueprint for his team’s potential success without LeBron James. After James injured his groin and did not return to Los Angeles’ 111-101 loss to the Boston Celtics on Saturday,

Los Angeles star Luka Doncic logged his second triple-double with his new club, posting 22 points, 12 assists and 12 rebounds, but he also had five turnovers as the short-handed Lakers fell to the Brooklyn Nets 111-108 on Monday night at Barclays Center.