With Pat Riley watching, Lakers routed by Celtics in rivalry game - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Broderick Turner

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a significant 111-89 loss to the Boston Celtics in a high-stakes rivalry game, played under the intense scrutiny of a national audience. The match carried extra weight due to the presence of Pat Riley, the legendary former Lakers coach, who was celebrated with a statue unveiling before the game. Despite Luka Doncic's 25 points and LeBron James' 20 points, the Lakers struggled offensively, shooting just 36.8% from the field and 30% from beyond the arc. The Celtics dominated from long range, hitting 14 out of 36 three-point attempts, with Payton Pritchard standing out as a key performer with 30 points, including six made triples. The game was marked by defensive intensity and officiating disputes, particularly involving technical fouls for Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart. The Celtics' ability to exploit the Lakers' defensive lapses, especially in the fourth quarter, proved decisive. Jaylen Brown's strong performance, with 32 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, further compounded the Lakers' struggles. Despite LeBron James acknowledging the Celtics' defensive game plan, he emphasized the need for better execution on offense. The loss highlighted the Lakers' ongoing challenges against elite opponents, particularly their inability to contain opposing shooters like Pritchard. The team's offensive inefficiency, which saw them score in the 80s twice this season with corresponding losses, raised concerns about their consistency. As they move forward, addressing these issues will be crucial for their playoff hopes. The game also underscored the enduring rivalry between the Lakers and Celtics, a matchup that continues to capture the attention of basketball fans worldwide.

Verticals

newscalifornia

Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/23/2026