Saturday's Lakers-Celtics matchup was billed as a potential NBA Finals preview. If it was, Los Angeles has things it needs to work on.

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.

LeBron James suffered a groin strain Saturday that forced him from the court during the Los Angeles Lakers’ loss to the Boston Celtics and threatens to complicate the team’s push to the playoffs. Midway through the fourth quarter of Boston’s 111-101 victory over Los Angeles at TD Garden,

Thanks to some very questionable dealmaking by the front office of the Mavericks, LA has revitalized the team with Luca Doncic.

Newsweek analyzes the best prop bets for Lakers vs. Celtics, as Luka Doncic meets the reigning champs for the first time since the 2024 NBA Finals.

Analyzing Saturday’s Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.