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Boston Celtics vs Lakers Match Player Stats: Box Scores

James Jackson Carter Brooks • 2026-05-04 • Reviewed by Sofia Lindberg

When Jaylen Brown dropped 32 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists to lead the Boston Celtics past the Los Angeles Lakers 111-89 on February 22, 2026, it wasn’t just another regular-season win — it completed a season sweep of the NBA’s most storied rivalry. The Celtics entered that night sitting at 37-19, and by game’s end they’d shown exactly why this matchup still commands attention no matter the standings. Here’s where the numbers stand from the latest clash, plus everything you need to know about how these two franchises have measured up against each other.

Celtics all-time record vs Lakers: 169-135 · Recent Celtics win score: 111-89 · Jaylen Brown points (Feb 2026): 32 · Luka Doncic points in Feb game: 25 · LeBron career points milestone: 43,000

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Whether LeBron James rested or was held out of Dec 2025 game
  • Luka Doncic’s long-term role with Lakers in rivalry games
  • Impact of any future injuries on potential playoff matchups
3Timeline signal
  • Feb 22, 2026: Celtics 111-89 Lakers (season sweep)
  • Dec 5, 2025: Celtics 126-105 Lakers
  • Mar 8, 2025: Celtics 111-101 Lakers
4What’s next
  • Celtics building momentum ahead of playoffs with home-court edge
  • Lakers adjusting rotation with new roster pieces
  • Potential playoff seeding matchup could come as early as Round 1

The key facts table below summarizes the primary statistics cited throughout this article.

Stat Value Source
All-time Celtics vs Lakers wins 169-135 AiScore comprehensive H2H tracking
Latest score Celtics 111-89 Lakers ESPN game page
Top scorer (Feb 2026) Jaylen Brown 32 pts ESPN game page
Celtics PPG vs Lakers (last 10) 115.4 StatMuse last 10 games record

Who’s better, the Celtics or the Lakers?

The short answer: it depends on the season. Over the full history of the rivalry, the Celtics hold a commanding 169-135 lead — but that margin masks how competitive things have been in recent years. Boston went 7-3 against Los Angeles in their last 10 head-to-head matchups, and their current 3-game winning streak in the series reflects the momentum shift that started around 2024.

When you break down the recent form, the numbers tell a clear story. The Celtics have averaged 115.4 points per game in the last 10 meetings, shooting 46.5% from the field and 36.7% from three-point range. The Lakers, by contrast, managed just 3 wins in that same stretch, with their offense frequently stalling against Boston’s switching defense.

All-time head-to-head record

Since 2005, the Celtics have won 30 of 58 games against the Lakers, averaging 103.0 points per game while holding Los Angeles to 101.0 points. The rivalry’s balance has seesawed depending on which team had the better star duo in any given era, but Boston’s recent roster construction has given them a structural edge.

AiScore’s comprehensive tracking shows the Celtics winning their last five head-to-head games at 98.0 points per game, while limiting the Lakers to just 96.0 points. The Lakers’ last five show a starkly different picture: 1-4 with 85.8 points scored and 81.2 allowed. That 10-point swing in scoring differential is the gap that separates competitive games from blowouts.

What this means

Boston’s ability to consistently outscore rather than simply outlast the Lakers reveals a structural advantage that goes beyond any single star performance.

Recent season series results

The 2025-26 season saw Boston complete a clean sweep of the Lakers for the year. The February 22 game was the finale, but the writing was on the wall after December 5, when the Celtics dismantled Los Angeles 126-105 — a margin that felt almost polite compared to what followed.

The Lakers managed one bright spot on January 23, 2025, when they beat the Celtics 117-96 at the Garden. That game showed what Los Angeles can do when Anthony Davis (24 points, per ESPN game recap) is aggressive and Austin Reaves (23 points) provides secondary scoring. But that remains the Lakers’ only win in their last five tries against Boston.

The pattern

Los Angeles needs Anthony Davis dominating the paint and at least one additional scorer stepping up to hang with the Celtics — without both, the gap widens fast.

What are the key player stats from recent Boston Celtics vs Lakers matches?

Every Celtics-Lakers game produces standout performances, and the 2025-26 season delivered its share. Jaylen Brown has emerged as the rivalry’s most consistent force, posting 30+ points in both December and February matchups while filling the stat sheet in every category that matters.

Dec 5, 2025 box score highlights

Boston’s 126-105 win on December 5, 2025, was one of their most complete performances of the season. Jaylen Brown finished with 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists — nearly matching a triple-double while leading a Celtics offense that shot 55% from the field and a blistering 53% from three-point range (24 of 45). The Lakers, by contrast, shot just 43% overall and 40% from deep.

Quarter-by-quarter, the Celtics dominated from the start: 39-17 after one, 30-29 in the second, 28-36 in the third, and 29-23 in the fourth. Boston’s ability to maintain that pace through all four periods reflects how thoroughly they controlled the game despite the Lakers’ third-quarter push, per ESPN detailed box score.

Feb 22, 2026 game leaders

The season finale on February 22, 2026, wasn’t as close as the final margin suggests. Jaylen Brown’s 32 points led all scorers, but the Celtics’ supporting cast did damage as well. Payton Pritchard contributed significantly off the bench, while Ron Harper Jr. made a notable two-point basket assisted by Hugo Gonzalez — small details that illustrate Boston’s depth.

The shooting disparity told the story: Boston connected on 48% of its shots (40 of 83) and 39% from three (14 of 36), while Los Angeles managed just 39% from the field and 30% from deep. The Celtics committed 14 turnovers to the Lakers’ 8, but that giveaway differential wasn’t nearly enough to shift the outcome.

Beyond Brown, Luka Doncic finished with 25 points in his first extended look against Boston this season. LeBron James, chasing his 43,000th career point milestone across the league, contributed 20 points — putting him tantalizingly close to that historic threshold. The full box score from ESPN game page captures the complete picture.

Why this matters

Brown’s back-to-back 30+ point games against Los Angeles show he’s evolved into the Celtics’ go-to option in marquee matchups. Where earlier seasons had Jayson Tatum carrying the load solo, Brown now matches that workload — which makes Boston a different animal in any potential playoff series against the Lakers.

Boston Celtics vs Lakers match player stats on ESPN and NBA.com?

Both ESPN and NBA.com provide detailed breakdowns for every Celtics-Lakers game, though they emphasize different angles. ESPN’s game pages offer immediate recaps with player-by-player scoring summaries, while NBA.com’s box scores include shot charts and possession data that reveal the tactical side of each matchup.

ESPN final score details

The Celtics’ 111-89 victory on February 22, 2026, is fully documented on ESPN’s game page with player stats, shooting percentages, and a recap of key runs. For the December 5 game, ESPN’s recap details how Brown and the Celtics built their lead quarter by quarter.

ESPN also hosts the Lakers’ lone win during this stretch — the 117-96 victory on January 23, 2025, where Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves combined for 47 points. That game page at ESPN shows how Los Angeles can win when their supporting cast delivers.

NBA.com box scores and shot charts

For those who want to dig deeper into shot selection and lineup data, NBA.com’s box score pages offer additional context. The quarter-by-quarter breakdown for December 5 shows exactly when Boston pulled away and which lineups controlled the glass. Shot charts reveal that Brown’s 30-point night included multiple looks from mid-range — not just the three-pointers that often define Celtics success.

NBA.com’s team pages also track the Celtics’ broader 2025-26 averages: 114.9 points per game, 46.4 rebounds per game, and 24.6 assists per game. Those season totals contextualize how the rivalry games stack up against Boston’s full schedule, per ESPN team stats.

The catch

ESPN recaps give you the story; NBA.com shot charts give you the why. For fantasy managers or bettors trying to project future matchups, the combination of both sources fills in gaps that either platform alone would miss.

Lakers vs Celtics box score and H2H statistics?

When you pull together the full picture from all available sources — ESPN, NBA.com, StatMuse, AiScore — the head-to-head story becomes clearer. The Celtics have not only won more games against the Lakers; they’ve done so by controlling pace, limiting three-point looks, and getting their best players to perform in prime-time matchups.

Latest game box score

The February 22, 2026 box score shows Jaylen Brown’s 32-point, 8-rebound, 7-assist line as the headline, but several other numbers matter. Payton Pritchard’s bench scoring kept the reserves productive during Brown rest periods. Ron Harper Jr.’s contribution — a basket here, a defensive play there — reflects the Celtics’ depth.

On the Lakers’ side, Luka Doncic’s 25 points represented his most productive game against Boston this season. LeBron James added 20 points, inching closer to his 43,000-point milestone while showing he’s still capable of 20-point nights even in losses. Austin Reaves, who burned the Celtics for 23 points in January 2025, managed a quieter night in February.

The full comparison for that game: Boston shot 48% FG, 39% 3PT, 81% FT versus Los Angeles’ 39% FG, 30% 3PT, 67% FT. Boston won the turnover battle (14 vs 8), lost the offensive rebound battle, but made up for it with superior shooting efficiency across all three categories.

Historical averages

Looking at the last 10 meetings, the Celtics averaged 115.4 points per game on 46.5% shooting and 36.7% from three. They averaged 45.3 rebounds and 26.2 assists per game — numbers that illustrate how Boston’s ball movement generates both open looks and extra possessions.

The Lakers, in their three wins over that stretch, averaged roughly 105 points per game — slightly below their season average when facing other opponents. The implication: even strong Lakers performances tend to fall short against a Celtics team executing at its standard level.

The upshot

Los Angeles needs Davis averaging 25-28 points, at least one secondary scorer matching his pace, and three-point shooting above 40% to compete — without those three conditions met, Boston’s depth and shooting margin for error make the matchup a steep climb.

Predictions and player performances in Celtics vs Lakers?

Forecasting the next chapter of this rivalry means acknowledging two realities: the Celtics have the deeper roster and the better recent track record, while the Lakers have the star power — LeBron James (20 points in the latest meeting) and Anthony Davis — that can swing any single game.

Top performers preview

Based on the last five matchups, Jaylen Brown is the safest bet for 25-32 points whenever these teams meet. His combination of size, athleticism, and improved playmaking makes him Boston’s most reliable option against Los Angeles’ perimeter defense. Jayson Tatum, who dropped 40 points in the March 8, 2025 meeting, remains capable of taking over a game single-handedly — but his recent efficiency against the Lakers has been more variable.

For the Lakers, Anthony Davis is the X-factor. In the January 23 win, his 24-point performance set the tone. In the December 5 and February 22 losses, his production fell short of what Los Angeles needed to stay competitive. When Davis plays with the aggression he showed in that January game, the Lakers can beat anyone. When he fades, so does their ceiling.

Injury impacts on stars

One factor that complicates any prediction: both teams have dealt with rest and recovery decisions that affected matchup availability. The December 5 game occurred with both Luka Doncic and LeBron James sidelined — making Boston’s 126-105 win less informative about a potential playoff clash than it might appear. LeBron’s 20-point contribution in February, even in a loss, suggests he remains a threat when active.

If both rosters enter a playoff series at full strength, the Celtics’ depth becomes their edge. Boston’s 37-19 record entering the February 22 game reflects how consistently they’ve performed even without their stars at 100%. The Lakers, by contrast, have shown more variance — capable of winning at the Garden one night and losing by 22 points the next.

What to watch

The 2026 playoff bracket will determine whether this rivalry resumes with a winner-take-all atmosphere. If the Celtics and Lakers end up in the same bracket, expect Game 1 to set the tone — and for Jaylen Brown to make sure everyone remembers why Boston swept the season series.

Complete Celtics vs Lakers comparison

Five recent matchups, five different storylines — but the same bottom line: when both teams are at full strength, the Celtics have the structural edge.

The comparison table below aggregates results across the most recent head-to-head games.

Date Winner Score Top Scorer Key Stat
Feb 22, 2026 Celtics 111-89 Jaylen Brown 32 pts Celtics 48% FG vs Lakers 39%
Dec 5, 2025 Celtics 126-105 Jaylen Brown 30 pts Celtics 53% 3PT (24-45)
Mar 8, 2025 Celtics 111-101 Jayson Tatum 40 pts Celtics held off late rally
Jan 23, 2025 Lakers 117-96 Anthony Davis 24 pts Lakers 47% FG vs Celtics 38%
Jul 17, 2025 Celtics (Summer) 87-78 Summer League rosters Early look at new pieces

Five games, five different outcomes — but Boston won the games that counted most. The March 8 game required a late defensive stand; the December 5 game was over by halftime; the February 22 sweep was comprehensive. Only the January 23 Lakers win looked like a comfortable Los Angeles victory from start to finish.

Bottom line: The Celtics have earned their head-to-head edge with better shooting, deeper scoring, and performances from Jaylen Brown that match or exceed what the Lakers get from their stars. For Lakers fans, the path forward runs through Anthony Davis playing at an MVP level every night. For Celtics fans, the message is simpler: trust the process, trust Brown, trust Tatum when he shows up.

Celtics vs Lakers timeline

Understanding how this rivalry has evolved requires looking at the games in sequence — not just the results, but the momentum shifts that each game created.

The timeline below tracks the key moments in this rivalry’s recent chapter.

Date Event Source
January 23, 2025 Lakers defeat Celtics 117-96 ESPN game recap
March 8, 2025 Celtics defeat Lakers 111-101 ESPN game recap
July 17, 2025 Celtics Summer League beat Lakers 87-78 ESPN Summer League box score
December 5, 2025 Celtics defeat Lakers 126-105 ESPN game recap
February 22, 2026 Celtics defeat Lakers 111-89, complete season sweep ESPN game recap

The timeline shows a clear arc: the Lakers won the first meeting in January 2025, but the Celtics answered with three straight wins afterward. The Summer League result doesn’t count in the standings, but it was the first look at how both organizations’ young players might factor into future rosters. The December blowout and February sweep cemented Boston’s dominance over the full season.

Jaylen Brown had 32 points, eight rebounds and seven assists leading Celtics past Lakers 111-89 for a season sweep. — ESPN Game Recap

Jayson Tatum had 40 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, held off late rally to beat Lakers 111-101. — ESPN Game Summary

Anthony Davis scored 24 points, Austin Reaves added 23 and the Lakers cruised to a 117-96 victory. — ESPN Game Summary

Confirmed

  • Celtics 169-135 all-time vs Lakers
  • Boston won 7 of last 10 H2H games
  • Jaylen Brown scored 32 points in Feb 2026 win
  • Season sweep completed 111-89 on Feb 22, 2026
  • Celtics shot 48% FG vs Lakers 39% in sweep finale

Unconfirmed

  • Whether LeBron was rested or injured in Dec 2025
  • Impact of potential injuries on future matchups
  • Whether Lakers’ rotation changes will affect H2H dynamics

The Celtics have built something sustainable against the Lakers — not through one superstar game-winner, but through collective execution, better shooting, and Jaylen Brown’s ability to deliver in marquee moments. Boston’s 37-19 record entering February 22 reflects that consistency, and the season sweep proved it wasn’t a fluke.

For Lakers fans, the January 23 win is proof that Anthony Davis at his best can swing the matchup. For the Celtics, the sweep validates years of roster building around Brown and Tatum. The rivalry’s next chapter will likely come in the playoffs — and the numbers say Boston has earned home-court advantage in whatever comes next.

Related reading: Red Sox vs Milwaukee Brewers Match Player Stats – Box Scores & Series Recap · Los Angeles Rams vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats

Frequently asked questions

Who’s better, the Celtics or the Lakers?

By the numbers, the Celtics hold the edge in recent years. Boston is 7-3 in the last 10 head-to-head meetings and completed a season sweep in 2025-26. The Lakers have the historical advantage overall (169-135 lifetime record for Boston), but current form favors the Celtics.

What was the score of the latest Celtics vs Lakers game?

The most recent meeting was February 22, 2026, when the Celtics defeated the Lakers 111-89 to complete a season sweep. Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 32 points.

What are the all-time Celtics stats vs Lakers?

The Celtics lead the all-time series 169-135. Since 2005, Boston has won 30 of 58 meetings, averaging 103.0 points per game while holding the Lakers to 101.0 points.

Who had the highest points in recent Celtics-Lakers match?

Jaylen Brown scored 32 points on February 22, 2026 — the highest individual scoring performance in recent Celtics-Lakers games. Jayson Tatum also dropped 40 points in the March 8, 2025 matchup.

Where to find Boston Celtics vs Lakers box score?

ESPN hosts full box scores and recaps for every game, including the February 22, 2026 game and the December 5, 2025 game. NBA.com offers shot charts and advanced lineup data.

What is the Celtics vs Lakers H2H record?

Boston leads 169-135 all-time. In the last 10 meetings, the Celtics are 7-3. Their last five matchups show a 5-0 streak for Boston, with the Lakers’ most recent win coming on January 23, 2025.

Did the Celtics sweep the Lakers this season?

Yes. The Celtics swept the Lakers in the 2025-26 season series, winning 126-105 on December 5 and 111-89 on February 22. The season sweep was Boston’s first since the rivalry intensified in recent years.



James Jackson Carter Brooks

About the author

James Jackson Carter Brooks

Coverage is updated through the day with transparent source checks.