Los Angeles Lakers forward Jake LaRavia addressed the team’s 126-105 defeat to the Boston Celtics on Friday, pointing to a rough first quarter as the main factor.
“They were making a lot of threes… outside of the first quarter, I’m pretty sure we won the last three quarters by one point,” LaRavia said.
He noted Boston’s use of DHO (dribble handoff) plays and spacing as a challenge for the Lakers’ defense. “They do a lot of DHOs in the corner… it’s tough to guard because it’s a long closeout and they’re shooting from deep,” LaRavia explained.
LaRavia acknowledged the effects of back-to-back games and travel fatigue. “We were a little tired… late nights, not a lot of sleep… our job is to come out here on the court, and that starting group, me included, is supposed to come out with some pop,” he said.
He praised teammate Austin Reaves for carrying the offense in the absence of LeBron James and Luka Doncic. “He scores the ball at a very high level… just continued to do amazing things. He had 36 points again tonight after 44 last night,” LaRavia said.
On the Lakers’ process-driven approach, LaRavia felt the team held up despite the deficit. “We did a good job… we won the last three quarters by one point, getting contests and being more physical on defense,” he said, highlighting the team’s effort after digging a hole in the opening quarter.
Boston’s offense proved overwhelming early, led by Jaylen Brown with 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Derrick White added 19 points, including five three-pointers, while Jordan Walsh contributed 17 as the Celtics shot a season-high 24 from beyond the arc.
Los Angeles struggled without their stars despite Reaves’ and Gabe Vincent’s contributions. Reaves scored 36 points with eight assists, and Vincent added 18 points, but support beyond the duo was limited. Rui Hachimura scored 13 points, and Deandre Ayton grabbed 10 rebounds.
With the loss, the Lakers (16-6) will face Philadelphia on Sunday, aiming to rebound from a rare double-digit defeat. Boston (14-9) travels to Toronto, seeking to extend a four-game winning streak and continue its strong shooting performance.
