The LA Lakers’ eight-game winning streak came to an end after they were handed a 101-111 defeat by their rivals, the Boston Celtics.
Led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the reigning champions did an extremely good job to hold on despite a late Lakers surge to clinch the win.
LeBron James added 22 points, but exited the game due to a groin injury, while Luka Doncic stepped up with 34 points.
Despite the effort of their two stars, the team in Purple and Gold fell short of another win and slipped to third seed in the West.
The team have looked brilliant since making the trade that brought Doncic to the team and sent Anthony Davis and Max Christie to the Dallas Mavericks.
However, Kendrick Perkins had a different opinion about the duo and their impact as the Lakers suffered their first loss in nine games.
Perkins has been vocal about the new Lakers roster after the Luka Doncic trade.
But he admitted the current Mavericks players could have been valuable for their former side against the Celtics.
“This is where Lakers miss AD and Max. Speed and Length, Very underrated,” tweeted Perkins.
He then also shared how much of an effect James’ absence could have on the Lakers.
“One could argue that LeBron James had been in competition with Nikola Jokic for as being the best player in the NBA.
“That’s how valuable he’s been to the Los Angeles Lakers on both ends of the floor, now that he goes out, you have to lean more on Luka Doncic and role players.
“Can Austin Reaves elevate his game in big moments to take up some of the slack, when is Rui Hachimura going to be back
“Then you look at the tough Western Conference, where every game matters now because you may drop in the seeding,” said Perkins on SportsCenter after the game.
The Lakers looked like a team on a mission since trading for Doncic just before the trade deadline.
Doncic had elevated James’ game and the duo were looking on fire, helping the team climb up to second in the West prior to their loss against the Celtics.
With James out, the burden will now be on Doncic to help Lakers finish the season in the top three of the Conference.
The Lakers have some tough games coming up, but Doncic has led the team as the lone star before.
He has scored 30 points or more in his last three games and will be prepared to take the load in the absence of King James.