The Boston Celtics faced the LA Lakers in a highly anticipated matchup. With eight straight wins leading into this contest, fans expected the Lakers to extend their streak to nine at TD Garden in Boston. However, Jayson Tatum and Co. had different plans and breezed past LeBron James’ side with a 111-101 win. Surprisingly, the loss became an after-thought within hours!

Lakers star LeBron James delivered a solid performance, scoring 22 points, but he left the game in the fourth quarter due to discomfort in the groin area of his left leg. Every Laker fan collectively held their breath as they saw James leave the court. After the game, James addressed the situation, but he downplayed the effect of the injury, saying it wasn’t much of a concern. However, this isn’t the actual case! As news broke through that the 40-year-old would not suit up for weeks, instead of just a few days.

While the situation still hasn’t become quite clear. ESPN’s Shams Charania has given a huge update regarding James’ injury. “Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is expected to miss at least 1-to-2 weeks with a groin strain, sources tell ESPN. James will wait for the groin injury to calm down over the next 24 hours and receive another evaluation.” Charania posted on social media. He claimed that the Lakers star will miss at least 1-to-2 weeks of action. Moreover, James and the Lakers’ management will wait for the injury to heal before re-evaluating him.

This is a massive blow for Los Angeles, who were looking like a real threat at the moment. The news couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Lakers. Just when they were looking to cement their claim for championship contention, now they face a major crisis. James has been a crucial contributor, averaging 25 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.5 assists.  Now, this will shift the offensive burden on Luka Doncic. The newly acquired superstar will have to step up in LeBron’s absence and carry the team forward until his return. Well, it seems Doncic himself isn’t 100 percent at the moment.

While LeBron’s injury is a significant concern, the Lakers faced additional challenges with Luka Dončić’s back discomfort during the same game.

“I’ve been feeling it since that fall,” says Luka Doncic while addressing his back problem

Lakers’ other superstar Luka Doncic was also playing through pain. However, the pain didn’t stop the Slovenian from dropping a stellar 34-point performance, shooting 11-of-22 from the field. While LeBron exited the game early due to a groin injury, Doncic didn’t appear healthy by the end of the loss against Boston.

The 26-year-old appeared uncomfortable due to back pain on several occasions. First he was seen stretching his back before the start of the game and then during the he was seen holding his back on multiple occasions. Moreover, during breaks or timeouts, LA’s physio was seen assisting in easing the point guard’s discomfort. After the game, he asked if his back was alright. “I’ve been feeling it since that fall, so just dealing with it. But I’m fine… I’m good.” He said. The falls Doncic is talking about came in the wins against the Clippers and the Pelicans.

In both the games, the Lakers star took hard falls to the ground, which might have been the reason for his pain. But, despite performing well, Doncic was in clear discomfort. This might be another reason for concern for the Lakers nation.

With LeBron out and Dončić battling discomfort, the Lakers’ depth will be tested. Their upcoming game against the Nets will reveal whether this team has the resilience to stay in the championship conversation.