LAS VEGAS -- The Los Angeles Lakers looked to close out their Summer League season on a positive note against their bitter rival, the Boston Celtics, but it was the Celtics who came away victorious by a final score of 87-78.
There were some definite positives and some negatives for Los Angeles in this loss.
For one, Bronny James had yet another impressive showing on the court, leading the team in scoring with 18 points on 7-13 shooting, five assists, three rebounds, and a steal, but he also led the team in turnovers, with eight turnovers given up. James had a slow start to his performance, but he picked up the pace in the second half.
On a much more sour note, Lakers forward Darius Bazley had to be carted off the court in the second quarter after an apparent injury to his right leg. Bazley was in motion to drive to the basket when his lower right leg seemed to give out, causing the 25-year-old to collapse and crawl in pain.
Bazley had to be carted off the court via a wheelchair and did not return.
Hope Bazley's okay 🙏pic.twitter.com/XLZI6eyYUI
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) July 18, 2025
The Lakers' forward was a key contributor in all of his Summer League appearances, averaging 7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2 steals entering Thursday night's matchup.
The Los Angeles offense would take a dip after that, as they only managed to score nine points in the second quarter alone, but miraculously, they were only down by five heading into the third.
Dalton Knecht began to follow suit behind James as he started to rack up points in the third quarter and even regained the lead over Boston through the halfway point, but the Celtics started a hot streak offensively, and in the blink of an eye, Boston had a 65-55 lead entering the final quarter of regulation.
Boston's defense would ultimately keep the Lakers' offense in check and would come away with the victory, ending their Summer League season with a 3-1 record, while Los Angeles would fall to 1-3. With this loss, the Lakers do not qualify for the Summer League playoffs, but will play in an exhibition game on Friday night against the Denver Nuggets.