Vaughn Dalzell breaks down his NBA Power Rankings entering Week 8.

The Celtics will be finishing out a tough five games in seven nights stretch on Friday but will do so against a shorthanded Lakers squad. Luka Doncic (personal) and Marcus Smart (back) were declared out for the matchup this afternoon. Smart has not played since Nov. 25 due to the injury.

As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to take on the Boston Celtics, the team is preparing to play without LeBron James.

BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown had 30 points, eight rebounds and eight assists and the Boston Celtics cruised past Los Angeles 126-105 on Friday night, with the Lakers playing without LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

BOSTON — The Celtics dominated the Lakers 126-105 on Friday at TD Garden, overwhelming the shorthanded visitors. The C’s won their fourth straight game to improve to 14-9. The Lakers dropped to 16-6 in a crowded West standings.

Brown led the Celtics in points, rebounds and assists in the victory making him Friday’s “Name to Know” Player of the Game. The Name to Know Player of the Game is sponsored by John’s Sewer and Drain Cleaning, the Name to Know when your drains don’t flow.

Austin Reaves finishes with 36 points, but the Lakers can't overcome the absences of Luka Doncic and LeBron James in a 126-105 loss to the Boston Celtics.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James seems like a long shot to play in Friday's game against the Boston Celtics.

The Celtics had no trouble dispatching the shorthanded Lakers on Friday, winning 126-105 for their fourth straight victory.

Celtics vs. Lakers in the NBA is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.