One night later, Boston players all but shrugged their shoulders after falling to the Lakers 117-96 on the second leg of a back-to-back. Kristaps Porziņģis, who has been critical of the Celtics after their worst games recently, sounded ready to dump the latest poor result into the nearest trash can and forget about it for good.

The Celtics struggled to find their rhythm on both ends of the floor, with inefficient offense and defensive lapses proving costly. Despite a strong start from Kristaps Porzingis, Boston’s supporting cast and energy levels couldn’t match the Lakers’ intensity.

The Boston Celtics continue their West Coast road trip on Wednesday, as they prepare to take on the Los Angeles Clippers.  The Celtics will look for their 31st

LOS ANGELES — The Celtics will be without three rotation players on Wednesday night as they face off against a shorthanded Clippers squad at the Intuit Dome.

The Los Angeles Clippers rule Kawhi Leonard out, with James Harden's injury status uncertain ahead of their matchup vs. the Boston Celtics.

The Clippers, missing Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac, fall just short against Boston.