Boston will need to be vigilant that old habits vs. banged-up and lesser ball clubs don't make a winnable game into a struggle -- or worse, a loss.

The Boston Celtics head to crypto.com Arena to face the Los Angeles Lakers in a non-conference matchup. The Celtics are 30-13, which puts them in second place in the Eastern Conference. The Lakers are 23-18, which puts them in sixth place in the Western Conference.

The Boston Celtics couldn't get the job done on the road Thursday night, and instead fell 117-96 to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. Boston is now 7-5 in the month of January with the loss.