Multiple causes caused the Lakers to lose their Christmas Day game to the Celtics 126-115 at Crypto.com Arena.

A major one: When the Celtics’ top tandem struggled, their supporting group kept Boston ahead.

LeBron James’ uncharacteristic shooting performance (16 points on 5-of-14 shooting, nine rebounds, and eight assists in 37 minutes) and an early deficit left the Lakers (16-15) unable to keep up with the Celtics (23-6), who entered Monday with a top-five оffensive rating.

Anthony Davis recorded a season-high 40 points (15 of 26), 13 rebounds, and three assists in 39 minutes, but the Celtics’ offense was more impressive.

Boston had six players in double digits, including everyone of their starting lineup, paced by Kristaps Porzingis’ 28 points and 11 rebounds. Jayson Tatum scored 25 (6-of-15), eight rebounds, and seven assists, while Jaylen Brown scored 19 (7-of-17).

Celtics starting backcourt Derrick White (18 points, 11 assists, two steals, two blocks) and Jrue Holiday (18 points, seven assists) scored 36 points and 18 assists.

Lakers starters James, Davis, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, and Jarred Vanderbilt fell behind early for the second straight game. The Celtics scored 12 consecutive points until Reddish’s 3-pointer gave the Lakers their first basket after three minutes.

The Lakers closed the first quarter on a 9-0 surge to carry a nine-point disadvantage into the second. Boston’s lead had grown to 30-12.

The Lakers won the second quarter 34-26 to cut their halftime lead to 58-57. James accidently kneed Brown in the back after Brown stumbled off a screen in the second, injuring his left knee.

James switched out and returned soon, but he never got going. Only four of his 11 paint shots were successful.

The Celtics led 99-90 heading into the fourth after converting 12 of 14 on free throws in the third.

The Lakers will rest Tuesday before facing the Hornets on Thursday.