Deandre Ayton delivered a standout performance with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocked shots against his former team, steering the Los Angeles Lakers to a 123-115 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. With key players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined due to injury management and soreness, respectively, the shorthanded Lakers relied on a strong team effort.
Rui Hachimura also made significant contributions, scoring 28 points as the Lakers extended their winning streak to four games. Nick Smith Jr., on a two-way contract, played a crucial role in the final minutes, sinking two 3-pointers and finishing with 25 points.
For the Blazers, Deni Avdija led the scoring with 33 points, but the team saw a three-game winning streak come to an end. Despite taking an early lead of 13 points in the first half, Portland struggled to maintain momentum against the resilient Lakers.
The game saw the Lakers overcoming an early deficit, as they went into halftime trailing 55-52. A key third-quarter run, fueled by Hachimura’s layup and contributions from Marcus Smart, allowed Los Angeles to take the lead. In the fourth quarter, although Portland attempted to rally, the Lakers held firm, with Ayton’s layup securing a crucial 107-100 advantage.
The Blazers struggled with their shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, finishing the night with just nine successful 3-point attempts out of 40 tries. Looking ahead, the Lakers will face the San Antonio Spurs, while the Trail Blazers will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, both looking to bounce back from their recent performances.
This victory highlights the Lakers’ ability to adapt and find success, even with a depleted roster, showcasing the depth and potential of their bench players.