In a thrilling matchup on January 2, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a 114-106 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers despite being without star player Anthony Davis, who was resting due to a sprained left ankle. LeBron James showcased his veteran prowess, scoring 38 points and sinking a season-high seven 3-pointers, while Max Christie had a standout performance with a career-high 28 points.
With Davis on the sidelines for only the second time this season, the Lakers leaned on their depth, with Austin Reaves contributing significantly with 15 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds. The Lakers have now triumphed over the Blazers in their last five encounters.
For the Blazers, Anfernee Simons was a bright spot, scoring 23 points, including 11 in a late surge during the fourth quarter. Teammates Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija each chipped in with 19 points. Jaxson Hayes, starting in place of Davis, managed four points in his return after missing 15 games due to injury. New additions Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton contributed minimally in their second game since joining the Lakers in a trade.
Although the Trail Blazers showed promise early in the game, they struggled to maintain their momentum. A late-game rally saw them cut a 13-point deficit to just five, but the efforts of James and Christie proved too much to handle.
Looking ahead, the Lakers will continue their campaign at home against the Atlanta Hawks, while the Blazers are set to face off against Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks in a road game.
This match highlights the Lakers’ resilience and depth, even in the absence of injury-prone star Anthony Davis. It also marks a significant growth phase for Max Christie as he becomes a key contributor for the team. The Trail Blazers, despite the loss, can find some positives in their offensive performances, especially from Simons and their young talents.
Both teams will look to build upon their recent performances in their upcoming games, with fans eagerly anticipating the outcomes.