Lakers Overcome the Absence of Doncic and Reaves for a 123–115 Win Over the Blazers
PORTLAND, Ore. — Deandre Ayton delivered an impressive performance with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocked shots against his former team, helping the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers secure a 123–115 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.
Rui Hachimura contributed 28 points to the effort as the Lakers managed to prevail despite missing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who both played significant minutes the previous night in a 130–120 victory over Miami.
Game Highlights
- Ayton led all scorers with 29 points and added 10 rebounds and 3 blocks.
- Hachimura followed closely with 28 points for Los Angeles.
- Nick Smith Jr. showed strong aggression driving to the basket against Jerami Grant.
- Jarred Vanderbilt brought the ball upcourt confidently, facing pressure from Sidy Cissoko.
- Kris Murray and Hachimura battled fiercely for rebounds in the opening half.
Deandre Ayton had 29 points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots against his former team, leading the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers to a 123–115 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
Game Context
The Lakers managed to maintain momentum from their previous victory over the Heat, showing depth and composure even without two of their starters. Ayton’s dominance in the paint and Hachimura’s offensive consistency were key to sealing the win on the road.
Photos by Amanda Loman, Associated Press.
Author's Summary
The Lakers, enduring the absence of key players, leaned on Ayton’s double-double and Hachimura’s scoring burst to secure a resilient 123–115 victory over Portland.