In a crucial game without LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 107-98 on Sunday. James missed the game due to left foot soreness, marking his first absence of the season.
The Lakers’ victory moved them to 13-11, with key performances from Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura.
Davis was dominant in the absence of James, scoring 30 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Russell contributed 28 points and a season-high 14 assists, while Hachimura added 23 points, also a season-best for him. The trio took full advantage of the opportunity, leading the Lakers to a much-needed win after a tough stretch.
While Davis and Russell were pivotal, the Lakers’ defense and passing were also crucial in the win. The team moved the ball efficiently, with 25 assists on 38 field goals.
Portland struggled throughout the game, with their shooting efficiency faltering. The Blazers shot just 41.7% from the field and a dismal 25.0% from beyond the arc. Jerami Grant, who was held to just three points on 1-12 shooting, had a tough night, and Deandre Ayton was unable to make a significant impact despite a 14-point, 19-rebound effort.
The Trail Blazers’ backcourt, consisting of Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe, combined for 33 points, but they lacked consistent support. Portland’s offense sputtered as they failed to capitalize on key opportunities. Simons finished with 14 points on 5-13 shooting, while Sharpe added 19 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Lakers’ firepower.
The Lakers’ defense kept the Blazers at bay, holding them to 98 points despite their own shooting struggles. Los Angeles shot 45.8% from the field and 38.2% from three-point range. Davis and Russell’s scoring, combined with solid contributions from Hachimura and others, proved to be too much for Portland.
