Lakers Hold Off Blazers for Impressive Win Without Their Star Teammates
It was predicted that the Portland Trail Blazers would be among the teams most likely to struggle during the year. Based on their performance against the Lakers, that prediction proved accurate. Now, since head coach Chauncey Billups was replaced, the Blazers have posted a winning record. Against the Lakers, though, they had no answer. The Lakers pulled off an imposing 123-115 win over the hot Blazers at home. This win came on the second night of a back-to-back schedule, despite the Lakers being significantly short-handed. They were missing Luka Doncic due to leg contusion management, Austin Reaves because of groin soreness, and LeBron James, who was sidelined with sciatica.
The Lakers' big man finally stepped up. Deandre Ayton had 29 points and 10 rebounds in a very dominant double-double performance against the Blazers. This was the center the Lakers were hoping to get when they signed him, and hopefully, he will continue this aggressive performance and make this team his own. A great performance from Rui Hachimura also turned in a stellar outing, scoring 28 points on 15 shots and led the Lakers to the victory from the very beginning. It was a very impressive win because everyone contributed in their own way, and the Blazers just couldn't keep up. at any given moment because everyone was contributing.
An exceptional performance coming off the bench as well from Nick Smith Jr. also made a major impact off the bench, scoring 25 points. Those shots in the fourth quarter were clutch to seal the win for the Lakers. Did I mention he shot 5-of-6 from three-point range? He is trying to prove his worth on that two-way contract, and performances like this will no doubt lead to more playing time. The Trail Blazers struggled shooting from beyond the arc, converting only 9 of 40 attempts. Their inability to contain the Lakers’ offense down the stretch sealed their fate. Deni Avdija had a big night despite the loss. Avdija finished with a game-high 33 points. This Lakers victory was really a next man up mentality, and everyone contributed in some way or form. Key role players delivered season or career highs during the game to help them get this victory in the absence of their three stars.
