Shorthanded Lakers Outlast Trail Blazers 123-115 on Second Night of Back-to-Back
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The Los Angeles Lakers, missing several key contributors, edged the Portland Trail Blazers 123-115 on Monday night at Moda Center, closing their second early-season back-to-back with a victory.
Playing without Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves and others, Los Angeles improved to 6-2 behind balanced scoring and timely defense. Center Deandre Ayton paced the short-handed roster against his former club, while Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart and rookie Nick Smith Jr. provided crucial support.
The Lakers opened with energy as Smart and Ayton converted consecutive baskets, followed by two Hachimura transition dunks that prompted an early Portland timeout at 12-6. Reserve center Robert Williams helped the Trail Blazers rally, and Portland led 33-24 after one quarter.
Hachimura notched 10 points early in the second period, cutting the gap to six. Ayton’s inside work trimmed the deficit to 53-52 at halftime.
Portland began the third with a 9-2 run, but Ayton answered before Smart and Hachimura turned steals into points, giving L.A. a 68-66 edge. Smith Jr. provided an offensive jolt off the bench, and a late burst from Jake LaRavia sent the Lakers to the fourth up 90-86.
Bronny James drained a three-pointer to start the final quarter, and Smith Jr. stayed hot, extending the margin to seven. Smith later nailed back-to-back triples for a 117-105 cushion with two minutes remaining, sealing the win.
Up Next
The Lakers return to Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday to face Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs before embarking on a five-game road trip.
Source: LakersNation.com
