The Los Angeles Lakers proved that cooperation beats figures on Monday night, pulling off a 123 – 115 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
Missing both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Lakers could have fluently folded. Rather, they fought back hard, showing fortitude, hustle, and a bit of Hollywood flair. It was a night that showed just how deep this platoon can go.
Doncic has already made headlines this season with his outstanding early form, highlighted in his historic start with the Lakers, making his absence all the more notable in this matchup.
Ayton Steps Up Against His Old Team
DeAndre Ayton was the man of the moment. Against his former side, he exploded for 29 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks, leading the Lakers from the front.
Back-to-back games
Back-to-back wins pic.twitter.com/ss9DMbrsw5— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 4, 2025
“Ayton looked unstoppable tonight,” said one analyst, and that summed it up perfectly. Backing him up, Rui Hachimura dropped 28 points, while young Nick Smith Jr. caught fire late, hitting two clutch threes and finishing with 25 points.
For a team down to just nine players, the Lakers looked calm, sharp, and confident.
Blazers Start Hot, But Lose Their Spark
The Trail Blazers started strong. Jerami Grant’s big immerse gave them early energy, and they erected a 13-point lead in the first half.
Deni Avdija led the scoring for Portland with 33 points, but his trouble couldn’t save them from a late collapse.
By halftime, the Lakers had trimmed the lead to 55–52. A quick burst in the third, capped by Marcus Smart’s layup, gave LA their first lead, part of a 10–1 run that changed the game.
Portland fought back in the final minutes. Jrue Holiday made it 97–96, but Ayton’s steady layup pushed LA ahead 107–100, and from there, the Lakers never looked back.
The Blazers’ biggest problem? Their shooting. Just 9 of 40 from three-point range, ice-cold when it mattered most.
Injuries Don’t Slow the Lakers Down
Doncic was ruled out with a lower left leg contusion, while Reaves sat with groin soreness after a big game against Miami the night before.
Even Ayton was a game-time decision because of back spasms. But he suited up and completely changed the game.
This win marked the Lakers’ fourth straight victory, a sign of their growing chemistry and depth even when key stars are missing.
The Los Angeles Lakers head back home to face the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday as they look for five wins in a row. The Trail Blazers stay in Portland and will host the Oklahoma City Thunder, hoping to bounce back fast.
Quick Game Highlights
- Lakers beat Blazers 123–115
- Ayton dominates with 29 points and 10 rebounds
- Hachimura and Smith combine for 53 points
- Avdija leads Portland with 33 points
- Blazers shoot just 9-of-40 from three
