The Los Angeles Lakers secured a much-needed 107-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night, doing so without their leader, LeBron James, who missed his first game of the season due to left foot soreness.
Despite his absence, the Lakers found balance and energy, with standout performances from Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura.
James, who had been listed as probable earlier in the day, was downgraded to doubtful just two hours before tipoff and ultimately ruled out 30 minutes before the game. The 39-year-old had played in the Lakers’ first 23 games this season, averaging 23.0 points, 9.1 assists, and 8.0 rebounds. His absence put the onus on others to deliver—and they did.
Anthony Davis was dominant, leading the charge with 30 points and 11 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell orchestrated the offense with precision, dropping 28 points and dishing out a season-high 14 assists. Rui Hachimura, stepping into an expanded role, contributed a season-high 23 points and credited his readiness to the team’s trust in him.
“We found out LeBron was out right before the game, so the coaches told me I had to step up tonight,” Hachimura said postgame. “I was ready for it. As a team, we were moving the ball well. (Russell) was great.”
The win snapped a three-game losing streak for Los Angeles, who had dropped seven of their last nine games, including a heartbreaking 134-132 overtime loss to Atlanta on Friday. That game saw James notch his seventh triple-double of the season with 39 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds, further showcasing his enduring greatness in his 22nd NBA season.
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Lakers head coach JJ Redick remained optimistic about James’ night off, calling it an opportunity for the star to rest. “It could be good for him,” Redick said. “We don’t play again until Friday, so he’ll have time to recover.”
The Lakers, now 13-11, also navigated the game without Austin Reaves, who missed his fifth consecutive contest due to a left pelvic contusion. Davis, who was listed as probable with left plantar fasciitis, played through the ailment and delivered a performance that underscored his importance to the team’s success.
Portland posed a challenge early, but the Lakers’ trio carried the load. Russell was particularly impactful in the playmaking department, consistently setting up teammates and controlling the game’s tempo. Hachimura, meanwhile, provided timely scoring and energy, filling the void left by James’ absence.
James returning from pause
For James, the brief hiatus may prove beneficial as he manages his workload in his record-tying 22nd season. Across 1,515 regular-season games, he has averaged 27.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.0 assists, while his playoff resume includes 28.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 7.2 assists over 287 games.
Los Angeles’ victory highlighted their depth and ability to adapt, even without their cornerstone player. The ball movement and defensive effort were evident, a positive sign for a team looking to regain momentum in the competitive Western Conference.
The Lakers will now have several days to recover before traveling to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. With James expected to return, they’ll aim to build on this win and solidify their position in the standings as the season continues to unfold.
For now, the focus remains on sustaining the level of play demonstrated against Portland—a collective effort that showcased the team’s potential when their stars align, even in James’ absence.
