The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a 110-102 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, with LeBron James and Austin Reaves combining for 72 points.
The Lakers executed the win over the Portland Trail Blazers without Luka Doncic, who missed the second night of a back-to-back after returning from his calf injury last week. LeBron James and Austin Reaves effortlessly lead the team to an impressive win.
James put up 40 points (14-24 FG) and eight rebounds, while Austin Reaves had 32 points (9-21 FG) and seven assists in the win. The pair combined for 72 of the team’s 110 points, with Dorian Finney-Smith being the only other player to score 10 points (4-7 FG) in the win.
The Blazers have been surprisingly competitive this season. Their 23-33 record after their loss is better than the Philadelphia 76ers this season, with the 76ers also playing in the East. Portland fought for the win, led by Deni Avdija’s 28 points (9-14 FG). Unfortunately, LeBron and Reaves just ensured the game was out of reach despite Portland making a comeback to keep the game close.
The Lakers are 33-21 after this win, holding onto the No. 5 seed in the West. Thankfully, the LA Clippers’ loss to the Milwaukee Bucks has given them a 2.5-game cushion for No. 5 while they trail the No. 4 Houston Rockets by just half a game.
Doncic is expected to return to the lineup for the franchise’s crucial road game against the Denver Nuggets before the team gets a two-day break for a highly anticipated clash with the Dallas Mavericks.
STORY BY SALIFU ZAKARI ZEBA
