LeBron James delivered a masterclass, scoring 40 points to propel the Los Angeles Lakers past the Portland Trail Blazers 110-102 on Thursday. Austin Reaves added 32 points, while Deni Avdija’s 28-point effort fell short for Portland. The Lakers overcame Luka Doncic’s absence, showcasing resilience in a pivotal fourth-quarter surge.
With the game tied at 81 in the final quarter, James ignited an 8-0 run with back-to-back three-pointers and a fadeaway jumper. “He’s been fantastic since we got Luka,” said Coach JJ Redick in a post-game
“LeBron’s engagement and willingness to sacrifice set the tone for this team.”
Key moments included:
- James’ two-handed slam extending the Lakers’ lead to 40-22 in the second quarter.
- Reaves’ clutch free throws (23/25 team FT%) sealing the win.
- Portland’s struggles at the line (14/21 FT%) costing them critical momentum.
Rookie Donovan Clingan showed promise for Portland with 6 points and 6 rebounds, filling in for injured starter Deandre Ayton. The Lakers face the Denver Nuggets next, while the Trail Blazers host the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday.
