The Los Angeles Lakers reminded everyone last night why depth still wins games in the NBA.
Even without big names like LeBron James and Austin Reaves, the Purple and Gold stormed into the Moda Center and left with a 123โ115 statement win over the Portland Trail Blazers โ thanks to the firepower of their underrated core.
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It wasnโt about Hollywood stars โ it was about hard work.
Rui Hachimura exploded for 28 points, while Deandre Ayton added 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks, dominating inside against his former teammates.
When the Lakers needed a spark, Nick Smith Jr. stepped up โ dropping 25 points and hitting five clutch threes that silenced the Portland crowd.
On the other side, Deni Avdija went off for 33 points for the Blazers, but it wasnโt enough to stop L.A.โs fourth-quarter push.
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Portland came out swinging โ building a 13-point first-half lead behind fast breaks and hot shooting.
But the Lakers refused to fold. With smart rotations and suffocating defense, they clawed back in the third quarter, flipping the script and taking control of the pace.
By the final buzzer, it wasnโt just a win โ it was a message.
The Lakers closed out strong, forcing turnovers and holding the Blazers to just 9-of-40 from deep โ the kind of defensive focus that turns games into statements.
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This victory showed one clear truth:
Even without their stars, the Lakersโ bench mob can deliver.
Hachimuraโs leadership, Aytonโs presence, and Smith Jr.โs fearless shooting proved that this team is deeper, tougher, and hungrier than many give them credit for.
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The Lakers head home with momentum โ and confidence that their title dreams donโt live or die by one superstar.
As for Portland, itโs back to the drawing board. Theyโve got heart and hustle, but until they can close out games, the wins will keep slipping away.
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๐
The Lakers didnโt just win โ they announced themselves.
No LeBron, no Reavesโฆ no problem.
When the lights are brightest, L.A.โs new faces are ready to shine.
