Key Takeaways:
- Despite fielding only nine players, Los Angeles Lakers notched a 123-115 win against the Portland Trail Blazers
- Deandre Ayton posted 29 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks, while Nick Smith Jr. contributed two crucial late three-pointers and tallied 25 points
- Portland’s Deni Avdija led all scorers with 33 points as the Blazers’ three-game winning run came to an end
Match Overview
The Los Angeles Lakers overcame significant roster absences to claim a hard-fought 123-115 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on Monday. With only nine players available, and missing key contributors Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves after their efforts the previous night against Miami, the Lakers relied on outstanding performances from Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura.
Standout Performances
Deandre Ayton registered a commanding double-double against his former team, amassing 29 points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots. Rui Hachimura added 28 points to the Lakers’ tally, and Nick Smith Jr., on a two-way contract, delivered a pivotal showing off the bench, scoring 25 points, including a pair of clutch three-pointers in the closing moments.
Stepped up & showed out ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/8rGrjzsoh9
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 4, 2025
On the opposing side, Deni Avdija topped all scorers with 33 points for Portland, but his efforts were insufficient to extend the Blazers’ recent winning spell.
Injury Updates and Team News
The Lakers faced adversity with both Luka Doncic (29 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists against Miami) sidelined for injury management due to a lower left leg contusion – an ailment that had led to three missed games earlier in the campaign. Austin Reaves, following a 26-point, 11-assist outing against the Heat, was also unavailable owing to right groin soreness. Deandre Ayton, previously a Blazer over the last two seasons and entering as a game-time decision with back spasms, started for the Lakers.
Game Flow and Key Moments
Portland made an early statement, opening up a 39-29 advantage after an emphatic dunk from Jerami Grant and extending the lead to as many as 13. Nonetheless, the Lakers steadily closed the deficit to 55-52 by half-time.
In the third quarter, Los Angeles drew level at 66-apiece courtesy of a lay-up from Hachimura. Marcus Smart then edged them in front as part of a 10-1 spurt. Heading into the final period with a 90-86 lead, the Lakers withstood Portland’s rally – which included Jrue Holiday trimming the margin to 97-96 – and finally pulled away on Ayton’s lay-up to take a 107-100 lead.
Shooting and Statistical Analysis
A critical factor in the Blazers’ defeat was their long-range shooting, as they managed only 9-of-40 from beyond the arc. The Lakers’ ability to capitalise in the closing stretches, spearheaded by Nick Smith Jr.’s timely threes, proved decisive.
| Team | Points | Top Scorer | Key Stats | Next Fixture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | 123 | Deandre Ayton (29) | Ayton: 29 pts, 10 reb, 3 blk Hachimura: 28 pts Smith Jr.: 25 pts (two late 3-pointers) | Host San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday |
| Portland Trail Blazers | 115 | Deni Avdija (33) | Team 3PT: 9/40 | Host Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday |
Looking Ahead
The Lakers, now riding a four-game winning streak, will return to home court to take on the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers, whose sequence of three successive victories was halted, will stay in Portland to meet the Oklahoma City Thunder the same night.
