In a thrilling NBA matchup on Monday night, the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a surprising 123-115 road win against the Portland Trail Blazers, despite missing several key players—including superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic. The victory marked the Lakers’ fourth straight win and showcased the depth and resilience of their roster, led by rising star Nick Smith Jr.

Nick Smith Jr Shines in Comeback Performance

Nick Smith Jr, the unheralded rookie guard, stole the spotlight with a season-high 25 points, shooting an impressive 10-of-15 from the field and 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. Smith also contributed six assists and closed out the game with a dominant performance in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 crucial points. The game was Smith’s return to the lineup after being inactive in the Lakers’ win over the Miami Heat the previous night.

With LeBron James sidelined for the entire season due to sciatica and both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sitting out with injuries, Smith embraced the opportunity and delivered one of the best performances of his young career.

Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura Anchor Lakers’ Offense

The Lakers’ offensive success was also fueled by key contributions from Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura. Ayton scored 29 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, shooting a blistering 14-of-19 from the field against his former team. Meanwhile, Hachimura added 28 points on 10-of-15 shooting, continuing his efficient scoring run.

The Lakers shot a phenomenal 58.8% from the field and connected on 39.1% of their three-point attempts. Jake LaRavia chipped in with 11 points, and the team’s cohesive play compensated for the absence of its biggest stars.

Deni Avdija Leads Blazers in Tight Battle

On the other side of the court, Portland’s Deni Avdija led all scorers with a season-best 33 points. Shaedon Sharpe added 23 points and seven rebounds, while reserve Jerami Grant contributed 18 points off the bench.

Despite shooting nearly 50% from the floor, the Trail Blazers struggled from long range, hitting just 9-of-40 three-point attempts. A strong start to the second half gave Portland a momentum boost, but the Lakers ultimately regained control with a 19-4 run and sealed the victory late in the fourth quarter.

Lakers’ Resilience on Full Display

The game was a testament to the Lakers’ depth and adaptability. With James, Doncic, and Reaves unavailable, role players and young talent stepped up in a major way. Smith Jr’s hot shooting in crunch time, Ayton’s dominance in the paint, and Hachimura’s consistency created a balanced and effective attack that Portland couldn’t overcome.

As the Lakers look to continue their winning streak, the emergence of players like Smith Jr points to a bright future—regardless of who’s on the injury report.