Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Lakers player stats and box score (Dec. 8) | 2024-25 NBA season
The LA Lakers bucked the absence of LeBron James and Austin Reaves to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 107-98 on Sunday. Anthony Davis led his team with 30 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks. D'Angelo Russell, still out of the starting lineup, contributed 28 points, 14 assists and one steal.
Portland closed the gap heading into the fourth quarter behind a stifling defense. The Blazers won the third period 29-18 and trailed 77-74 with 12 minutes left to play. Shaedon Sharpe and Co. could not complete the rally as the Lakers had an answer to their mini-runs.
Russell made a strong case to start again with a 13-point, five-assist performance in the fourth quarter. The point guard's timely shots and playmaking were instrumental in ending the Lakers' three-game losing streak and extending Portland's losing skid to four.
Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Lakers player stats and box score
Portland Trail Blazers player stats and box score
LA Lakers player stats and box score
Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Lakers Game Summary
Anthony Davis dropped 14 points in the first quarter to push the Lakers to a 28-22 lead. Portland kept the game close behind balanced scoring led by Shaedon Sharpe and Deandre Ayton. Deni Avdija came off the bench to contribute five points for the Blazers.
Rui Hachimura erupted for 14 points in the second quarter to take over from AD. D'Angelo Russell also gave the Lakers a boost from the bench. LA dominated the period 37-17 to take a 59-45 halftime lead.
The Portland Trail Blazers played their best stretch in the third quarter against the LA Lakers. They limited the hosts to 18 points and scored 29 to cut the Lakers' lead to 77-74 with a quarter left to play.
However, the Blazers could not complete the rally as D'Angelo Russell arguably played his best game of the season. He had 13 points and five assists in leading the Lakers to a 107-98 victory.