The 39-year-old James missed the game for the first time this season. The bench thugs rose up and the Lakers stopped losing streak at home. storyline unfolded perfectly for Lakers fans. LeBron James, who had vowed to play all 82 games this season, finally sat out due to left foot soreness. But worry not, Lakers Nation—Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura stepped up, leading the team to a 107-98 victory over the Trail Blazers. Oh, and as an extra bonus? Shohei Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, were in the building to soak in the Hollywood drama.
So, what went down at Crypto.com Arena? Let’s break it all down, from bench heroics to Bronny James’ “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” cameo.
LeBron Takes a Seat—Finally
LeBron James, at the ripe age of 39, has been a workhorse all season. The man dropped 39 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds in an overtime thriller against the Hawks just days ago. Unfortunately, the Lakers lost that game on a Trae Young buzzer-beater, extending their losing streak to three.
Fast forward to tonight, and the King finally waved the white flag (briefly) due to left foot soreness. After playing a season-high 43 minutes against the Hawks, it’s no wonder LeBron’s foot started to yell, “Bro, we need a break!”
This marked his first missed game in 23 appearances. And while fans might’ve felt uneasy seeing their star in street clothes, the Lakers reminded everyone they’re more than just a one-man show.
Bench Power: D’Angelo Russell Goes Nuclear
D’Angelo Russell didn’t just step up; he stepped all the way up. Coming off the bench, Russell lit up the scoreboard with 28 points, his second-highest output of the season, while also dishing out a ridiculous 14 assists—a season high.
This performance gave us vintage “Ice in My Veins” D-Lo, proving once again that the Lakers’ bench isn’t just for show. Russell’s ability to run the offense in LeBron’s absence was exactly what L.A. needed to snap their three-game skid.
Anthony Davis Dominates the Paint
When LeBron rests, AD thrives. Anthony Davis went full beast mode, finishing the game with:
- 30 points
- 11 rebounds
- 5 blocks
Davis didn’t just play big; he played smart. His dominance in the paint kept the Trail Blazers at bay, and his defensive efforts—including those monstrous blocks—set the tone for the Lakers’ resilience.
Rui Hachimura’s Two-Way Brilliance
Let’s not forget Rui Hachimura, the unsung hero of the night. Rui dropped 23 points while adding 4 steals, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor. His energy helped fuel the Lakers’ decisive second-quarter run, where they outscored Portland 37-17 to flip the game on its head.
The Lakers stayed focused through their Achilles’ heel—the third quarter—entering the final frame with a slim 3-point lead. From there, AD and D-Lo made sure they never looked back.
Bronny James: A Glimpse of the Future
For fans of the James family, Bronny James made a brief (but memorable) appearance. Subbing in late, Bronny didn’t score, but with 40.1 seconds left, he swatted Kris Murray’s shot into the stands—a small but satisfying highlight.
Bronny’s minutes may have been limited, but every step he takes on the NBA court feels like a teaser for what’s to come. Lakers fans, keep your popcorn ready.
Lakers Snap Losing Streak, End Blazers’ Hopes
The Lakers ended the night with a 107-98 win, snapping their three-game losing streak in style. After a tough 1-3 road trip, the team returned home, dusted off their bruises, and reminded fans why they’re still in the Western Conference mix.
The win lifts the Lakers’ spirits and shows that even when LeBron James sits, there’s enough firepower on the roster to get the job done—especially against a Trail Blazers squad that’s been, well, rebuilding (again).
Key Stats
Lakers:
- Anthony Davis: 30 points, 11 rebounds, 5 blocks
- D’Angelo Russell: 28 points, 14 assists
- Rui Hachimura: 23 points, 4 steals
Blazers:
- Let’s just say they tried… but failed.
FAQs
LeBron missed the game due to left foot soreness, marking his first absence in 23 games this season.
D’Angelo Russell (28 points, 14 assists), Anthony Davis (30 points, 11 rebounds), and Rui Hachimura (23 points) led the charge.
Bronny played 3 minutes and had a highlight-reel block in the game’s final moments.
With LeBron hopefully resting up, the Lakers will look to build momentum as they continue their push in the Western Conference standings.
Conclusion
39-year-old James missed the game for the first time this season. The bench thugs rose up and the Lakers stopped losing streak at home. perfectly sums up a night of redemption for the Lakers. While LeBron James took a well-deserved breather, the supporting cast put on a show to secure a much-needed victory.
From D’Angelo Russell’s playmaking masterclass to Anthony Davis’ defensive dominance and Rui Hachimura’s two-way brilliance, this win proved that the Lakers are far from a one-man operation.
With the losing streak behind them, the Lakers can now focus on building momentum—and maybe giving LeBron’s foot a little extra TLC. If they keep this up, the Purple and Gold might just surprise us all come playoff time.
For now, though, hats off to the bench mob and King James’ temporary royal court.
