The Los Angeles Lakers returned home on Sunday night following a four-game road journey and proceeded to host the Portland Trail Blazers.

Both teams entered this match with injuries to their respective lineups, but the most significant setback was LeBron James’s absence due to a calf contusion. Nonetheless, the Lakers managed to secure a victory, accomplishing so 116-110 to return to.500 on the road at 5-5.

Rui Hachimura entered the game in place of LeBron James and scored the initial tip-off basket for the Lakers with a dunk. The Trail Blazers were able to tie the game at 12 after the Lakers committed some foolish blunders after gaining an early advantage.

The Lakers were down 22-16 prior to the introduction of their new sixth man, Austin Reaves, who ignited the offense. Both he and Cam Reddish made deep passes to restore the game’s tie.

Reddish scored ten points in the first quarter to help the Lakers take a 31-28 lead into the second. Christian Wood then converted a three-point play to extend the Lakers’ advantage.

As the Trail Blazers extended their lead to 14-3 early in the second period, Shaedon Sharpe began to fire up. Matisse Thybulle, whose shooting prowess is not well-known, also ignited the crowd with two corner triples.

D’Angelo Russell finished the first half with some excellent passmaking, assisting Hachimura and Anthony Davis for easy buckets. However, Thybulle tied the game at 57-56 at intermission with another three-pointer.

Russell maintained his impressive form into the third quarter, assisting Los Angeles in regaining the lead with two early baskets.

After that, the Lakers started to regain control of the game, as Reaves scored five consecutive points to extend their lead to double digits. Davis began to gain momentum after a relatively subdued first half, dominating on both sides of the ball to help the Lakers take a 91-80 lead at the end of the third period.

However, Davis entered the fourth quarter on the sideline, and the Trail Blazers went on a 9-0 run that compelled Darvin Ham to call a quick timeout. After that, Jerami Grant missed a wide open 3-point attempt, resulting in a one-point deficit and a 12-0 run, before Anthony Davis returned and reinstated order with seven consecutive points.

However, another Trail Blazers run answered, and the game remained in close proximity heading into the dying minutes.

Hachimura scored four consecutive points in the closing minutes for the Lakers, which were crucial. In transition, Taurean Prince contributed a steal and layup that extended the Lakers’ lead to 108-103. However, Grant was on fire in the second half and responded promptly with another three-pointer.

The Lakers, as they had done throughout the evening, immediately began to dominate in the paint, and Davis and Hachimura both scored to secure the victory.