Lakers win 107-95 in Portland, James with 35, hold In-Season lead

LeBron James matched his season-high with 35 points, propelling the Los Angeles Lakers to a 107-95 triumph over the Portland Trail Blazers in a game associated with the In-Season Tournament on Friday night. This defeat extended the Blazers’ losing streak to six games. Anthony Davis played a pivotal role with 16 points and 14 rebounds, contributing to the Lakers’ flawless 3-0 record in Group A.

As they say, there's nothing quite like the In-Season Tournament! Lebron is too much for the depleted Trail Blazers team. He dominates in the Lakers big win. @KTVZ
https://t.co/ffc30djt93
— Noah Chast KTVZ (@NoahChastTV) November 18, 2023

Despite initial concerns about a calf contusion, James played with a calf sleeve and managed to secure nine assists. Jerami Grant’s 24 points weren’t enough for the Blazers, who fell to a 1-2 record in the tournament, eliminating them from group contention. The Lakers, the sole undefeated team in the Western Conference, strategically kept their starters in until the end to secure a favorable point differential.

Coach Darvin Ham acknowledged the team’s early-season challenges, underscoring the ongoing process of understanding team dynamics in the initial 20 games. The Lakers maintained control throughout the game, establishing a 17-point lead in the final quarter, with Rui Hachimura’s 3-pointer sealing the decisive victory.

As Portland works to rebuild after the departure of All-Star Damian Lillard in the offseason, the team has encountered obstacles due to injuries. Key players such as starting guard Anfernee Simons (right thumb), rookie Scoot Henderson (right ankle), and Malcolm Brogdon (left hamstring) are currently sidelined.

Coach Chauncey Billups underscored the youthful composition of the team, pointing out that a significant portion of their walkthroughs and shootarounds is dedicated to discussing team concepts rather than extensively focusing on upcoming opponents like the Lakers or the Grizzlies. He stressed that the team is in a learning phase, adjusting to new dynamics and strategic approaches.

Upcoming matchups:

Lakers: Hosting the Houston Rockets on Sunday.

Trail Blazers: Slated to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.

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