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1h ago

Short-Handed Lakers Lean on Nick Smith Jr., Ayton and Hachimura to Top Blazers, 123–115

A two-way guard’s breakout under JJ Redick’s confidence-first approach highlighted the depth powering Los Angeles’ four-game surge.

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Nov 3, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Smith Jr. (20) reacts with teammate forward Rui Hachimura (28) after scoring a basket during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center.
Nov 2, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick reacts during the game against the Miami Heat during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The Lakers won on the road in Portland 123-115 despite Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves being ruled out Monday and LeBron James still sidelined with sciatica.
  • Nick Smith Jr., on a two-way deal after being waived by Charlotte, delivered 25 points on 10-for-15 shooting with six assists and played through an illness, per Spectrum SportsNet.
  • Deandre Ayton scored 29 points with 10 rebounds and Rui Hachimura added 28, combining for 57 to carry the scoring load in the absence of the team’s stars.
  • JJ Redick credited the performance to “confidence, belief and connectivity,” underscoring the buy-in that has defined the early rotation.
  • Los Angeles improved to 6-2 with a fourth straight win, and Smith was noted by the Real Sports App as the youngest Laker to score 25-plus points without a free throw; the Spurs visit Wednesday.