PORTLAND: LeBron James delivered a spectacular performance, scoring 40 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 110-102 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night. At 40 years old, James showed no signs of slowing down, becoming the first player in NBA history to record multiple 40-point games at age 40 or older. Michael Jordan remains the only other player to have a 40-point game at age 40, but James now holds the distinction with his second such achievement.
Despite the absence of Luka Dončić, who was sidelined for injury management on his left calf, the Lakers found support in shooting guard Austin Reaves. Reaves, who had been ejected in the previous night’s game against the Charlotte Hornets, bounced back with a strong showing, scoring 32 points. Although he struggled from three-point range, hitting only two of eight attempts, Reaves made up for it by going 12 of 13 from the free-throw line.
Portland’s Deni Avdija led the Trail Blazers with 28 points, four rebounds, and five assists in the losing effort. Toumani Camara contributed 19 points, while Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe scored 12 and 11 points, respectively.
The Game Reaves got off to a strong start, scoring several layups and drawing fouls to convert free throws. He also hit a step-back three-pointer at the end of the first quarter, helping the Lakers build a 13-point lead, 28-15. The Lakers’ lead grew to 18 points early in the second, as LeBron found his rhythm, scoring a variety of layups and jump shots. However, Portland fought back in the second quarter, outscoring Los Angeles 32-17, thanks in large part to Avdija’s eight points and contributions from Henderson and Dalano Banton. The Lakers led 55-47 at halftime.
Portland continued to press in the third quarter, cutting the Lakers’ lead to just one point, 78-77. Avdija was on fire, scoring 16 points in the frame, while LeBron kept the Lakers afloat with 12 points. Despite the challenge, Los Angeles held the slim lead heading into the final quarter.
In the fourth, LeBron and Reaves sealed the win, with LeBron adding 12 points, including two early three-pointers, while Reaves contributed 11 points. LeBron hit a couple of clutch free throws to reach 40 points and close out the game for the Lakers, who emerged with a 110-102 victory.
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With the win, the Lakers improve to 33-21, holding the fifth spot in the Western Conference. The Trail Blazers, on the other hand, remain near the bottom of the standings with a 23-33 record, ranking 13th in the West.
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