The injury-plagued Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Portland Trail Blazers, 122–108, at home Monday despite a standout performance from Austin Reaves.
The Lakers’ inactive list ahead of Monday’s game included seven players, among them LeBron James, sidelined with right sciatica and still awaiting his season debut, and Luka Dončić, out with a lower leg contusion.
Reaves led the way with 41 points, four rebounds, five assists and three steals, along with eight turnovers, shooting an efficient 13-of-22 from the field and setting the tone on both ends.
Rui Hachimura added 16 points and six rebounds, while Deandre Ayton finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, two steals and one block. Bronny James contributed three assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block.
Portland’s Jrue Holiday powered the Blazers to victory with 24 points, six assists and five rebounds, while Jerami Grant added 22 points and three steals.
Fans reacted to Reaves’ performance and the Lakers’ loss as the team continued to battle through a skeleton crew just four games into the season.
With the win, the Blazers improved to 2–2, while the Lakers dropped to 2–2.
In a tightly contested first half, the Blazers held a six-point lead at halftime behind 15 points from Deni Avdija and 14 from Grant. Reaves led the Lakers with 23 points at the break.
Portland extended its lead to 89–77 entering the final quarter as both teams traded momentum throughout the quarter.
The Blazers held onto their lead in the fourth despite the Lakers’ relentless comeback efforts, cruising to a 14-point win in Los Angeles.
The Lakers will look to hit the road to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
