Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick labelled their victory against the Portland Trail Blazers as “awesome” as key players were missing from his side.
The Lakers were missing LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, their three leading scorers from last season, during their 123-115 win over Portland.
Deandre Ayton led the way with 29 points and 10 rebounds, while Rui Hachimura and Nick Smith Jr. contributed 28 and 25 points, respectively.
Six different Lakers players have scored at least 25 points in a game this season, seeing them become just the second team in the NBA to do this through the first eight games of a campaign after the 1971-72 Lakers, who went on to win the championship.
Redick insisted he had full belief in his roster, but more importantly, they had the self-belief to get the job done at Moda Center.
“I told the guys before the game, ‘We have enough in this locker room to win this game,’” said Redick.
Have a game, Nick pic.twitter.com/3gLWyLKh4V
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 4, 2025
“My belief level in this group that’s here in Portland right now and in uniform right now is as high as it’s been.
“You can’t win in the NBA without stepping on the floor and expecting to win. I thought our guys had that from the start.
“Then that confidence, belief and truly connectivity in that second half was just awesome to watch. It was just awesome.”
Jake LaRavia scored 27 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Doncic’s absence last week, and Ayton believes the mentality of the role players was inspired by the forward.
“You’ve got to sit there and blame dudes like Jake LaRavia,” Ayton said.
“He started all this. You know, next man up mentality. Showing up, being on time and approaching the game a different way.
“JJ has given us opportunities like this when our guys are out and given us the freedom. You’ve got guys like Jake LaRavia and Nick Smith showing out.”
