Spectators flocking to the Moda Center expecting a blockbuster will be sorely disappointed. The Portland Trail Blazers are hosting a very shortstaffed Los Angeles Lakers. Apart from LeBron James, the Lakers have ruled out Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves too. That too after a big Sunday night outing. All eyes were on Jake LaRavia to continue his momentum. But it was Deandre Ayton’s return that overshadowed the lineup while Bronny James continued building his highlight reel. Against the odds, the Lakers ended the Blazers’ winning streak with a 115-123 win.

How many points did Bronny James score?

Los Angeles Lakers

Portland Trail Blazers

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Lakers vs Trail Blazers: game summary and key moments

It was a revenge match for the Lakers after getting routed 108-122 in the opening week. Both teams were on winning streaks until tonight but one was meant to end. Without Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, and Gabe Vincent, Blazers fans were prematurely celebratory. Now it’s time for the Lakers fans to bring back the turntables Office GIFs thanks to the role players.

Deandre Ayton was the hero of the night against his former team, proving why JJ Redick has faith in the one player most discounted. After an abysmal stat and early game exit on Friday against the Grizzlies, as well as sitting out last night’s game against Miami due to back spasms, he showed up with 29 points and 10 rebounds across 30 minutes.

We were missing the trio Jake LaRavia made with Doncic and Reaves but tonight he continued a productive streak with 11 points. Bronny James too is ending his scoreless streak. After two points and catching a spectacular alley-oop from Reaves last tonight, 5 points, 1 rebound, 6 assists and one steal while shooting 1/4 from the field in 19 minutes of playing time. Two-way player Nick Smith Jr. stunned off the bench with an astounding 25 points.

For the Blazers, this was a big downer (that too while dealing with the Chauncey Billups drama). Falling to the B-team of the Lakers – which got worse after Jaxson Hayes twisted his ankle – can’t be pleasant. The first half was sloppy on both ends. Both teams combined for 21 turnovers. But the Blazers had a brief lead before halftime. Deni Avdija finished with 33 points and six rebounds was the top performer of the night but couldn’t help once the lead got away.

The Blazers had no answer to Deandre Ayton, the guy whose ‘tantrums’ was reportedly the reason behind the offseason split. Along with Marcus Smart, they closed the 13-point deficit to win with a significant lead.

The Lakers face Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs on Wednesday with a possibly well-rested Doncic and Reaves. The Blazers have to fight for redemption against the reigning champs, OKC on the same day.