Blazers Top Reaves' 41, Beat Lakers 122-108.

Blazers Top Reaves' 41, Beat Lakers 122-108.

Monday, October 27th, 2025

Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA Watch Recap | Condensed Games

TRAIL BLAZERS WEATHER REAVES' 41 Portland Triumphs 122–108 in Los Angeles Despite Reaves’ Heroics Tuesday, October 28th, 2025.

                    LOS ANGELES (AP) — In a game that felt more like a survival test than a regular-season contest, the Portland Trail Blazers emerged from Crypto.com Arena with a hard-fought 122–108 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.

            Deni Avdija led the charge with 25 points, Jrue Holiday added 24 points and six assists, and Jerami Grant delivered 22 off the bench as Portland secured its first road win of the young season.

The Blazers, playing the second night of a back-to-back after a 114–107 loss to the Clippers on Sunday, showed remarkable resilience. Shaedon Sharpe and rookie center Donovan Clingan each contributed 16 points, while the team’s suffocating defense forced 25 Lakers turnovers — a season-high for any opponent against Los Angeles.

But the story of the night belonged to Austin Reaves.

The Lakers guard, coming off a career-high 51-point explosion in a 127–120 win over Sacramento on Sunday, poured in 41 points on 14-of-23 shooting, including 5-of-10 from three. He added 7 assists and 5 rebounds, carrying a skeleton crew of a Lakers roster on his back for 38 minutes. Yet even a performance worthy of highlight reels couldn’t overcome the absences that have plagued Los Angeles early in the 2025–26 campaign.

A Lakers Roster in Shambles

The Lakers entered Monday’s contest without seven players, including two of their cornerstone stars:

Luka Dončić – Out with a sprained finger and leg bruise
LeBron James – Sidelined with sciatica
Marcus Smart – Quad contusion
Gabe Vincent – Sprained left ankle

With Reaves as the lone experienced ball-handler, head coach Darvin Ham was forced to rely on a patchwork lineup featuring Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton (acquired in the offseason blockbuster), and Jarred Vanderbilt. Hachimura and Ayton each scored 16 points, while Vanderbilt chipped in 14, but the supporting cast shot a dismal 7-of-27 (25.9%) from three and committed 25 turnovers — many under duress from Portland’s swarming perimeter defense.

“We just didn’t have enough bodies,” Ham said postgame. “Austin was incredible — 41 on the second night of a back-to-back, no Luka, no Bron — but you can’t win in this league turning it over 25 times. Credit to Portland. They made us pay.”

Portland’s Balanced Attack

The Blazers, under first-year head coach Chauncey Billups, leaned on a committee approach that has defined their early identity. Deni Avdija, acquired in the offseason from Washington, was the catalyst. The 6’9” forward went 5-of-8 from three, nearly matching the Lakers’ team total by himself. His corner triple with 4:12 left in the third quarter — part of a 15–4 run — gave Portland its first double-digit lead at 82–71.

Jrue Holiday, the veteran playmaker brought in to stabilize the point of attack, orchestrated the offense with poise. His 4-of-7 shooting from deep included a dagger step-back over Reaves late in the fourth that pushed the lead to 17. Holiday’s six assists were critical in a game where Portland assisted on 28 of 45 field goals.

Off the bench, Jerami Grant provided instant offense. The veteran forward scored 14 of his 22 points in the second half, including a thunderous fast-break dunk off a Reaves turnoverTrail Blazers Weather Reaves’ 41-Point Storm, Beat Lakers 122-108 Monday, October 27th, 2025 Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA

The Portland Trail Blazers, playing the second night of a back-to-back after a tough loss in Clipper land, walked into Crypto.com Arena with tired legs and a chip on their shoulder. They left with a statement: a 122-108 road win over a Lakers team that, despite Austin Reaves’ heroic 41-point explosion, simply had no answers for Portland’s depth, defense, and timely shooting.

This wasn’t a game the Blazers were supposed to win. Not on paper. Not after dropping 114-107 to the Clippers just 24 hours earlier. And certainly not against a Lakers squad riding the high of Reaves’ career-night 51-point performance in Sacramento the night before.

But basketball isn’t played on paper. And sometimes, the team with nine healthy bodies can’t keep up with the one that’s whole.

First Quarter: Reaves Starts Hot, Portland Hangs Tough

The tone was set early. Austin Reaves, still buzzing from his 51-point masterpiece, came out like a man possessed. He scored 15 points in the first quarter alone — including three triples — as the Lakers jumped to a 32-28 lead. Without Luka Doncic (sprained finger/leg bruise), LeBron James (sciatica), Marcus Smart (quad contusion), or Gabe Vincent (sprained ankle), Reaves was the entire offense. He dribbled into pull-ups, attacked closeouts, and buried step-backs with that smooth lefty stroke.

But Portland didn’t flinch.

Deni Avdija answered with two early threes. Jrue Holiday, acquired in the offseason to bring veteran poise, orchestrated the offense with calm efficiency. Shaedon Sharpe slashed to the rim with reckless abandon. And even with Anthony Simons nursing a minor ankle tweak (he played limited minutes), the Blazers stayed within striking distance.

Q1: Lakers 32, Blazers 28
Second Quarter: Bench Sparks, Turnovers Mount

The Lakers’ depth issues began to show in the second. With only eight active players, head coach JJ Redick leaned heavily on Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura. Vanderbilt brought energy — 10 points, 3 steals — but the offense stagnated when Reaves sat for his first breather.

Enter Jerami Grant.

The veteran forward, now in his second stint with Portland, came off the bench and immediately caught fire. He scored 14 points in the quarter, including two corner threes and a vicious dunk in transition off a Lakers turnover. Portland forced nine turnovers in the second frame alone, turning defense into easy offense.

Donovan Clingan, the rookie center, dominated the glass. He grabbed 7 rebounds in the quarter and altered multiple shots at the rim. His presence allowed Portland to play fast without sacrificing size.

At the half, the Blazers led 62-58 — a stunning turnaround considering the Lakers had led by as many as 8.

Halftime: Blazers 62, Lakers 58
Third Quarter: Portland Pulls Away

If the second quarter was a warning, the third was a declaration.

Jrue Holiday took over. The two-time All-Star scored 12 points in the period, including a filthy step-back three over Vanderbilt that sent the Blazers bench into a frenzy. He also dished four assists, finding Avdija for two more corner threes and Clingan for a thunderous alley-oop.

Meanwhile, the Lakers’ offense ground to a halt. Reaves, now triple-teamed on every touch, forced a few tough shots. Hachimura and Ayton combined for just 6 points in the quarter. The Lakers shot 2-of-9 from three. Turnovers piled up — 17 through three quarters.

Portland’s lead ballooned to 15.

End Q3: Blazers 94, Lakers 79
Fourth Quarter: Reaves Fights, But It’s Too Late

Give Austin Reaves this: the man does not quit.

He scored 14 points in the final frame, including a ridiculous and-one floater through contact and a deep three that cut the lead to 10 with 4:30 left. The Lakers crowd — what was left of it — roared. For a moment, it felt like a comeback was brewing.

But Portland had too many weapons.

Shaedon Sharpe answered with a transition three. Avdija buried another triple. Grant sealed it with a mid-range jumper and a free throw line dunk in the final two minutes.

The Blazers closed the game on a 12-4 run. Ball game.

Final: Blazers 122, Lakers 108
Box Score Highlights

Portland Trail Blazers (2-3)
Deni Avdija: 25 pts, 7 reb, 5-8 3PT
Jrue Holiday: 24 pts, 6 ast, 4-7 3PT
Jerami Grant: 22 pts (off bench), 3-7 3PT
Shaedon Sharpe: 16 pts, 4 ast
Donovan Clingan: 16 pts, 12 reb, 3 blk
Team: 15-32 3PT (46.9%), 25 forced TOs, 14 ast on 46 FGM

Los Angeles Lakers (3-3)
Austin Reaves: 41 pts, 6 ast, 5-12 3PT, 15-28 FG
Rui Hachimura: 16 pts, 6 reb
Deandre Ayton: 16 pts, 8 reb
Jarred Vanderbilt: 14 pts, 4 stl
Team: 7-27 3PT (25.9%), 25 turnovers, only 8 bench points
Key Takeaways
Portland’s Depth Was the Difference Seven Blazers scored in double figures. Their bench outscored LA’s 38-8. On a back-to-back, with tired legs, they still ran the Lakers off the floor.
Austin Reaves Is a Star — But He Can’t Do It Alone 41 points on 28 shots. 92 in two nights. He’s averaging 37.0 PPG over the last week. But when you’re the only ball handler, defenses can load up. The Lakers need Luka and LeBron back — fast.
Donovan Clingan Is Ahead of Schedule The rookie big man looked like a 10-year veteran. 16 and 12 with 3 blocks. He’s already one of the best rim protectors in the league.
Jrue Holiday Is the Perfect Veteran Glue 24 points, 6 assists, lockdown defense on Reaves in key stretches. He’s the steady hand this young Blazers core needs.
Lakers’ Injury Crisis Is Real Seven players out. Eight active. No point guards. This isn’t sustainable. JJ Redick is coaching with one hand tied behind his back.
Postgame Soundbites

Chauncey Billups (Blazers Head Coach):

“We knew they were short-handed, but you don’t take anything for granted in this league. Austin was unbelievable — 41 on a back-to-back? Respect. But our guys stayed disciplined. We forced turnovers, we shared the ball, and we made shots. That’s Blazer basketball.”

JJ Redick (Lakers Head Coach):

“Austin is playing at an All-Star level. No question. But we can’t ask him to do everything. We’ve got to get healthy. Simple as that. Proud of the fight, but we’ve got to take care of the ball and make open shots.”

Austin Reaves:

“I’m just trying to keep us in games. That’s my job. But yeah, it’s tough when you don’t have your playmakers. We’ll get guys back and be fine.”

Deni Avdija:

“We played free. No pressure. Just hoop. Jrue told us at halftime — ‘They’re tired too. Let’s go.’ And we did.”

What’s Next?
Trail Blazers: Wrap up their three-game road trip Wednesday vs. the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. A chance to go .500 on the trip.
Lakers: Visit the Timberwolves in Minneapolis on Wednesday. They’ll need a miracle — or at least one healthy star — to avoid a third straight loss.

Final Thoughts

This wasn’t just a win for Portland. It was a statement. On tired legs, against a desperate team, with a superstar going nuclear — they weathered the storm.

Austin Reaves gave everything he had. 41 points. Back-to-back 40+ games. He’s must-watch TV.

But tonight, the Blazers had more.

And in the NBA, more usually wins.