After ending 2024 on a low note, the Los Angeles Lakers looked to get back on track when they hosted the Portland Trail Blazers to kick off 2025.

The Lakers were without Anthony Davis and Gabe Vincent, among others, but still prevailed against the hapless Trail Blazers and earned a 114-106 win, improving to 19-14 on the season.

Jaxson Hayes started in Davis’ place, returning after an extended absence due to a sprained ankle. He opened the scoring with a dunk as LeBron James organized the Lakers’ offense early and took an 8-5 lead.

The Trail Blazers responded after a timeout with a 6-0 run before Austin Reaves got on the board with a 3-pointer.

Dorian Finney-Smith came off the bench for the Lakers for the second straight game and scored his first triple. Christian Koloko also provided good minutes early on with his activity on the offensive glass. However, LA struggled to keep Shaedon Sharpe off the court and trailed 31-27 at the end of the first quarter.

Portland extended its lead to seven early in the second quarter despite Max Christie quickly responding with consecutive three-pointers. Christie then completed a three-point play to give the Lakers the lead. James accompanied Christie from deep into the action as LA finished the half strong, taking a 60-51 lead into the locker room.

Similar to the end of the first half, Christie and James fired goals in the third quarter and extended the lead to double digits. It was those two and Reaves who carried the bulk of the Lakers’ offensive load who also began to step up defensively.

After a strong third quarter from the Lakers, they entered the fourth quarter with their largest lead of the night at 88-75.

Anfernee Simons made some tough shots to keep the game from getting out of reach for Portland. With the lead cut to eight midway through the fourth, JJ Redick called a timeout to give his team a breather.

The Lakers couldn’t keep the Trail Blazers away from the free throw line, so the game was close until the final period.

LA’s lead dwindled to three before James and Christie found each other for layups. James then delivered the decisive blow in Portland with a trip in the last minute, putting him out of reach and securing the victory.

What’s next for the Lakers?

The Lakers will return to the court on Friday night when they host the Atlanta Hawks in Game 2 at Crypto.com Arena.

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