The bigger picture required the Lakers to be smart; The little picture required the Lakers to play a little harder on Thursday night.

Anthony Davis, who missed most of the Lakers game on Christmas, needed the evening off because of lingering pain in his sprained left ankle. Gabe Vincent needed more time to recover from an oblique strain.

Removing key pieces, especially a figure as crucial as Davis, highlighted what Doc Rivers, JJ Redick’s former coach, used to say: It’s hard to win every game in the NBA.

The Lakers needed a big night from someone they can count on and a career night from someone they’re just getting started.

LeBron James and Max Christie combined for 66 points, with Christie finishing with a career-best 28 in the Lakers’ 114-106 victory over the Trail Blazers.

James made a season-high seven three-pointers, needing just ten attempts. The Lakers (19-14) fought through a rocky fourth quarter en route to 38 points. And Christie, solidifying his spot as the team’s shooting guard, hit five 3-pointers and cut the ball aggressively while Portland’s defense focused on James and Austin Reaves.

James and Christie gave the Lakers a 15-point lead against one of the West’s worst teams, and the Lakers’ defense found its footing in the second and third quarters.

Lakers guard Austin Reaves, center, loses control of the ball in front of Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) and forward Kris Murray (24) on Thursday.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

But the Trail Blazers’ younger, more athletic legs and their longer, stronger arms put the Lakers in tough situations.

Reaves was pressured to shoot just five for 15 from the field for the first time since the Lakers gave him full control. He still managed to finish with 11 assists, eight rebounds and 15 points.

Anfernee Simons led Portland (11-22) with 23 points.

The Lakers play again on Friday against Atlanta at Crypto.com Arena.