The Los Angeles Lakers lost their final game of 2024 to the Cleveland Cavaliers, but had a golden opportunity to open 2025 with a win when they hosted the struggling Portland Trail Blazers.

The Blazers were one of the worst teams in the league during the 2024-25 season and the Lakers entered the night as heavy favorites to win, despite Anthony Davis missing the game. Davis previously dominated the match against Portland, so his absence at least raised doubts that Los Angeles might struggle.

Luckily, the Lakers suffered no disappointment as they took care of business and defeated the Trail Blazers 114-106 to start the new year on a positive note.

Max Christie has looked like a different player since being renamed starter and is rewarding head coach JJ Redick’s trust with strong two-way play. Defensively, Christie remains one of the team’s best options against opposing defenders, but he had more success making the basketball against Portland.

Even though Christie isn’t a particularly good ballplayer, he found ways to get open and reward the Trail Blazers defense with outside throws. However, Christie also did well to cut the basketball and move the basket for layups.

Christie set a new career high with 28 points on efficient 9-of-16 shooting, including 5-of-9 from the 3-point line. He also recorded three rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.

With Davis out, LeBron James took the lead on offense as he was much more aggressive than usual in finding his own shot. Against a smaller Trail Blazers frontcourt that was missing Jerami Grant, James used his size and physicality to either get to the rim or force help so he could set up a teammate.

However, James also had a lot to offer from distance, as he made a season-high seven three-pointers on ten attempts. Overall, James led all scorers with 38 points, eight assists and three rebounds.

Since trading with D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves has taken on more playmaking responsibilities and responded with even more outlandish assists. Against Portland, Reaves regularly managed to win in attack and find teammates for open appearances.

Reaves recorded a double-double of 15 points and 11 assists, showing that he is fully capable of playing full-time point guard.

What’s next for the Lakers?

The Lakers don’t have much time to celebrate their win as they draw against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday’s second night at Crypto.com Arena.

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