Deandre Ayton Excites Lakers Fans in Win vs. Blazers With LeBron, Luka, Reaves Out

The Los Angeles Lakers were short-staffed on Monday with Luka Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves all sidelined, but they managed to pick up a 123-115 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

The win came in large part thanks to Deandre Ayton, who posted his best performances in a Lakers uniform so far with 29 points, 10 boards and three blocks. Rui Hachimura also stepped up with a 28-point night.

Los Angeles lost to the Blazers last week, but Ayton made sure to get a revenge win against Portland on Monday. Fans applauded him for leading the undermanned Lakers to a win.

The Lakers improved to 6-2 with the win despite being without James to start the season and Dončić for four games. Monday was a major test for Los Angeles, and it rose to the occasion to get a win without its three best players against a team that has started the season strong.

If the Lakers win without Dončić, James and Reaves, they certainly can win with a fully-healthy squad.