Los Angeles Lakers

Shorthanded Lakers defeat Trail Blazers, Deandre Ayton shines

Published

November 4, 2025

Deandre Ayton scores against Trail Blazers

Nov 3, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) scores a basket during the second half against Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers entered Monday night with a shorthanded roster. Both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were out. Of course, they’ve also been without LeBron James.

Who would step up against the Portland Trail Blazers?

Related: Jusuf Nurkic lifts Jazz to victory over Celtics with game-winning hook

The answer to our question would be former Blazer, Deandre Ayton. The big man looked dominant all night long, finishing with 29 points and 10 rebounds as LA won 123-115.

The Lakers also saw big performances from Rui Hachimura, who scored 28, and Nick Smith Jr., who added 25. LA is now 6-2 on the season and looking sharp.

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About the Author Published Nov 4, 2025

TITAN FREY

Titan Frey is a dedicated father to three wonderful children, whom he takes immense pride in. His passions include reading, writing, basketball, both playing and watching, and playing chess. Titan spent five years working as a journalist for the basketball website fadeawayworld.net, where he served as editor-in-chief for four and a half years. One of his most notable achievements was interviewing Chuck Cooper III, the son of Chuck Cooper, the first African American ever drafted by an NBA team, and writing a biography that has been praised as the most definitive article about Cooper’s legacy. Titan is the author of more than ten novels and the screenwriter of three produced short films. His newest young adult novel, Echoes of the Hardwood: Braxton Foxworthy’s Time‑Travelling Book Report, blends basketball history with heartfelt storytelling and is now available. Order here: https://a.co/d/bo7BYz1