The Lakers came into the game Monday in Portland without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, getting the night off after beating Miami Sunday at home. LeBron James is still on the sidelines. Gabe Vincent is still hurt. So a lot -- a lot -- of star power and rotation depth was in street clothes. So if you were expecting a blowout, you were almost right... but probably not in the way you expected. The Lakers used a very strong second half to pull away from the Blazers, winning 123-115. Huge games from Deandre Ayton in his return to Portland (29 points on 14-19 shooting, plus 10 rebounds and three blocks), Rui Hachimura (10-15, for 28 points) and Nick Smith Jr., pressed into action and allowed to cook, finishing with 25 points 10-15 shooting. those three provided the buik of the scoring, but they weren't the only contributors. Bronny James had his best game as a pro, with six assists, a steal and very sold defense against the Blazers. Jake LaRavia had 11/5/6. Marcus Smart didn't shoot efficiently, but set a strong defensive tone, contributing to three steals. It was a fantastic win for a shorthanded Lakers team building all sorts of confidence, and piling up important wins even with key pieces missing. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Lakers win in Portland, even without stars. SEGMENT 2: Team effort. SEGMENT 3: What these victories do for the team. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DoorDashNext time someone goes off for 50, use promo code NBA50the next day to get 50% off on DoorDash with DashPass — plus your shot at the Bag Drop.DashPass members only. 50% off up to $10 the day after a 50-point game with promo code. Terms apply.No Purchase Necessary. Ends April 13th. Open to U.S. residents 21 or older. Visit DoorDashInYourBag.com for full details.DoorDash — In your bag all season long. RobinhoodYou expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney. Your money. Your move. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBAfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuelRight now, new customers can bet just FIVE dollars and if your bet wins—you’ll get THREE HUNDRED dollars in bonus bets to use across the app. Download the FanDuel app now by visiting https://FanDuel.comto get started FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)