Los Angeles Lakers beats Portland Trail Blazers despite LeBron James’ absence

Los Angeles Lakers registered a 107-98 win against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday despite the absence of their superstar LeBron James. The 39-year-old missed his first match of the season due to left foot soreness.

In James’ absence,  Anthony Davis scored 30 points with 11 rebounds, D’Angelo Russell added 28 points with a season-high 14 assists and Rui Hachimura ended with a season-high 23 points.

Hachimura said JJ Redick told him to step up in the absence of a 22-year NBA veteran.

“We found out LeBron was out right before the game so the coaches told me I had to step up tonight,” Hachimura said. “I was ready for it. As a team, we were moving the ball well. (Russell) was great.”

Meanwhile, James is averaging 23 points on 49.5% shooting (35.9% from 3), 9.1 assists, and 8.0 rebounds in the ongoing season.

James played a season-high 43 minutes in an overtime loss against the Atlanta Hawks, ending with 39 points on 14-for-25 shooting, 11 assists, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocked shots but his efforts went in vain.

“With LeBron out, we’re going to have to move, we’re going to have to cut, we’re going to have to pass,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said before Sunday’s 107-98 win. “We’re going to have to play in transition. And I think overall for our team, just getting back to really emphasize trying to get a paint touch on every possession. We were doing that earlier in the year and have gotten away from that and need to get back to that.”

Redick said that this break could benefit LeBron James as he has been playing continuously for the team.

“You don’t want him out of the lineup, that’s for sure, but he has an opportunity to get four days’ rest before we practice again,” Redick said. “So, it could be really good for him.”

The Lakers will next take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.