Can you imagine being the person who suggested the Lakers were just punting this game against the Blazers when they announced Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves would be out?
Surely that person wouldn’t have
suggested it would be silly to play Deandre Ayton, too, considering he just missed Sunday’s game with back spasms . But I can’t imagine I was in the minority in thinking this was a lost game for the Lakers heading into the contest.
What we learned, however, is that the Lakers’ culture is strong already this season. Despite being taken down by this same Blazers team in a very similar scenario last week, LA was undeterred with this one and pick up the type of win that, coming this early in the season, is a real proof of process for head coach JJ Redick and his coaching staff.
Clearly the team has bought into what the coaching staff is preaching and if there were any holdouts, it’s hard to imagine that remains the case after this one.
So, let’s dive into the win. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
Marcus Smart
32 minutes, 9 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 5 turnovers, 5 fouls, 3-11 FG, 1-5 3PT, 2-2 FT +10
If we’re discussing any sort of identity the Lakers have, Marcus Smart is a big part of that. The non-stop intensity he plays with is contagious and it was on display again in this one.
It wasn’t perfect. He had some wild shots and clearly was not particularly efficient as a shooter. He turned the ball over against Portland’s pressure, particularly early. But he kept playing with the same intensity throughout, setting a tone for the team.
Grade: B
Jake LaRavia
36 minutes, 11 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 1 turnover, 3 fouls, 5-10 FG, 0-3 3PT, 1-2 FT, +14
It wasn’t as prolific a scoring night as he’s had in recent games, but he stuffed the stat sheet instead. He remains an active defender and his deflections and steals reflect that. And while he didn’t score often, he did have some timely baskets, too.
Grade: A-
Deandre Ayton
31 minutes, 29 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks, 3 turnovers, 5 fouls, 14-19 FG, 1-2 FT, +8
How’s that for a return to Portland?
This was quite some #RevengeGame from Ayton. He really didn’t look hampered at all by his back and battled valiantly underneath against Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III. By the end of the game, it was Ayton who was on the receiving end of dump-offs and alley-oops around the rim as he put some great finishing touches on this win.
Grade: A+
Rui Hachimura
38 minutes, 28 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls, 10-15 FG, 2-4 3PT, 6-6 FT, +10
As efficient as Rui has been this season, the Lakers really needed this type of game of Rui. Someone was going to need to pick up the scoring load and Rui stepped up in a big way in the first half.
These shots aren’t always going to be there when Luka, Austin and LeBron are playing, but they were there on Monday and Rui seamlessly stepped into that leading role.
Grade: A+
Dalton Knecht
23 minutes, 8 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover, 4 fouls, 4-7 FG, 0-3 3PT, -10
A rather ho-hum game from Knecht. On one hand, this was a game tailor-made for him to step up — Nick Smith Jr. did so instead — but on the other hand, a ho-hum game is an improvement from where he was during the preseason and to start the year.
Grade: C+
Bronny James
19 minutes, 5 points, 1 rebound, 6 assists, 1 steal, 1 foul, 1-4 FG, 1-2 3PT, 2-2 FT, +0
Fresh off his best game as a Laker, Bronny came back with his best game as a Laker. He knocked down a big 3-pointer in the second half of this one and showed a lot of poise when attacking the rim, finding Ayton for one of those dump-off passes leading to a dunk.
Consistency is key for him and back-to-back solid outings is really encouraging.
Grade: A-
Nick Smith Jr.
27 minutes, 25 points, 1 rebound, 6 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, 10-15 FG, 5-6 3PT, +9
If you’d ask a Lakers fan to predict how they would have won this game beforehand, I’d safely say no one would have predicted it would be a huge scoring night from Smith Jr.
This is why he’s in the league and this is why the Lakers took a swing on him. He can score in bunches and has the ability to catch fire and carry an offense. All of that describes his night, including the second half.
One of the most impressive things about his fourth quarter, though, was, after back-to-back huge 3-pointers, he closed the night with a pair of assists to Ayton that helped seal the win.
There was also a stretch in the second half where the Lakers had Smith Jr. and Bronny as the backcourt on the floor and they extended the lead. Against this same foe earlier this season, those two looked out of their depth. It’s a credit to them to learn and improve.
Getting a win on the back of a two-way player’s performance is a huge victory for the Lakers coaching staff and scouting department.
Grade: A+
Jarred Vanderbilt
21 minutes, 4 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 1-1 FG, 2-2 FT, +1
Vando’s defensive energy was also key in this one. The lineups with him, Smart and LaRavia are able to get their hands into passing lanes and strip ballhandlers. They create chaos together and it’s a fun lineup to watch.
Grade: B-
Jaxson Hayes
13 minutes, 4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 fouls, 2-3 FG, -2
A quieter night for Hayes after a big game against the Heat. That largely went hand-in-hand with Ayton having a big game and the Redick continuing to sprinkle in some small ball lineups as well.
Grade: B-
JJ Redick
Man, what a masterclass from Redick. To have the players fully bought into what he’s preaching is incredible work at this point in the season. He pushed all the right buttons in this one, including riding the high of Smith Jr. in the second half.
As mentioned above as well, having Smith Jr. and Bronny go from nearly unplayable in the last meeting against the Blazers to big contributors only a handful of games later is also a big win.
Lastly, it’s clear this team has a culture. It’s been a while since that’s been the case. This was a culture win and that’s such a welcome sight.
Grade: A+
Monday’s DNPs: Christian Koloko, Chris Mañon
Monday’s inactives: Luka Dončić, LeBron James, Maxi Kleber, Ausitn Reaves, Adou Thiero, Gabe Vincent
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on BlueSky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
