LeBron James scored 28 points, and the Los Angeles Lakers went on a 10-1 run in the third quarter to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 114-110.
It was tied at 62 when James’ 30-foot 3-pointer put the Lakers ahead for good with 8:47 left in the third quarter. They pulled away to a 72-63 lead with 6:50 left in the quarter and led by as many as 20 in the fourth quarter.
During clutch time, the Lakers outscored the Trail Blazers 5-1.
Rajon Rondo had 17 points (12 in the paint), 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals on 8 for 10 shooting off the bench, and JaVale McGee added 12 points (all 12 in the paint), 9 rebounds and 6 blocks on 6 for 8 shooting.
For the Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard had 30 points and 3 steals, and CJ McCollum added 30 points. The Trail Blazers had 2 30-point scorers.
The Lakers shot 52.3% from the field and 38.1% from 3 to the Trail Blazers’ 42.3% and 17.1%. They outscored the Trail Blazers 51-26 off the bench. The Lakers outscored the Trail Blazers 27-14 in 10 minutes with Rondo, Stephenson, Caldwell-Pope, Zubac and Hart on the floor together.