Max Christie scored a career-high 28 points (15 on 5 3-pointers), and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Portland Trail Blazers 114-106.
The Lakers took control with a 24-8 run in the second quarter and led by as many as 15.
The Trail Blazers got within 103-100 on Anfernee Simons’ step-back 3-pointer with 2:30 to play, but LeBron James answered with a driving layup, and the Trail Blazers got no closer than 110-106.
During clutch time, the Lakers outscored the Trail Blazers 10-1. James (No. 7 in clutch wins added, 2024-25) scored 7 of the Lakers’ 10 on 3 for 4 shooting.
James had 38 points and 8 assists.
For the Trail Blazers, Simons scored 23 points.
The Lakers grabbed 15 offensive rebounds to the Trail Blazers’ 8 and outscored them 26-12 on the fast break. The Trail Blazers’ starters were outscored 49-38 in 16 minutes together.