After ending 2024 on a low note, the Los Angeles Lakers looked to get back on track when they hosted the Portland Trail Blazers to kick off 2025.
The Lakers were without Anthony Davis and Gabe Vincent, among others, but they still were able to take of business against the hapless Trail Blazers, earning a 114-106 win to improve to 19-14 on the season.
Jaxson Hayes got the start in Davis’ place, returning from his own lengthy absence due to an ankle sprain. He got the scoring started with a dunk as LeBron James had the Lakers’ offense organized early to jump out to an 8-5 lead.