LeBron James delivered a dominant performance, scoring 40 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 110-102 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night.
Austin Reaves added 32 points for the Lakers (33-21), who solidified their position in fifth place in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles played without Luka Dončić, who was sidelined with a strained calf.
Deni Avdija led the Trail Blazers (23-33) with 28 points, while rookie center Donovan Clingan recorded six points and six rebounds.
Portland tied the game at 81 early in the fourth quarter, but Reaves put the Lakers back in front with a scoop shot before James took over.
James drilled back-to-back three-pointers, followed by a fadeaway jumper to complete an eight-point personal run.
The Lakers extended their lead to 95-86 after another James jumper, and Reaves sank three free throws to push the advantage to double digits.
Los Angeles shot 92% from the free-throw line, converting 23 of 25 attempts, while Portland made 14 of 21 (67%).
James finished the night shooting 14-of-24 from the field, including 4-of-8 from beyond the arc, while also adding eight rebounds and four assists.
Reaves contributed seven assists, and Dorian Finney-Smith scored 10 points in the win.
Portland’s Toumani Camara scored 19 points on 7-of-8 shooting, while Anfernee Simons struggled, making just 3-of-13 shots for eight points.
