The Portland Trail Blazers closed their season with a statement, routing the playoff-bound Los Angeles Lakers 109-81 on Sunday. Despite missing key players, the Blazers delivered a dominant performance led by Dalano Banton’s 23 points.
The Lakers, resting LeBron James (groin) and Luka Doncic (quad), struggled as rookie Dalton Knecht’s 27 points weren’t enough. Already locked into the West’s No. 3 seed, L.A. sat multiple starters, including Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.
Portland seized control early, with Matisse Thybulle’s three-pointer sparking a first-half surge. The Blazers led by 33 at one point, outscoring the Lakers 31-18 in the third quarter.
Bronny James made his first career start but finished with just four points. Meanwhile, the Blazers’ young core shined, with Toumani Camara adding 14 points and Donovan Clingan posting a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double.
The win capped a surprising season for Portland (36-46), who outperformed expectations with the NBA’s second-youngest roster. Earlier Sunday, the team announced a multi-year extension for coach Chauncey Billups.
L.A. now shifts focus to their first-round playoff series against Minnesota. For Portland, the offseason begins with optimism after a gritty finale.
