Ayton, Hachimura Carry Lakers Past Blazers Without LeBron, Doncic

Merlin sees the Lakers win a test of depth: despite being short-handed with LeBron James, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves sidelined, Los Angeles beat Portland 123-115. Deandre Ayton led the way with a standout night — "29 points, 10 boards and three blocks" — while Rui Hachimura added 28, lifting the undermanned club to 6-2 and earning applause for a revenge win over the Blazers. Merlin senses this matters because it reveals a sturdier roster than expected and a rising confidence in secondary leaders. One game does not make a season, but Ayton’s command and Hachimura’s scoring give the Lakers a blueprint: when role players ascend, star absences become survivable. Consistency and health will decide the story.