Playing without LeBron James, the Lakers still dominate Portland

The Lakers had little choice Sunday night when they returned to Los Angeles, a style of play chosen for them rather than them choosing it.

LeBron James, who was upgraded to probable earlier in the day, was suddenly on his way out of the lineup, his sore foot so severe that his dream of an 82-game season ended Sunday night.

Without James and still without Austin Reaves, Lakers coach JJ Redick said his team had to play with distinct characteristics.

“We’re going to have to move,” Redick said before the game. “We’re going to have to cut. We’re going to have to pass. We’re going to have to play in transition.”

If this sounds familiar, that’s because it’s how Redick has said he wants the Lakers to play with James on the court.

Without him on Sunday night for one 107-98 win against Portland, the Lakers didn’t need a hero to take over. The stars of the game changed in the moment – Anthony Davis dominated the paint early. Cam Reddish and Gabe Vincent’s defense sparked the Lakers’ first big run. Rui Hachimura, ahead of compatriot Shohei Ohtani, effectively cuts up the defence. And D’Angelo Russell played himself into rhythm first by doing the little things and then by doing the flashy things, hitting the crowd-igniting threes that helped carry the Lakers at times a season ago.

Lakers forward Anthony Davis drives to the basket against Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton in the first half Sunday.

(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

Davis finished with 30 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks. Russell had a season-high 28 points and 14 assists off the bench, giving the Lakers’ second unit some desperately needed teeth. And Hachimura scored a season-high 23 on just 13 shots while getting four steals.

As the Lakers have entered a bit of an early-season identity crisis, their offensive style has shifted from Redick’s preferred motion-based system to more deliberate basketball. Part of that, of course, has to do with Reaves missing the last five games and the Lakers losing one of their primary half-court weapons. Part of that, though, has been James admitting adjustments to the Lakers’ plans.

Lakers guard Dalton Knecht hangs on the rim after dunking against Portland on Sunday.

(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

The team’s struggles to find the right compromise was a guaranteed challenge, early season buy-in and execution sure to suffer as old habits resurfaced. The challenge now for Redick and the players is to reclaim who they were early on and reinforce that they are the ones to move forward.

A game like Sunday’s, even against the third-worst team in the West, could have some utility for the team as it gets healthier and the challenges increase.

The Lakers now have four days off before they play the Timberwolves in Minnesota, time they need to rest, recover and rethink what kind of basketball they’re going to play.