PORTLAND, Oregon – Japan men’s basketball star Rui Hachimura scored a season-high 28 points for the Los Angeles Lakers in Monday’s 123-115 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, helping his team extend their winning streak to four in a row.
Big man Deandre Ayton led the way with 29 points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots at Moda Center for the Lakers, who were missing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves after both played the night before in a 130-120 win against the Miami Heat.
Hachimura, who also grabbed four rebounds in a team-high 38 minutes, said head coach JJ Redick had emphasized his confidence in bench players stepping up in the absence of regular starters.
“He said before the game, his belief in the team is really high, no matter who plays,” the 27-year-old forward said. “Everybody was ready today…it was a great win.”
The Lakers, who improved to 6-2, have been without veteran superstar LeBron James since the start of the season due to sciatica.