PORTLAND, Ore. — The situation the Lakers faced in their 123-115 win over the Portland Trail Blazers Monday night at Moda Center was far from ideal. But it also wasn’t new or unfamiliar, which has helped the Lakers thrive in the early parts of 2025-26 despite the circumstances they’ve faced in the first couple of weeks of the season.

Concluding a home-road back-to-back set, the Lakers didn’t arrive at their hotel in Portland until about 3 a.m. Monday after Sunday’s home win over the Miami Heat at Crypto.com Arena . About 10 hours later, it was revealed that star guards Luka Doncic (left lower leg contusion injury management) and Austin Reaves (right groin soreness) wouldn’t be available . They received positive news when it was announced that starting center Deandre Ayton would be a

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