Jul 14, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Robert Sacre and Portland Trailblazers center Meyers Leonard vie for the tip off at the start of an NBA Summer League game at the Thomas and Mack Center . Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
During the last regular season, the Lakers were not known for being an energetic bunch, neither offensively or defensively. Their summer league team, however, does not practice those same mannerisms. On Sunday, the Lakers were flying all over the court both offensively and defensively on their way to an 81-63 win over the Portland TrailBlazers.
Lester Hudson led the way for the Lakers with 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. He was followed closely by Marcus Landry, who poured in 14 points and grabbed 5 rebounds himself. It was the Lakers first win in Summer League action this year and only their second over the last two years of summer league play.
The two teams started off nearly even through one quarter, with the Blazers holding a 20-18 edge after the first. However, the Lakers blew it open in the second, outscoring the Blazers 25-10. After a jumper by CJ McCollum with 6:22 left in the second made it 28-22, the Lakers proceeded to go on a 21-2 run. The run was sparked by Lazar Hayward, who had 7 of his 13 points in that six minute stretch in the second. From then on, it was smooth sailing for the Lakers, whose lead grew to as big as 20 and never got into single digits as they moved to 1-1 this summer.
For the Blazers, CJ McCollum continued his hot scoring streak as he led the way with 15 points while adding 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Meyers Leonard chipped in 12 points while Thomas Robinson had 7 points and 10 rebounds. However, the Blazers 22 turnovers and 2-13 shooting from behind the three-point line (15.4%) did them in as they could never string together a big run to cut into the Lakers lead.
For the Lakers, Robert Sacre anchored a very solid defensive effort. The big man finished with 8 points, 8 boards, 2 steals and 1 block, but was active all night, forcing missed shots and keeping loose balls alive. Elias Harris also continued his energetic play as he added 9 points himself, including a big dunk over Leonard in the first half. Despite not making a field goal, Chris Douglas-Roberts finished 6-8 from the free throw line, and Michael Snaer finished with 8 points and 5 rebounds himself.
It was an obvious team effort that led to the victory tonight as every Laker who played scored, save for Drew Viney. The Lakers will next be in action Monday when they wrap up league play against the Clippers at 8 PM. Following that game, all participating teams will play in a tournament to determine a league winner.