The Los Angeles Lakers continued their impressive early-season surge Monday night, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 123-115 behind a breakout performance from Nick Smith Jr. 

The 21-year-old guard's 25-point explosion not only willed the Lakers to victory but also showed the team's depth as they improved to 6-2 without injured superstar LeBron James.

Smith Jr. Seizes His Moment

Playing on a two-way contract after being waived by the Charlotte Hornets, Smith Jr. had appeared in just two games this season before Monday's game.

With Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James all sidelined, the former Arkansas standout received extended minutes and delivered in incredible fashion.

"I just wanted to come out with energy. Coach JJ and the staff believe in me," Smith Jr. said following the victory.

His stat line showed a player who refused to let a big opportunity slip away, going 10-of-15 from the field, 5-of-6 from three-point range, six assists, and 10 crucial fourth-quarter points that sealed the victory for a depleted Lakers team.

According to Real Sports App, Smith Jr. became the youngest Lakers player in franchise history to score 25 or more points without attempting a single free throw.

Next Man Up Mentality Pays Off

Head coach JJ Redick's faith in his roster has been one of the best stories of the early NBA season.

"I told the guys before the game, 'We have enough in this locker room to win this game,'" Redick explained postgame. "My belief level in this group that's here in Portland right now and in uniform right now is as high as it's been."

When asked to describe the victory, Redick said three simple words: "Confidence. Belief. Connectivity."

Supporting Cast Steps Up

Smith Jr. wasn't alone in carrying the load. Deandre Ayton led the Lakers with 29 points and 10 rebounds against his former team, while Rui Hachimura added 28 points.

The trio combined for 82 of the Lakers' 123 points, with each player shooting over 60 percent from the field.

The Lakers trailed by nine in the third quarter before mounting a 10-1 run to seize control. Portland struggled mightily from beyond the arc, converting just nine of their 40 three-point attempts, while Deni Avdija led the Blazers with 33 points in a losing effort.

Thriving Without LeBron

Perhaps most impressive is how the Lakers have navigated LeBron's first extended absence to start a season in his career.

At 6-2, they're tied for third in the Western Conference standings, riding a four-game winning streak, while Portland fell to 4-3 with the loss, dropping their second consecutive game after a hot start to the season.

The Lakers will return home to host the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday at 7:00 PM PT, looking to extend their winning streak to five games.