As for the Blazers franchise, it would benefit from losing on Sunday. Out are Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant, Scoot Henderson, Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III. Shaedon Sharpe is questionable and Deni Avdija (right thumb sprain) is doubtful.

Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the fourth quarter against the Dalla

Luka Dončić's 39-point outburst in three quarters propelled the Los Angeles Lakers to a comfortable 140-109 home win over a Houston Rockets team resting most of their starters after locking up the Western Conference's No.