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Covered the Lakers and NBA for m from 2009-14, the Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN.com and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005-09.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- With his team down by 25 points at the half after being outscored 45-13 by theTrail Blazersin the second quarter,Los Angeles Lakerscoach Darvin Ham kept his comments to the players brief during the break.

Darvin walked out of here and said, Yall figure this s--- out, point guardDennis Schrodersaid following the Lakers improbable121-112 come-from-behind victoryon Sunday.

Hams exit provided an opening for Lakers guardPatrick Beverleyto share a message that resonated with the group in the impromptu players meeting.

Told the guys, Just turn our swag up, said Beverley, who had a plus-minus of plus-27 in the 29 minutes he was in the game. Understand were fortunate to play a game that gives us stability to take care of our families, be able to live a lifestyle, a fortunate lifestyle that a lot of people dream about.

So regardless of whats going on, have fun with this s---. Stay swaggy. That was my message, and we came out and responded.

The Blazers outscoring the Lakers by 32 in the second quarter was the widest margin by any NBA team in any quarter this season. What came next was one of the biggest turnarounds in Lakers franchise history -- tied for the second-largest halftime deficit overcome to win, behind only the 28-point comeback L.A. had against theDallas Mavericksin December 2002.

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Beverley, who was whistled for a technical foul in the second quarter for jawing withDamian Lillardwhile the Blazers star was at the free throw line, continued to talk on the court in the second half -- and backed it up with ferocious on-ball defense.

I think its inspiring, man, Ham said of Beverley. When you step out on this floor at this level, you have to feel like youre one of the best ... and believe it. And hes been consistent in that regard, in terms of trying to provide a spark.

Weve brought him here to be a defensive agitator on behalf of the Lakers in a good manner. And hes done that. And tonight, it was on full display, as well.

L.A. outscored Portland 75-41 after halftime, and when it appeared the comeback was all but complete, Beverley mocked Lillards signature Dame Time wrist tap by shaking his own wrist and starting to hit it, miming as if the watch he was wearing was broken then pretending to take it off and put it in his pocket.

I mean, thats PB, Schroder said with a laugh when asked about Beverleys wristwatch goof. Thats what he does. He lives for those moments, and hes been doing it throughout his whole career. So you cant blame him.

L.A. shot 56.5% in the second half and held the Blazers to 30.8% shooting.

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They started to smell blood, andLeBron [James]just kept attacking, kept attacking, Blazers coach Chauncey Billups said of the shift in energy in the third quarter. We were out there a little vulnerable, and then it became a game.

James scored 20 of his 37 points in the second half, getting into the lane time and time again and finishing.

You can either go out and just lay down and get ready for next game or you can see what can happen in the third quarter and make a game of it, James said. And for us as competitors and our team and our makeup this year, were not a lay-down team. Its just not the makeup of our club.