Lonzo-less Lakers defeat Blazers to win summer league title

Magic Johnson's Los Angeles Lakers have their eyes set on bigger prizes in the coming years, but the rebuilding franchise took a step in the right direction Monday night in Las Vegas.

The Lakers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 110-98, to complete a perfect (6-0) Summer League with a triumph in the tournament's championship game.

Without Lonzo Ball - the tournament MVP sat out the final due to a calf strain suffered in Sunday's semifinal - the Lakers rode rookie big man Kyle Kuzma to victory.

Kuzma, the 27th pick in last month's NBA draft, took home Finals MVP honors after a 30-point, 10-rebound performance on 11 of 16 shooting in the championship game.