The LA Lakers visited the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night for the second game of a back-to-back. The Lakers returned to action earlier than most of the NBA due to a make-up game against the Charlotte Hornets yesterday. They were off to a bad start, losing to the Hornets 100-97.
Luka Doncic was ruled out for the game due to injury management of his left calf strain, which kept him out for over a month. LeBron James was initially listed as questionable, but was eventually cleared to play. "The King" was joined in the starting lineup by Austin Reaves, Dorian Finney-Smith, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes.
On the other hand, coach Chauncey Billups used a starting five consisting of Anfernee Simons, Deni Avdija, Jerami Grant, Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan. The Blazers entered the game on a three-game losing streak.
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Tonight's game was also the third matchup between the two teams this season. The LA Lakers have won five in a row against the Trail Blazers, who have not beaten the purple and gold since Feb. 13, 2023 in Portland.
The streak continued for the Lakers, getting the 110-102 win over the Blazers at the Moda Center. LeBron James dropped 40 points, eight rebounds and four assists, but committed a career-high 11 turnovers. Austin Reaves was magnificent with 32 points, seven assists, two steals and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Deni Avdija was fantastic for Portland, finishing with 28 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Toumani Camara had 19 points, seven rebounds and five steals, while Scoot Henderson contributed 12 points and five assists off the bench.
LA Lakers vs Portland Trail Blazers Player Stats and Box Score
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LA Lakers vs Portland Trail Blazers Game Summary
The began slowly for both teams, reminiscent of the LA Lakers-Charlotte Hornets game on Wednesday. The Lakers controlled the first quarter, with the Portland Trail Blazers barely putting points on the scoreboard. The visitors even had a 13-point lead at one point in the first 12 minutes of the game.
In the second quarter, the Lakers built up their lead even more, reaching as much as 18 points. The Blazers were not going down easily as they slowly trimmed the deficit to single digits before halftime with the score at 55-47.
The hosts were able to bring down the Lakers' lead to one-point multiple times in the third quarter, but were not good enough to get it completely. The Lakers built another 10-point lead with less than five minutes remaining. They appeared to be on their way to a comfortable win, but the Blazers just kept on fighting.
The Lakers were only by four points with 24 seconds remaining though multiple non-calls doomed the Blazers. James iced the game as the purple and gold snapped their two-game losing streak.
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