The Los Angeles Lakers, playing their fifth game in seven nights, were unable to overcome a depleted roster Saturday and lost 132-116 to the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center.
Portland seized control early, capitalizing on 13 first-quarter fouls by Los Angeles that produced 22 free-throw attempts. The Trail Blazers closed the period ahead 40-27 and never relinquished the lead.
Shorthanded Frontcourt Starts Strong
With centers Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes sidelined, head coach JJ Redick started Maxi Kleber, who scored nine quick points. Rookie big man Drew Timme added seven off the bench to keep the visitors close, but Portland carried a 71-61 advantage into halftime.
Blazers Pull Away After Break
Marcus Smart opened the third quarter with three three-pointers, yet Los Angeles still struggled to get stops. Portland caught fire from long range and stretched the margin to 107-90 by the end of the period. LeBron James converted a buzzer-beating layup while being hit on the head, but no foul was called; Redick was assessed a technical for arguing the non-call.
The Lakers mounted a brief 7-0 run early in the fourth to trim the deficit to 11, only for Portland to answer with consecutive threes that effectively sealed the result.
Key Absences Take Toll
Los Angeles played without Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Ayton and Hayes, contributing to the club’s fifth loss in its past six outings.
What’s Next
The Lakers return to Crypto.com Arena on Sunday to host the Toronto Raptors in the second game of a back-to-back.
Source: Lakers Nation
