E Da Old Tymer

The Los Angeles Lakers (2-2) looked to improve their home record as they faced the visiting Portland Trailblazers (2-2) on the first back-to-back game of the season.  The Lakers were competitive early and looked poised to walk off of the court with the victory.  However, the lack of available bodies proved too much to overcome as the Blazers stifled the Lakers 122-108.

Lakers guard Austin Reaves put on another all-star worthy performance as he scored 41 points in 39 minutes.  Rui Hachimura and DeAndre Ayton each scored 16 points in their efforts.  The Lakers had to make more roster changes, with Marcus Smart unable to suit up due to a foot injury.  Marcus is in good company as he joins LeBron James, Luca Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes and Adou Thiero.  Due to the lack of available players, Jake LaRavia was called up to start his first game while coach JJ Redick had to rely on seldomly used players like Chris Manon, Nick Smith, Jr. and Bronny James to pick up the slack.

Forward Deni Avdija led the Trailblazers in scoring with 25 points along with four rebounds and four assists.  Jrue Holiday also provided some much needed help, dropping 24 points.  Jerami Grant led the bench in scoring with 22 points in 28 minutes of action.  The Trailblazers were without their star point guard Damian Lillard, who is recovering from a torn Achillies tendon that he tore during last season’s campaign. 

Both teams seemed to struggle from the opening tip, which shouldn’t really be a surprise considering the lack of personnel for each team.  But it would be the Blazer that would be able to muster up a better effort on the defensive end and take control of the game during the fourth quarter where they were able to take advantage of the fatigued Lakers.  Although the Lakers shot better from the field at 46 percent compared to the Blazers 45 percent, the Blazers outrebounded and outplayed the Lakers in every other category. It would be quite difficult to win against any team when you commit 23 turnovers and shoot almost 26 percent from long range. 

Fortunately for the Lakers, they have a little time to regroup before they take the floor again on Wednesday when they travel to Minnesota to face the Timberwolves.