Lakers back on the win column with big win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Lakers bounced back huge tonight after losing their previous 4 games (season-high) with a 102–93 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. The Lakers move their record to 23–11 and remain in third place in the NBA behind the 27–7 Utah Jazz and 24–11 Los Angeles Clippers. Tonight’s win snaps a 4-game losing streak and moves the Lakers back in the win column.
The Lakers shot another subpar night from the 3 point line, finishing 26% from the perimeter. With the poor shooting from this Lakers team, they play other areas great enough to get them back in the win column. The Lakers held the Blazers to shoot under 40% (32–83, 39%) total from the field and under 30% (11–37, 29%) from the 3 point arc. As a team, the Lakers had 9 steals and 7 total blocks and forced the Blazers to commit 15 turnovers. James spoke about his huge performance tonight with the media saying:
The 36-year-old LeBron James had an unbelievable night for this Lakers team. In 38 minutes LeBron James finished with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 rebounds. From the field, LeBron James finished 11–21 and 2–5 from the perimeter in tonight’s win. James provided a huge presence like no other on the defensive end tonight finishing with a game-high 4 steals and 3 blocks.
“I’m just trying to do whatever it takes to help us get off this losing streak, it’s always been my game to play both sides of the ball. Trying to be the voice and act on the action as well on the defensive end.”
The Lakers were happy to finally have Dennis Schroder back in the lineup after missing the previous 4 games due to COVID protocol. Schroder came to play tonight, giving this Lakers team much-needed energy in the lineup. In 31 minutes Dennis Schroder had 22 points, 2 assists, and 3 rebounds on 6–14 shooting from the field and finished a perfect 9–9 from the foul line. LeBron James spoke with the media about having Dennis Schroder back tonight after missing the last 4-games saying:
“Dennis gives us an automatic spark. His energy alone and his competitive nature alone gives us a spark, to have him back in our locker room and the lineup is a big thing”
The Lakers had 35 points on the night coming from their bench. Montrezl Harrell had 17 of those 35 bench points on the night. He also added 9 rebounds and shot 7–12 total from the field in 29 minutes in tonight’s win over the Blazers. In the previous 4 games, Montrezl Harrell has shown why he was last season’s 6th man of the year winner with consistent energy off the bench for this Lakers team, averaging 14 points per game, 6.5 rebounds per game, and shooting 63.5% from the field.
Montrezl Harrell in the Lakers previous 4 games:
Vs. POR: 17 PTS
Vs. UTA: 16 PTS
Vs. WAS: 26 PTS
Vs. MIA: 18 PTS
The Lakers will now face the Stephen Curry lead Golden State Warriors this Sunday for their second meeting of the season. Earlier in the season, the Warriors had an unbelievable comeback victory against the Lakers. With the Lakers back on the win column tonight, look for them to build off tonight’s win into Sunday’s game against the Warriors.