Lakers embarrassed by short-handed Trail Blazers.
In the last game before the NBA trade deadline, the Lakers’ disappointing season hit its newest low, falling to the newly rebuilding Portland Trail Blazers without star Damian Lillard in the lineup, losing to the Blazers 107–105 to drop their season record four games below .500 at 26–30.
Despite shooting 46% (17-for-37) from three and 55% (41-for-74) overall, the Lakers’ 21 turnovers were the primary cause of tonight’s dismal defeat, even with Portland shooting only 31% (10-for-32) from outside the arc and 47 (42-for-82) overall.
LeBron James finished in his third game back from injury with a game-high 30 points on 59% (13-for-22) shooting, adding 7 rebounds and 7 assists in 36 minutes.
LeBron James blames himself for his turnovers, where he had six total tonight, claiming that the 21 turnovers were “pick-sixes” that cost them more since the Blazers scored off of them.
Later, James spoke on the worry surrounding the Lakers, saying: “I feel like guys are trying not to dwell on the outside noise. We’ve got to get to the point where we’re happy with what we’re doing as a team.”
Anthony Davis was the Lakers’ second-leading scorer, finishing with 17 points on 73% (8-for-11) shooting, adding 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and a stellar 5 blocks in 40 minutes of action.
The Lakers’ next matchup comes Saturday night on the road against the 2nd seed Golden State Warriors, who sit at 41–14 this season in a matchup that will be a tough challenge for the Lakers to get back in the win column.