The Los Angeles Lakers’ perfect start to the National Basketball Association (NBA) season came to an abrupt end as they fell to the Portland Trail Blazers, despite the absence of King LeBron James (Philadelphia 76ers). Last season’s scoring champion, Luka Doncic, put up a valiant 41-point effort, but it wasn’t enough to stave off defeat.
The Lakers suffered a 129-136 loss to Portland on Wednesday, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.
Doncic showcased his offensive prowess with 41 points, including six three-pointers, while adding five rebounds and nine assists. Austin Reaves chipped in with 26 points and seven assists, knocking down four triples, but their combined efforts fell short.
Portland secured their third straight win to open the season, riding a balanced attack from their core players. Ja Morant and Deni Avdija led the charge with 23 points apiece, while Jrue Holiday contributed 22. Damian Lillard played a pivotal role, notching 21 points and hitting a crucial three-pointer down the stretch.
The game remained tight through the middle of the fourth quarter, with the Lakers briefly taking a 120-118 lead on a Ziaire Williams three-pointer.
However, Portland’s long-range assault proved too much to handle. Holiday, Lillard, and Avdija connected on back-to-back-to-back triples to swing the momentum.
Lillard delivered the knockout blow, draining a three-pointer with 43 seconds remaining to extend the lead to six and seal the victory.
◇ NBA Scoreboard (October 28)
Boston 125, Brooklyn 124
New York 111, Detroit 97
San Antonio 130, Sacramento 103
Portland 136, LA Lakers 129