Lakers vs Trail Blazers Preview, Predictions, Betting Odds, Live Stream Info
The Lakers will look to avoid five-straight losses when they go on the road to Portland on Saturday
The Los Angeles Lakers will be back in action for the first time since their debilitating defeat at the hand of the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. Kobe Bryant and the Lakers will head north to take on the Portland Trail Blazers in the Moda Center, just six days after the two teams clashed in STAPLES Center—a 107-93 victory for the Trail Blazers.
As has been the common theme for the Lakers this season, their perimeter defense was brutal against the Trail Blazers. Damian Lillard finished the night with 30 points, 13 assists, and six rebounds on 12-25 shooting while C.J. McCollum added 19 points and five assists on 8-13 shooting and 3-5 shooting from three.
D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, and company couldn’t contain Portland’s dynamic backcourt duo. It’s asking a lot for a Lakers team that hasn’t done anything of the sort almost all season, but they have to remain aggressive and pressure Lillard and McCollum on Saturday night.
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The Lakers suffered from another common problem of this season in that Kobe was chucking at will and not converting with any kind of consistency. The 37-year-old jacked up 22 shots on the night, converting on only six of those attempts. Despite all of the talk about Bryant’s role not changing and all of the problems he’s causing in the offense, both Kobe and the rest of the team has to move the ball consistently to find open looks. Using Julius Randle and Clarkson as primary offensive options isn’t a bad idea, either.
Even if the Lakers don’t come out with a win, though, fans want to at least see some kind of progress with this team. No one wants to see the same strategy unfolding and failing for Los Angeles, especially against a team that beat the Lakers by double-digits less than a week ago. There needs to be a change and it needs to start now.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Date: Saturday, Nov. 28
Start Time: 7 p.m. PT
Location: Portland, OR
Arena: Moda Center
TV Info: KGWHD (Local), TWC SN (Local), TWC D (Local)
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Radio: 710 AM ESPN, Rip City Radio 620
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Trail Blazers -8
Moneyline: Trail Blazers -380, Lakers +330
Over/Under: 204
Injury Report
Los Angeles Lakers: None
Portland Trail Blazers: Chris Kaman (ankle)—Doubtful
Prediction
The Trail Blazers ran away from the Lakers in their matchup last Sunday and that was in STAPLES Center. In one of the most raucous home courts in the NBA and the issues continuing to mount for Los Angeles, I don’t see that changing.
99. 20. Final. 110. 34
Next: Free Agency is Key On the Lakers Road Back to Relevance
Enjoy the game and be sure to check back with Lake Show Life for all your news, analysis, and more.