Los Angeles Lakers: 3 takeaways from loss against the Portland Trail Blazers

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 23: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half of a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on December 23, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 95-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 23: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half of a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on December 23, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 95-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 23: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers gains position on Al-Farouq Aminu #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half of a game at Staples Center on December 23, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 23: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers gains position on Al-Farouq Aminu #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half of a game at Staples Center on December 23, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Third Quarter Struggles

Throughout the Lakers’ losses this year, there has been one come on theme – playing catch up. The team often digs themselves into a deep hole and struggles to come back and win the game. As can be seen from their scores, the Lakers have lost a majority of their games in single digits.

For the most part, the Lakers’ late game struggles is a result of the team’s early game success. The team on average allows 56 points in the first half per game – the fourth-highest in the league. Moreover, the Lakers average only 53.7 points in the first half per game – less than what they give up.

On Saturday the Lakers found themselves losing in a close battle again. Instead of playing a bad first half, however, the team gave up their five point halftime lead in the third quarter. Additionally, they allowed the Blazers to outscore them in the fourth and lost the game.

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Let’s hope that the Lakers can figure out their problems and get a win tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Merry Christmas!

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