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Los Angeles Lakers: Defense optional in loss to Portland, 4 Lessons

Ronald Agers|
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 28: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles away from a double team by Kyle Kuzma #0 and Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 115-107 Trail Blazer win at Staples Center on December 28, 2020 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 Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 28: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles away from a double team by Kyle Kuzma #0 and Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 115-107 Trail Blazer win at Staples Center on December 28, 2020 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 Harry How/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers played the first back to back games on the schedule against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Lakers had lost two straight games to the Blazers in the Staples Center coming into Monday’s game. Portland continued their streak while breaking a Lakers streak going back to last season.

Lake Show Life breaks down what happened in Lake Show Life Lessons! The only Los Angeles Lakers extended post game report with in-depth analysis and highlights.

The Los Angeles Lakers collected 59 wins in a row in the Anthony Davis/LeBron James era with a lead going into the last quarter. Most teams knew if Los Angeles had the lead after three quarters, they were impossible to beat. The Lakers did not blow leads thanks to owning a top five rated defense while leading the NBA in blocks.

Well after Monday’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, it’s time for a new streak to start for the Los Angels Lakers.

The Lakers was ahead of Portland  85-84 through three quarters. However, thanks to Damian Lillard’s 21 point explosion in the second half and a severely exposed defensive weakness in Lakers schemes, the Lake Show were outscored 31-22 in the last quarter and lost 115-107. Not only did the 59 game win streak end for the Lakers, but Portland extended their win streak in the Staples Center to three games.

Sure the quick turnaround will affect the Los Angeles Lakers on the second night of back to back games at times this season, but the story will be about the listless defense that was played.

Lake Show Life wondered if the focus would be there after two easy blowouts and it was not. The Portland Trail Blazers played like they wanted this game more and went out and took it.

While their superstar, Damian Lillard would not let them lose.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis had subpar nights playing through or returning from their injuries.

While Dame had plenty of help from his teammates especially the bench which provided a combined 45 points and 18 rebounds, the Lakers superstars got lackluster support with every bench player finishing with a negative plus/minus ratio. Four of those players were in double digits.

In short, this game is an example of clunkers the Los Angeles Lakers may have at times this season.

To the new Los Angeles Lakers fans that are checking us out for the first time, welcome to Lake Show Life Lessons. Our extended post-game report with video analysis will cover the progress for the Los Angeles Lakers the entire season!

 Over the next several pages we will provide highlights of certain players and coaches. Afterward, the comment section is loaded with knowledgeable fans adding their basketball knowledge. We usually start with the stars.

Let’s get to Lesson One to find out who!

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