LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA— Both the Los Angeles Lakers (23-11) and the Portland Trailblazers (18-14) were looking to end their losing skids; the Lakers had lost 4 straight games coming in while the Blazers had lost 3 straight games. Dealing with key injuries, both teams looked to their stars, LeBron James and Damian Lillard, to get their teams back on track.
On Friday, LeBron and the Lakers got back in the win column; they pulled away in the second half to secure a 102-93 victory. Without Anthony Davis, LeBron has had to handle more of the Lakers’ overall load, and he delivered in every way against the Blazers. He finished the game with a full stat sheet; he led his team in every category with 28 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks.
“Just trying to do whatever it takes to help us get off this losing streak. But that has always been my game. Being able to play both ends of the floor and hold myself accountable and be there for my teammates,” said LeBron.
With the win, the Lakers move to just a half a game behind the Clippers for second place in the Western Conference. The loss drops the Blazers to a tie for 5th in the West with the Spurs.
Lillard starts hot but cools off after halftime
For the Blazers, they built an early 10-point lead, in large part thanks to Damian Lillard. The All-Star point guard has been on fire this season, his 29.6 points per game coming in to rank third in the NBA. He had 24 points in the first half, and it looked like we were in for an offensive explosion from Lillard.
However, the Lakers turned up the defense on him in the second half, limiting him to 11 points after the break. The Lakers defense seemed content allowing other plays to score, so they used double-teams to throw Lillard off his rhythm. The key was limiting Lillard’s open looks as he came off screens; the Lakers used hard hedges and traps to force the ball out of Lillard’s hands.
Late in the game, Lillard needed to be taking the shots. He forced up a few contested threes that would not fall for him, and he seemed frustrated with the officials as the game slipped out of reach. He finished with 35 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds.
Schröder returns to the lineup
The Lakers did benefit from the return of point guard Dennis Schröder. He missed the last 4 games due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols but made his return against the Blazers. His presence is critical for the Lakers as he handles the offense when LeBron goes to the bench. LeBron spoke about how big having Schröder back was after the game.
“Dennis gives us an automatic spark. His energy alone gives us a spark,” said LeBron.
The Lakers certainly welcomed his return, as he dropped in 22 points in his first game back. He was assertive in driving the ball to the rack and getting to the line, making all 9 free throws he attempted. Against the Blazers, the point guard play is always a concern with Lillard as the opposing force. However, Schröder was effective in keeping Lillard contained, especially in the second half.
Up Next
Lakers vs. Warriors, Sunday, February 28, STAPLES Center, Los Angeles, CA
Blazers vs. Hornets, Monday, March 1, Moda Center, Portland, OR
