While Portland's frontcourt ably survived the absence of starting center Deandre Ayton, the Lakers made a point to expose the Trail Blazers' defense-challenged backcourt, with Austin Reaves particularly taking pains to feast off Scoot Henderson in transition.

Blazers coach Chauncey Billups said his team was rusty and sometimes lacked focus during the defeat in the Blazers’ first game back from the All-Star break. The Lakers (33-21), however, were playing the second game of a back-to-back without star guard Luka Doncic,