Shorthanded Lakers Face Trail Blazers Amid Major Injury Woes
The Los Angeles Lakers are back home tonight, hosting the Portland Trail Blazers in what’s shaping up to be an intriguing early-season matchup — and not just because of the basketball. Both teams are entering this game on the second night of a back-to-back, and both are dealing with long injury lists that could change the dynamic on the floor.
The Lakers, currently 2-1, are coming off a gutsy win over the Sacramento Kings where Austin Reaves absolutely stole the show. He erupted for a career-high 51 points, along with 11 rebounds and nine assists, practically carrying a shorthanded Los Angeles squad on his back. Deandre Ayton also chipped in with 22 points and 15 rebounds, helping the Lakers grab their second straight win. But tonight’s challenge is a bit different — fatigue from a back-to-back and a seriously thin roster will test them again as they go for a third consecutive victory.
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On the other side, Portland enters with a 1-2 record after falling to the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night. Deni Avdija has been the bright spot for the Blazers so far. He led the team with 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in that game and has opened the season with three straight 20-plus-point performances — something no Blazer has done since Damian Lillard in 2022. Jrue Holiday also put up 21 points and nearly had a double-double, but Portland couldn’t overcome its shooting struggles, hitting just 37% from the field.
Unfortunately for the Blazers, their roster is also banged up. Scoot Henderson remains out with a torn hamstring, Damian Lillard is sidelined for the season with a torn Achilles, and Robert Williams III won’t play as he continues his conditioning stint with Portland’s G League affiliate, the Rip City Remix. His assignment there suggests that a return could be coming soon, but not tonight.
For the Lakers, things are even more complicated. Luka Dončić — yes, now in purple and gold — has been ruled out for at least a week due to a finger sprain and leg contusion. LeBron James is also sitting out with right sciatica, while Gabe Vincent, Marcus Smart, Jaxson Hayes, Maxi Kleber, and Adou Thiero are all unavailable as well. That leaves Los Angeles with just seven active players and a few two-way contracts to fill the gaps.
So, tonight’s game at Crypto.com Arena isn’t just about talent — it’s about grit. Both teams are short-handed, both are on tired legs, and both are desperate to find momentum early in the season. For the Lakers, it’s another chance for role players like Reaves to shine and prove their depth. For Portland, it’s an opportunity to steal one on the road and build confidence despite missing key stars.
Tip-off is set for 10:30 p.m. EST, and while this might not look like a star-studded showdown on paper, the storylines and stakes make it one worth watching.
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