Two struggling teams that have taken a beating in recent days meet on Sunday night when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Portland Trail Blazers.
Both teams have dropped three games in a row and seven of their last nine as they sink in the Western Conference standings.
Los Angeles lost back-to-back road games by 29 points to the Minnesota Timberwolves and 41 to the Miami Heat earlier in the week before falling 134-132 in overtime to the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night.
It was clearly an improved effort but a late defensive lapse allowed Atlanta’s Trae Young to hit an open 3-pointer with 7.4 seconds left to give the Hawks the win.
LeBron James had 39 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds for the seventh triple-double of the season and 119th of his career. But another setback has not gone down well with the 39-year-old, who has been angered by the club’s recent struggles.
“I don’t know what’s going to mess with the hump,” said James. “We just have to not drown. Don’t drown, we’ll be fine.”
Anthony Davis also had a big outing with 38 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.
He is equally confused as to why the Lakers are just one game over .500 and sitting in 10th place in the Western Conference.
“There are no horses,” said Davis. “Nobody’s feeling sorry for us. We can’t feel sorry for ourselves. We have to keep our heads down and work. Try to get back in the win column Sunday against Portland. … There’s no game coming up. So it’s easy for us, so we have to win.”
Los Angeles guard Austin Reaves (back/pelvis) has missed the last four games. The Lakers hope to play against the Trail Blazers.
Portland has lost back-to-back, falling 127-105 to the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday before getting destroyed 141-99 by the visiting Utah Jazz on Friday night.
The Jazz have only won four times entering this tournament and are leading with 46 points. The home fans let the Trail Blazers know they are doing a poor job.
Portland coach Chauncey Billups was distracted by the hit.
“It was bad, obviously. Everywhere, it was bad,” Billups said. “It was unfortunate because I thought we were ready for this game.
“We came out of there and nothing went right from the beginning. It was difficult.”
Utah dominated the boards with a 61-34 rebounding advantage and also outscored Portland 39-18 in fast-break points.
The rebounding is hurt by the absence of Robert Williams III (concussion) and rookie Donovan Clingan (knee).
Deandre Ayton’s substandard effort has also been a major problem. Ayton played briefly early in the second half before Billups pulled him to end his night with 17 minutes left.
“I didn’t like his spirit in this game,” said Billups.
Forward Toumani Camara (right foot) was injured against the Jazz. Billups said the test will determine the severity of his case.
Second-year point guard Scoot Henderson (quadriceps) also remains sidelined.
Jerami Grant and Dalano Banton scored 19 points apiece for Portland.
The Lakers went 3-0 against the Trail Blazers last season.
–Field Level Media
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