GST Staff

Trail Blazers vs. Lakers Prediction, Odds, Best Prop Bets January 02, 2025

High-Powered Lakers Offense Clashes with Struggling Blazers

Game Preview

The Los Angeles Lakers (18-14) return home to host the struggling Portland Trail Blazers (11-21) in a clash of Western Conference foes. While the Lakers have hovered around the .500 mark this season, they'll look to take advantage of a Portland squad that has struggled mightily, winning just over a third of their games.

Offense has been the key difference between these teams. The Lakers are averaging a shade under 112 points per game, buoyed by a respectable 47.4% shooting from the field. They've been even more efficient lately, hitting 50.3% over their last five contests while scoring nearly 115 points. LeBron James and company have found their rhythm, dishing out 28 assists per game during this stretch.

Meanwhile, Portland's offensive woes continue. The Trail Blazers are scoring just 108 points per game, hampered by 44.7% shooting and a dismal 33.4% from beyond the arc. Their struggles have persisted, averaging 110 points on 46.9% shooting over their last five outings. Even with Damian Lillard leading the way, Portland's offense has failed to find consistency.

Defensively, neither team has excelled at getting stops. The Lakers are allowing 114.3 points per game, while Portland has been even more porous at 117.3 points allowed. However, the Trail Blazers' defensive issues have been magnified recently, surrendering 122.6 points over their last five games as opponents have shredded them from all areas.

With the offensive disparities and Portland's recent defensive lapses, the Lakers should be favored at home. But the Trail Blazers can't be overlooked, especially if Lillard gets hot from deep. An intriguing matchup looms as the Lakers aim to create separation in the playoff race while Portland desperately seeks a spark to turn their season around.