Game Preview
The Los Angeles Lakers (12-11) and Portland Trail Blazers (8-15) are both looking to snap three-game losing skids as they meet on Sunday night. While the Lakers have struggled to find consistency, their offense has been a bright spot, averaging 112.3 points per game on the season. However, their defense has been porous, allowing 116.5 points - a differential that has contributed to their up-and-down campaign.
Over the last five games, the Lakers' offensive woes have been glaring, scoring just 100.6 points per contest while their opponents have poured in 116.4 points. Their shooting has been abysmal, hitting under 45% from the field and a woeful 27.6% from three-point range. Despite grabbing nearly 41 rebounds during this stretch, the Lakers have struggled to manufacture points, turning the ball over 13.6 times per game.
The Trail Blazers, meanwhile, have been more competitive offensively, averaging 112.8 points over their last five games on a blistering 50% shooting clip. However, their defensive lapses have proven costly, surrendering 126.4 points per contest. While Portland has knocked down threes at a 39.6% rate, they've been plagued by turnovers, coughing up the ball 14.2 times per game.
Both teams will be desperate to snap their current losing streaks and gain some momentum. For the Lakers, rediscovering their shooting touch and tightening up their defense will be paramount. The Trail Blazers, conversely, must find a way to slow down opposing offenses while continuing their own hot shooting. With both squads struggling mightily over their last 10 games, this matchup presents an opportunity for one team to get back on track in what could be a high-scoring affair.