Without LeBron James on Sunday, the Los Angeles Lakers didn’t exactly play well, especially given they were going up against a struggling and very short-handed Portland Trail Blazers. But they need wins in the worst way right now, and they got one to improve their record to 5-5 on the season.
The Lakers held their first lead at the end of the first quarter this season, 31-28. They fell behind by eight early in the second quarter, but rallied to within one point at halftime. A 25-9 run in the third period finally gave them some separation, but Portland kept fighting back and trimming its deficit. Luckily, L.A. made just enough plays down the stretch to come up with a 116-110 victory.
There are still reasons to be concerned when it comes to the areas that have been problems for the Lakers this season. They shot just 4-of-19 from 3-point range while allowing the Blazers to go 13-of-37 from that distance. In addition, Los Angeles only outrebounded the Blazers by three and was outscored 24-15 in fast-break points. Overall, it perhaps looked a little complacent against a team it should’ve defeated by a wider margin.
However, a win is a win, and the Lakers can go over .500 on Tuesday against the Memphis Grizzlies, another banged-up squad that has been struggling.