The Portland Trail Blazers extended their perfect start to the 2026-27 season on Tuesday night, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 136-129 at Crypto.com Arena. In a matchup between two undefeated teams, Portland's balanced offensive attack overcame a massive scoring effort from the Lakers' Luka Doncic to secure their third straight win.

How did Portland secure the win?

The Trail Blazers relied on a multi-pronged scoring approach to outlast Los Angeles. Four different Portland players scored at least 20 points, showcasing a depth that the Lakers struggled to contain. Key contributors included:

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  • Deni Avdija: 23 points and nine assists
  • Ja Morant: 23 points
  • Jrue Holiday: 22 points from the bench
  • Damian Lillard: 21 points

Lillard provided the decisive blow late in the fourth quarter, hitting a three-pointer off a pass from Avdija with roughly 43 seconds remaining to give Portland a six-point cushion. The Blazers' efficiency was high, as they shot 59% from the field and successfully hit 18 three-pointers.

A battle of offensive powerhouses

This matchup featured two of the NBA's top-scoring teams, characterized by dynamic backcourts. The game was a high-octane affair that saw both teams shooting at roughly 65% from the field at one stage. While the Lakers' Luka Doncic was nearly unstoppable, recording 41 points and nine assists following a 52-point performance against Utah, the Blazers' ability to distribute the ball kept them in contention.

In addition to the primary scorers, Portland received strong support from Robert Williams III, who tallied 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Toumani Camara, who added 12 points. This depth allowed Portland to overcome a second-quarter deficit where the Lakers had built a 79-68 lead.

Can the Lakers fix their defensive issues?

While the Lakers' offense remained potent, their inability to stop Portland's perimeter players proved costly. Despite having defensive talents like Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams, the team surrendered 136 points.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick noted that the team struggled with defensive discipline. "I thought the game plan, personnel discipline, wasn't where it needs to be," Redick said, describing the loss as a learning lesson for the roster.

FAQ

What is the current record for both teams?

The Trail Blazers remain unbeaten at 3-0, while the Lakers have suffered their first loss of the season.

Who was the highest scorer in the game?

Luka Doncic led all players with 41 points for the Los Angeles Lakers.