The Portland Trail Blazers (20-22) host the Los Angeles Lakers (24-15) at Moda Center on Saturday. The Lakers have won seven of their last nine games against the Trail Blazers, but these teams have split their two matchups this season.
Here are three key storylines to know heading into Saturday’s matchup:
Lakers looking to end recent skid: Los Angeles looked poised for a great season when they started the year 23-11, but they come into this matchup losing four of their last five fixtures. It’s not just the recent losing skid, but the nature of those losses. The Lakers have lost three of those by double digits. The defense has been an issue, as they’ve allowed 124 and 135 points in two of those recent losses. The Lakers know it’s an area for improvement, as they sit 26th in defensive efficiency on the year. It’s arguably their only major flaw, but it’s significant. With that said, LA still sits fifth in the Western Conference and is only three games back of the San Antonio Spurs for second place.
The Trail Blazers turning a corner: The Trail Blazers had some growing pains to start the year, but as the season has progressed, things have started to look up in the City of Roses. They’ve banked eight wins in their last 11 outings. That stretch has the Trail Blazers right back in the thick of things in the Western Conference, sitting in ninth place. The three losses were against the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors, all of whom are quality opponents. Things are looking up on the injury front as well, with Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant returning to action this week. That veteran presence can’t be overlooked for such a young team, especially since Deni Avdija has stepped into All-Star territory. Avdija is averaging 26.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 0.9 steals as the Blazers’ primary playmaker. His status will be worth monitoring, though, as he’s missed the last two games with a back issue.
Impact of LeBron and Luka: This will be the third matchup between these teams this season after splitting the first two, but it’s difficult to conclude the season series so far. Both Luka Dončić and LeBron James were sidelined for the first two matchups. Austin Reaves dropped 41 points in LA’s defeat, while Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura and Nick Smith Jr combined for 82 points in the Lakers’ victory. Expect to see a different script with James and Dončić back in action and Reaves (calf) sidelined. Dončić is one of the frontrunners for KIA NBA MVP, averaging a league-best 33.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.6 steals per game this season. James has also been much better over recent weeks, averaging 25.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.3 steals across his last 16 outings. Avdija will surely be the focal point of Portland’s offense if he’s able to return, but if not, look for Holiday, Grant and Shaedon Sharpe to carry the load in his absence.