(Photograph credit score: Brett Davis-Imagn Pictures)
Two struggling groups which have suffered blows in current days come collectively on Sunday night time when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Portland Path Blazers.
Each groups have misplaced three straight and 7 of their final 9 video games whereas falling within the Western Convention standings.
Los Angeles misplaced two straight street video games by 29 factors to the Minnesota Timberwolves and 41 to the Miami Warmth earlier within the week earlier than shedding 134-132 in additional time to the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night time.
It was clearly an improved effort, however a late defensive breakdown allowed Atlanta’s Trae Younger to empty an open 3-pointer with 7.4 seconds left to present the Hawks the victory.
LeBron James had 39 factors, 11 assists and 10 rebounds for his seventh triple-double this season and the 119th of his profession. However one other setback didn’t please the 39-year-old, who was upset by the workforce’s current difficulties.
“I don’t know what’s going to get us over the hump,” James stated. “We simply need to not drown. Let’s not drown and all the things can be superb.”
Anthony Davis additionally had an enormous outing with 38 factors, 10 rebounds and eight assists.
He is simply as perplexed as to why the Lakers are only one recreation over .500 and in tenth place within the Western Convention.
“There’s no cavalry,” Davis stated. “No one feels sorry for us. We won’t really feel sorry for ourselves. We simply need to preserve placing our heads down and dealing and dealing. Attempt to get again within the win column on Sunday in opposition to Portland… “No match goes to be straightforward for us, so now we have to get the victory.”
Los Angeles guard Austin Reaves (again/pelvis) has missed the final 4 video games. The Lakers hope he can play in opposition to the Path Blazers.
Portland has suffered back-to-back losses, shedding 127-105 to the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday earlier than being obliterated 141-99 by the visiting Utah Jazz on Friday night time.
The Jazz had solely 4 victories to begin the competitors and led by 46 factors. Dwelling followers let the Path Blazers know they have been giving a substandard efficiency.
Portland coach Chauncey Billups was bothered by the beating.
“It was ugly, clearly. Throughout, it was ugly,” Billups stated. “It was a disgrace as a result of I actually thought we have been prepared for this recreation.
“We got here out and nothing labored from the start. It was a tricky time.”
Utah owned the rebounds with a 61-34 benefit and in addition outscored Portland 39-18 in quick break factors.
The rebound was penalized by the absences of Robert Williams III (concussion) and rookie Donovan Clingan (knee).
A poor effort from Deandre Ayton was additionally a serious drawback. Ayton performed briefly early within the second half earlier than Billups pulled him over to finish his night time at 17 minutes.
“I didn’t like his thoughts within the recreation,” Billups stated.
Ahead Toumani Camara (proper foot) was injured in opposition to Jazz. Billups stated the exams will decide the severity of his drawback.
Sophomore level guard Scoot Henderson (quadriceps) additionally stays sidelined.
Jerami Grant and Dalano Banton scored 19 factors every for Portland.
The Lakers went 3-0 in opposition to the Path Blazers final season.
–Area degree media
