Lakers fall in shootout with Blazers for first loss of season

A back-and-forth battle between the Lakers and Blazers saw a flurry of big shots down the stretch before a dagger from Damian Lillard gave Portland a 136-129 win, handing LA its first loss.

The Lakers struggled defensively, allowing Portland to make 59% of their shots, including 18 threes on 36 attempts. The game was marred by fouls throughout with 52 being called and 71 free throws attempted.

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Austin Reaves drained a triple to get LA on the board. Matisse Thybulle followed it with a layup that put Los Angeles up by five. Ja Morant was the first Blazer to score, converting on a midrange jumper. Luka Dončić knocked down a three on the other end.

Damian Lillard knocked down a 3-pointer, but after four straight points from LA, Portland called a timeout. Out of the break, Morant was fouled and converted on a pair of free throws. Luka continued his great quarter, pushing his point total to 12.

At the 6:03 mark, Los Angeles was up by seven.

Sandro Mamukelashvili came in and drained his first 3-point attempt. The Blazers, though, had cut the deficit to three. The Lakers answered by pushing their lead back to seven. Mamu had five off the bench for LA.

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Neither team’s defense was particularly strong, making it an offensive affair. Los Angeles was up by six at the end of the first.

Donovan Clingan drained a triple to start the second period. Collin Sexton responded with a midrange jumper. Portland tied the game with a 16-6 scoring run.

Reaves scored four in a row to give LA the lead again.

Sexton connected with Ziaire Williams for an impressive alley-oop dunk. Deni Avdija then scored four straight to put the Blazers ahead. Morant scored again, pushing his point total to 15. After Jrue Holiday drained a triple, Los Angeles called a timeout.

Out of the break, Luka was fouled and completed the three-point play.

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The rest of the half involved lots of free throws and the lead being exchanged. Mamu drained a three that put LA up by one with 35 seconds left. Holiday was assessed a flagrant foul penalty-1 for a foul on Walker Kessler, who split the free throws.

Mamu knocked down a clutch three at the…

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Publish date : 2026-10-28 06:02:00

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