The Lakers (24-15) are coming off a rough 135-117 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, and they will be missing some key players when they face Portland (20-22).
Los Angeles had snapped a three-game losing streak with a dominant 141-116 win over the Atlanta Hawks earlier in the week, but the momentum did not carry over to the Hornets game where their defense struggled once again.
The biggest news heading into Saturday’s matchup is that star guard Luka Doncic has been ruled out with left groin soreness.
Doncic leads the NBA in scoring this season with 33.6 points per game while also adding 7.7 rebounds and 8.7 assists, so replacing that production will be a tall task for the Lakers.
He played through discomfort in Thursday’s loss where he scored 39 points, but the team has decided to rest him for this one with a back-to-back coming on Sunday against the Toronto Raptors.
Austin Reaves remains sidelined with a left calf strain that has kept him out since Christmas Day and the Lakers will also be without Adou Thiero due to a right MCL sprain.
On top of that, starting center Deandre Ayton and backup big Jaxson Hayes are both listed as questionable, which could leave Los Angeles extremely thin in the frontcourt if neither can go.
With Doncic out, the Lakers will lean heavily on LeBron James to carry the offensive load against the Blazers.
The 41-year-old is averaging 22.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game this season and is coming off a near triple-double performance against Atlanta where he had 31 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds.
Head coach JJ Redick has spoken about the real synergy happening between James and Doncic this season, but without his running mate, James will need to take on even more responsibility in the backcourt.
The good news for Los Angeles is that Portland is dealing with significant injuries of their own.
The Blazers will be without their best player, Deni Avdija, who is listed as out with a lower back strain, and Avdija has been leading the team with 26.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game.
Jrue Holiday is listed as probable with right calf injury management after missing significant time earlier in the season, and Jerami Grant is also probable with a left Achilles issue of his own.
The Blazers could be without several of their top rotation players, which gives the shorthanded Lakers a chance to steal a win on the road.
The Lakers have gone just 9-10 since December 1st and have been looking for ways to improve their consistency on both ends of the floor.
Defense has been a major issue for Los Angeles all season as they rank 24th in defensive rating, and that was on full display against the Hornets when they gave up 135 points.
Redick has made changes to the team’s routine including eliminating shootarounds to help keep his veteran stars fresh.
Despite the injuries on both sides, this is a game the Lakers need to win if they want to stay in the hunt for homecourt advantage in the Western Conference playoffs.
With Portland missing so many key players and sitting at 20-22, Los Angeles has a real opportunity to get back in the win column before their tough eight-game road trip begins on Tuesday against the Denver Nuggets.
Tip-off is set for 10:00 p.m. ET on Saturday at Moda Center.

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