Blazer's Edge - Complete Coverage: Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles LakersThe ultimate coverage and analysis of the Portland Trail Blazershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47543/blazersedge-fave.png2015-02-11T23:26:00-08:00http://www.blazersedge.com/rss/stream/77852802015-02-11T23:26:00-08:002015-02-11T23:26:00-08:00Lakers Fans Silenced in Moda Center
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<figcaption>Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Lakers fans in the Moda Center didn't have much to cheer about, but those hoping for free fast food did!</p> <p>Here's TorridJoe with the report from the Moda Center during the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/11/8024349/portland-trail-blazers-vs-los-angeles-lakers-damian-lillard-wesley-matthews">Portland Trail Blazers' 102-86 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.</a></p>
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<p>Center's Centerthe View from Section 216</p>
<p>Blazers v <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Lakers</a></p>
<p>February 11, 2015</p>
<p>By Torridjoe</p>
<p>Welcome back to the Garden of the Red and Black! Feels like last Thursday's Blazers-<a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Suns</a> game was ages ago, but another southwestern-oriented team has come a callin' tonight, the hated L*kers. Except you can tell from the lack of serious buzz in the joint that as long as the purple and yellow stink like rotten eggplant and warm urine, the sheen has gone off the matchup. Still, I think a classic rump-whipping will be almost as satisfying for the local denizens as a playoff-quality contest.</p>
<p>Trip Lee featuring Andy Mineo give us "Insomniac" for pregame warmup tunes, courtesy of Steve Blake's choice.</p>
<p>Speaking of tunes, DJ OG One is the official Blazers DJ. If given the chance I would ask him : so you're the Original Gangster, One? The first Original? Is that like trying to be the first plumber in the phone book by calling yourself AAA Plumbing? Was it like AOL where you had to act fast or else only DJOG64 and higher would be available for your login? I'm glad he got a low number for us though apparently OKC had to settle for DJ Derivative Gangster Four. (By all accounts DJ is a nice fella so I'm only playin')</p>
<p>I got here late and decided to go with the quick self serve option at Nook Market on the Club level. They have sandwiches, salads, snacks and a bao station(!), bao being a Vietnamese cross between a muffin and a dumpling, typically stuffed with meat and veg. I wasn't in the mood for a muffling, so I snagged an Olympic Provisions ham and Tillamook cheddar sammy. Sure sure, NY delis blow us away but we do OK with our cold cuts.</p>
<p>Dame gets a mild cheer from the crowd for the jumbotron hype regarding his eventual All-Star selection. Maybe we're just as ambivalent about it now as he is. But sometimes those pregame reels stir up the fans, sometimes not.</p>
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<p>The Bobby Torres Ensemble did a jazz quartet version of the anthem. I love a lot of jazz though I confess I like the early stuff best. And this wasn't that "free" as jazz goes, ala Spinal Tap at their nadir. Still, I found it...distracting. I don't like diva riffs off-melody and I don't like <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jazz</a> Odyssey in my anthems either, it turns out. I'm glad the team staff pick a variety of performances from the auditions, though.</p>
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<p>Crispin Apple Cider claims the big revolving ad banner courtside at tipoff. We also were treated to the DLillard1 shoe banner, perhaps the only court in the NBA to feature that pairing. Micromarketing!</p>
<p>The Moda has gone Mod! Disco lighting has been added, with colored spots highlighting center court during Blazer Dancer routines, and the whole arena now features "Hollywood" style roving spotlights. Everybody dance now, and whatnot.</p>
<p>The Blazers marketing team are no dummies; they jumped on the "Portland carpet" craze and featured a Blazer-themed version of the famous PDX floor pattern as their T-shirt of the night for sale. Someone's bright idea at the Monday morning comes to fruition. I might have liked SHEEEEED t-shirts but hey.</p>
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<p>Wes hits the first attempted three of the night from a ROLO offensive board. Huzzah! say the assembled. (Wes Money does not live up to his name on the second, however. Ya bum.) Always feels like a good sign to break the seal from deep early.</p>
<p>A great Batum pass to a baseline-streaking Lopez draws an anticipatory "ooooh!" but he is somewhat surprisingly stuffed at the rim. The shock is audible. Didn't see that coming!</p>
<p>From a pure excitement point of view, nothing beats a series of missed threes and ORebs followed by a made three. With each miss you know the next one has a better chance of falling. By the third attempt you'd wager your mortgage on a make. Thankfully nobody who did lost their house: Portland triple FTW!</p>
<p>Late break! Refs finally call a TV timeout with just 4:56 left and the Blazers ahead 20-17. Feels like it should be more but ain't that the Blazer way.</p>
<p>The suspense on the Papa Murphy's 4:25 pizza promo is KILLING me, brah! (They were in fact ahead when the magic moment struck, woot. Go getcha pizza).</p>
<p>Dame's entry to the All-Star game is rewarded with another, more personal little tribute video, which now that the crowd is settled and in the swing receives a much more robust reception. Congrats to Damian.</p>
<p>Also congrats to Norma Panowicz, season ticket holder since the jump, who gets a slice of the '77 floor from...Blaze? Remember last game the woman had Schonz present to her? Blaze is cool and all but really? I'd feel ripped off. Kinda ruins the solemnity when your team presenter nods his head like it's on a bobble and hugs you with his tail.</p>
<p>A Swaggy three at the first quarter horn rims round and round and round before spilling out. The Blazers got sloppy at the very end and it looked like fairly strong dominance wouldn't amount to much of a lead. That missed three was a cheery relief.</p>
<p>"Amber" plays the price range game with the help of the fans in a vain attempt to win appliances. I've never seen someone fail to get a single one right, but I suppress the urge to boo. The fans, I mean. We were no help.</p>
<p>Family trike race! And for the first time in probably 100 Blazer games my section won! We won...McDonalds fries. Which we're a stone cold lock to get a freebie for already after the game (if we want one). Yay?</p>
<p>2:18 in the half and it's 50-42 good guys, but how is it that close? Five threes and 15 made FT in a half doesn't guarantee a big lead, but when your opponent is shooting 36%? Perplexing. I stumble out for answers hidden between Ruby Jewel ice cream cookies.</p>
<p>Two teams of 5th graders from Seaside dueled it out on the big court and when one of the peewees positively NAILED a corner NBA three, those left glued to their seats gave a Blazer-worthy "Ooooh." Kid won't forget that soon, I bet. There was also a kid who fell violently to the floor of his own accord and threw the ball at the rim helplessly. I hope he didn't hear me yell "Nice try, Harden!" at him.</p>
<p>Halftime local tunes: some big boys! Modest Mouse gives us "The Best Room."</p>
<p>You know what gets Portland fans off? Hustle. Wes makes the steal and chases it halfway up the floor, ending up kissing it with his backside but retains the ball, turns over like a wrong way turtle and finds Lillard for the pass, who crushes the jam with authority. We like. And that starts the 3rd quarter rally that basically ended the game and took all the tension out of rooting. We gonna win.</p>
<p>Fair number of L*ker fans here as usual, though not as many as when the Kobe Show used to roll through. Plus they're hard to spot when there's nothing to cheer about.</p>
<p>"Luke" gets to spin for the half court Toyota shot. He ends up shooting to win the pricey Highlander, and the dealer is definitely hoping for a miss. Luke is on line, but jumps a bit early and is a bit shorter still on the shot. Sad trombone Yadda Yadda, Luke.</p>
<p>The 50/50 raffle pot was $6838, good haul for a Wednesday.</p>
<p>Four (different) scrub L*kers come in with 5:30 left and LA down 20, appearing to give up the ghost with just one starter on the court for Portland (Batum). Fakers get it to 18 but Meyers claims the Fry Guy title for the night with a saucy three from the top. It's all over but the Claver sighting, and soon enough it's streamers and love throughout the arena. Blazers Win! Nine days until the next tilt; maybe say hi to your spouse and kids and see what's up with them?</p>
<p>Signs</p>
<p>All Meyers All the Time</p>
<p>RoLove</p>
<p>Please Trade Barrett/Rice</p>
<p>Un Deux Trois</p>
<p>Lillard BAE (ask your kids)</p>
<p>Put on Your Dame Face</p>
<p>Rip City Rip City Tonight!</p>
<p>Lightning Lillard</p>
<p>Blazer Mania Lives On</p>
<p>I See AllStars</p>
<p>Kobe Where? (with "who" crossed out)</p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/11/8024737/portland-trail-blazers-vs-los-angeles-lakersDave Deckardtorridjoe2015-02-11T22:28:00-08:002015-02-11T22:28:00-08:00Blazers Guards Romp Against Lakers
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<figcaption>De-FENSE! De-FENSE! | Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>When you see an opponent this bad, all you can do is shake your head and laugh.</p> <p>Recapping the <a href="https://www.blazersedge.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Trail Blazers</a> 102-86 romp over the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Lakers</a> Wednesday night is going to be one of the easiest jobs I've ever had. In the vicious jungle of the NBA the Lakers are a dancing hamster. The only way to beat any reasonably competent predator is getting stuck halfway down their throat. Portland's esophagus worked fine tonight; L.A. never had a chance.</p>
<p>What do you say about a team that scores 26 points in the paint against the Trail Blazers? That's about 17 short of what the Blazers usually give up...a halftime total against Portland for some opponents. But hey, we're the Lakers! Let's just shoot 80 jumpers and fire at a 37% rate. That'll work!</p>
<p>Don't even get me started on their backcourt defense. <span>Damian Lillard</span> and <span>Wesley Matthews</span> had mean intentions tonight (as Steve Jones used to say). The only reason they shot 12-22 and scored 35 between them was because the Blazers didn't need them to shoot 50-65 and score 110 in order to win. They could have. Portland's guards penetrated the lane freely from start to finish, netting layup after layup in the halfcourt offense. Meanwhile the Lakers' defense was all...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mAjLpl_RwZ8?rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>Meanwhile the Lakers bench made Portland's look brilliant. <span>Nick Young</span> continued his horrific streak against Portland, shooting 4-12. The Blazers are his own personal dolphin. But hey, Swaggy P still hit 4 times as many shots as <span>Carlos Boozer</span> (1-11) and <span>Jeremy Lin</span> (0-6) combined. The Los Angeles bench combined for 14-47 from the field. The 11-26 performance of Portland reserves who played more than 10 minutes wasn't that amazing, but they would have needed to miss 18 of their next 21 shots to be as bad as L.A.</p>
<p>The Lakers do have some reasonably decent big men. <span>Robert Sacre</span> scored 12 but couldn't rebound or stop fouling. <span>Tarik Black</span> had 8 rebounds and 2 blocks but couldn't score. <span>Ryan Kelly</span> drizzled in a couple threes. Power forward <span>Ed Davis</span> had an amazing 24 minutes with 8 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks. But that was like finding cotton candy in a urinal. Looking good hardly matters when the context is that bad.</p>
<p>It's not like the Blazers played great themselves. Frankly they had it in cruise control most of the game. 41% shooting, 33% from the arc...the only area where they gained a huge advantage over the Lakers was in fast break points, 21-8. (Since Portland usually loses that category, going down by double-digits to them is shameful. But I guess that's piling on.) But every time the Lakers even half threatened, Portland just sent guards driving to the cup and the lead ballooned right back. Basically they looked at L.A.'s act and said, "Let us show you how to do that before you hurt yourselves."</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oE8qhT-MDC8?rel=0" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<p>And that's it. You can catch the latest All-Star news (and it's not good) <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/11/8024005/anthony-davis-out-of-all-star-game-james-harden-and-klay-thompson" target="_blank">right here</a>.</p>
<p>Your <a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400579090" target="_blank">Boxscore</a></p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/11/8023847/blazers-vs-lakers-final-score-portland-blows-out-los-angeles" target="_blank">Instant Recap</a> has reaction from around the web.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" target="_blank">Silver Screen and Roll</a> will be used to losses by now.</p>
<p>Check out our <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/11/8024737/portland-trail-blazers-vs-los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank">In-Arena Report,</a> recapping the Moda Center action that you may have missed on camera.</p>
<p>We should have an update on Blazer's Edge Night progress by the end of the day on Thursday. In the meantime, please help out sending underprivileged youth, children, and chaperons see Portland's March 30th game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> by contributing tickets to the cause. You can find all the details <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/10/28/7085127/blazers-edge-night-2015-announced" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p>--Dave blazersub@gmail.com / <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/davedeckard">@DaveDeckard</a> / <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/blazersedge">@Blazersedge</a></p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/11/8024349/portland-trail-blazers-vs-los-angeles-lakers-damian-lillard-wesley-matthewsDave Deckard2015-02-11T21:13:23-08:002015-02-11T21:13:23-08:00Blazers' All-Stars Light Up Lakers
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<figcaption>Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Wesley Matthews had 20 points to lead Portland in a win over the Los Angeles Lakers.</p> <p>Portland got a big effort from their three representatives in New York to close out the first half of the season.</p>
<p><span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span> had 18 points and 12 rebounds, <span>Wesley Matthews</span> had 20 points, <span>Damian Lillard</span> had 15 points and 8 assists, and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a> went into the All-Star Break by pounding the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a>, 102-86, Wedneday night at Moda Center.</p>
<p>Facing a starting five without a single player averaging double digits in scoring, the Blazers ran out to an immediate 7-0 run. The young Lakers lineup kept the game close from there, but when Los Angeles subbed out for its veteran bench, Portland went to work in a big way. Lillard had nine in the quarter, Matthews had eight, and the Blazers extended their lead to as many as ten. They would lead by eight after one.</p>
<p>CJ McCollum had been averaging seven points in the second quarter over his last three games, and proudly continued that streak with seven in the second quarter to lead the Blazers. <span>Thomas Robinson</span> added four, but the Portland starters shot just 2-of-12 in the period. Los Angeles did not fare any better, shooting 36% as a team in the quarter, but kept the game close with 16 second chance points in the half. With neither team finding a rhythm, the Blazers kept their eight point advantage at halftime.</p>
<p>Portland started the second half with what can only be described as a systematic annihilation of the Lakers defense. The Blazers kicked off a 17-4 run, Matthews had ten points in under four minutes, Aldridge had ten in the quarter, <span>Robin Lopez</span> had five, and Portland led by as many as 23. They would take the 23 point lead into the fourth quarter after <span>Steve Blake</span> got two free throws when he was fouled at the buzzer.</p>
<p>The Blazers played loose for much of the fourth quarter while holding onto their lead, and the Lakers were unable to close without an effective lead scorer after <span>Nick Young</span> left with an ankle injury.</p>
<p><span>Meyers Leonard</span> led the bench scoring with 11. Portland hit 22-of-23 free throws on the night, with Lopez providing the only miss. Lopez finished with 10 points and 9 rebounds.</p>
<p><a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400579090">BOX SCORE</a></p>
<p align="center"><b>Gameday Thread Comments of the Night</b></p>
<p>Thanks to all who hung out in tonight's Gameday Thread! Here were a few favorite comments from a very relaxed evening of basketball:</p>
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<p>We're a playoff team, yet we still get to watch the likes of CJ and Meyers develop. We are truly being spoilt right now.<br>by <b>AUS2PDX</b></p>
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<p>It's truly amazing that we have the same record as last year at this point<br>by <b>mrsbro</b></p>
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<p>Meyers [is not playing during] garbage time!! He’s made it!!!!<br>by <b>pdxthomastran</b></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Post-Game Reaction</b></p>
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<p>The Trail Blazers have now defeated the Lakers in 4 straight games, their longest win streak in the series since 1997 (4 games). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PORvsLAL?src=hash">#PORvsLAL</a></p>
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrailBlazersPR/status/565740379874816001">February 12, 2015</a>
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<p>Since returning to the lineup on Jan. 24, LaMarcus Aldridge has averaged 25.2 points and 11.0 rebounds in nine games.</p>
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrailBlazersPR/status/565740847774568448">February 12, 2015</a>
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<p>With win over Lakers, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blazers?src=hash">#Blazers</a> are 36-17, the exact same record they had going into last season's All-Star break.</p>
— Mike Tokito (@mtokito) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtokito/status/565741314369544192">February 12, 2015</a>
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<p>In five games since returning to the lineup on Feb. 3, Robin Lopez has averaged 11.4 points on 24-for-42 FG (57.1%).</p>
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrailBlazersPR/status/565741394099466242">February 12, 2015</a>
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<p>Meyers Leonard has averaged 7.5 points and 5.7 rebounds on 59.8% FG (46.3% 3-PT) since the beginning of 2015 (19 games).</p>
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrailBlazersPR/status/565742165843013634">February 12, 2015</a>
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<p>"We're the surprise team." Coach Stotts <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blazers?src=hash">#Blazers</a></p>
— Amy Schwartz (@TheAmySchwartz) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAmySchwartz/status/565743016107704323">February 12, 2015</a>
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<p>Players literally running out of the locker room. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AllStarBreak?src=hash">#AllStarBreak</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blazers?src=hash">#Blazers</a></p>
— Amy Schwartz (@TheAmySchwartz) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAmySchwartz/status/565743795103203328">February 12, 2015</a>
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<p>Players in the locker room half teasing <a href="https://twitter.com/MeyersLeonard11">@MeyersLeonard11</a>'s re: not passing up three-pointers</p>
— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) <a href="https://twitter.com/CHold/status/565745693633957888">February 12, 2015</a>
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<p>"I would like to start." -- <a href="https://twitter.com/aldridge_12">@aldridge_12</a> re: All-Star</p>
— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) <a href="https://twitter.com/CHold/status/565747643632984065">February 12, 2015</a>
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<p>Aldridge on Wes and the 3-pt comp, joking: "I told him go win it. .. Come back with a win or don't come back at all." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blazers?src=hash">#Blazers</a></p>
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/JabariJYoung/status/565749024200740864">February 12, 2015</a>
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<p>Nick Young's All-Star break plans: "I'm gonna go get my revenge on some dolphins."</p>
— Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) <a href="https://twitter.com/BaxterHolmes/status/565747553438679041">February 12, 2015</a>
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<p>More Aldridge humor; asked if he expects same team back (trade DL) after the break: "I just hope I'm here after the deadline." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blazers?src=hash">#Blazers</a></p>
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/JabariJYoung/status/565750192503144448">February 12, 2015</a>
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<p>While <a href="https://twitter.com/trailblazers">@trailblazers</a> have the same record as they had last season at the ASB, they r 8 games ahead of OKC now. A year ago they were 6 behind.</p>
— Brian Wheeler (@blazerwheels) <a href="https://twitter.com/blazerwheels/status/565752079927353345">February 12, 2015</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blazers?src=hash">#Blazers</a> are 3-0 against the Lakers this season, the first time they've beaten them three times in a season since 1996-97</p>— kerry eggers (@kerryeggers) <a href="https://twitter.com/kerryeggers/status/565757335998455809">February 12, 2015</a>
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<p>VIDEO: Blazers owner Paul Allen and general manager Neil Olshey <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/blazers/2015/02/11/0021400798-lal-por-play3.nba/">present Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge with their All Star jerseys</a> prior to the game.</p>
<p>VIDEO: Damian Lillard uses a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/blazers/2015/02/11/0021400798-lal-por-play1.nba/">nifty spin move</a> to get the hoop and the harm.</p>
<p>VIDEO: Steve Blake sends a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/blazers/2015/02/11/0021400798-lal-por-play2.nba/">dime to a cutting Damian Lillard</a>, who finds LaMarcus Aldridge for the floater in the lane.</p>
<p>VIDEO: Wesley Matthews <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/blazers/2015/02/11/0021400798-lal-por-play4.nba/">dives to the floor to save the ball</a> and Damian Lillard validates Matthews' effort with a one-handed dunk.</p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/11/8023847/blazers-vs-lakers-final-score-portland-blows-out-los-angelesRyanASterling2015-02-11T00:42:11-08:002015-02-11T00:42:11-08:00Blazers vs. Lakers Preview
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<figcaption>Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Blazers play the Los Angeles Lakers for the third time this season tonight at the Moda Center before heading into the NBA All-Star break.</p> <p align="center"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Lakers</a> (13-39, No. 14 in the West)</span><a href="https://www.blazersedge.com/" class="sbn-auto-link"> vs. Portland Trail Blazers</a> (35-17, No. 4 in the West)<br>Wednesday, February 11<br>Moda Center; Portland, OR | 7:00 p.m. PST | Local TV/Radio: KGWHD; 620 AM<br>Out for the Blazers:<span class="sbn-auto-link"> <span>Joel Freeland, </span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Chris Kaman</span></span><span> </span><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span>| Out for the Lakers: <span>Jordan Hill</span>, <span>Kobe Bryant</span>, <span>Julius Randle</span>, <span>Steve Nash</span><br>SBN Affiliate: <a href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" target="_blank">Silver Screen & Roll</a><a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/" target="_blank"> </a>| <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/10/28/7082097/portland-trail-blazers-2014-15-season-preview-tv-viewing-guide" target="_blank">Timmay's Viewing Guide</a> |<a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/10/28/7085127/blazers-edge-night-2015-announced"> Blazer's Edge Night</a></p>
<p>The Blazers play the Los Angeles Lakers for the third time this season tonight at the Moda Center before heading into the NBA All-Star break.</p>
<p>The Lakers hosted the <a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Nuggets</a> last night in a game that featured two of the West's cellar-dwellars -- both L.A. and the Nuggets had won just a single game in their last 14 heading into the contest. Los Angeles lost, <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400579079" target="_blank">106-96</a>, and comes into tonight's meeting with Portland on a five-game losing streak.</p>
<p>L.A. has scored a decent amount of points lately, but that's come on 41.5 percent shooting from the field the last five games, good for No. 28 in the NBA in that span. The Lakers are average at ball movement, don't turn it over particularly often and have hit the outside shot with surprising regularity lately.</p>
<p>Still, though, L.A. is one of the worst teams in the league this year, and it's due in large part to a horrible defense. The Lakers are near the bottom of the league in Defensive Rating, giving up over 109 points a game the last couple weeks, up from 106.3 per game for the season. They're terrible at forcing turnovers and can't defend the paint, the perimeter or in transition.</p>
<p>Los Angeles, at 13-39 and No. 14 in the West, <a href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2015/2/7/7998837/la-lakers-tank-byron-scott-jeremy-lin-quotes" target="_blank">has fans talking about tanking</a> for a better draft pick this spring instead of thinking playoffs.</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/41177/young-trying-to-regain-his-swaggy-p-game" target="_blank">Swaggy P is sad</a>, Coach Byron Scott is <a href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2015/2/7/7998837/la-lakers-tank-byron-scott-jeremy-lin-quotes" target="_blank">calling his team "soft"</a> and Lakers bloggers are <a href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2015/2/6/7989023/the-lakers-struggles-are-not-wesley-johnsons-fault" target="_blank">defending role-players like forward Wesley Johnson against perceived slights from national writers</a>.</p>
<p>Yes, the dislike of L.A. <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/10/8014559/portland-trail-blazers-trades-damian-lillard-lamarcus-aldridge" target="_blank">runs pretty deep with fans in Portland</a>; Long-timers remember Clyde Drexler and the Blazers struggling with <a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Magic</a> Johnson's Showtime Lakers in the late-80s and early-90s and a string of first-round exits at the hands of L.A. for much of the mid-to-late-90s. Younger fans lament the 2000 Western Conference Finals.</p>
<p>Others don't like the Lakers due to the nature of their fanbase, approach to free agency or, simply, a disdain of <span>Kobe Bryant</span>, the face of the franchise for over a decade.</p>
<p>But do the Lakers deserve your sympathy this year?</p>
<p>Before the season started, <a href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2015/2/6/7989023/the-lakers-struggles-are-not-wesley-johnsons-fault#287852142" target="_blank">L.A. was supposed to boast a starting five</a> of guards Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant, along with <span>Xavier Henry</span>, <span>Carlos Boozer</span> and Jordan Hill in the frontcourt. The Bench rotation was to feature the likes of point guard <span>Jeremy Lin</span>, wings <span>Wayne Ellington</span> and <span>Nick Young</span>, forward <span>Ryan Kelly</span>, center <span>Ed Davis</span> and lottery-pick Julius Randle.</p>
<p>Injuries shelved Nash before the season even started, wore down Bryant before February and put Randle on the IR 14 minutes into his NBA debut. The Lakers now start Kelly and Ellington beside center <span>Robert Sacre</span>, forward <span>Tarik Black</span> -- an undrafted rookie who was claimed off waivers in December -- and <span>Jordan Clarkson</span>, the No. 46 pick in the second round of last spring's draft.</p>
<p>These injuries have ravaged L.A.'s roster, and any dreams that Bryant and Lakers fans had of the playoffs -- however delusional -- have dried up. Much of the focus on Los Angeles' play on the court this season has transitioned into evaluating the team's young talent, scouring potential lottery targets and hoping that the Lakers' 2015 first round pick ends up in the top-five.</p>
<p>That's right, L.A. may not even benefit from all its suffering if the team doesn't end up with a top-five selection in the draft, as its first-rounder this year is only top-five protected and will go to Phoenix if it lands at No. 6 or worse, per terms of the Nash trade from a couple summers ago.</p>
<p>Boozer, coming off the bench, has been leading the Lakers in field goal attempts the last several games. Last night against Denver, he scored 21 points on 8-for-15 shooting. Over the last five games, Boozer's nailed over half his shots, many of them coming at the rim where he's finished well in that span. He does, however, go to his jumper fairly often, which has been pretty underwhelming lately.</p>
<p>Ellington's been playing a ton of minutes as the starting unit's "<a href="http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/practice/150209_younglakers" target="_blank">veteran leader</a>." He's been missing a lot of shots at the rim and from beyond the arc recently, but 52.6 percent on his midrange jumpers the last five games has kept him afloat. Ellington had a pretty big game last night, scoring 18 points on 8-for-13 shooting from the field and 2-for-5 shooting from downtown.</p>
<p>Outside of Boozer and Ellington, the Lakers have been inconsistent lately. Clarkson, Lin and Johnson have all been solid from deep, but are shooting poorly from the floor, otherwise. Davis and Black have shot well close to the hoop in limited attempts. Sacre often drifts out to the midrange, an okay jumpshooter with little touch inside. Young has been abysmal lately, his shooting woes continuing last night as he went 4-for-13 from the field.</p>
<p>L.A. plays at one of the slowest paces in the league, with much of their scoring coming off the dribble. The Lakers are playing like a team headed for the lottery, with little cohesion on the floor as the losses pile up.</p>
<p>The Blazers, meanwhile, have rattled off three wins in their last four games, the latest a <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400579063" target="_blank">109-98 victory</a> over the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rockets</a> in Houston on Sunday.</p>
<p>Portland has been pretty average at scoring the last several games, with assists down and turnovers up. The shots aren't falling with consistency from anywhere on the court, though the team is drawing a lot of free throws.</p>
<p>The Blazers are getting pretty good performances from their stars, with power forward <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span> averaging 21.6 point per game over the last five, connecting on 54.1 percent of his midrange jumpers. The three-pointer has abandoned Aldridge lately, but he rarely takes it. His scoring in the paint has dipped a little, too, but Sacre, Black, Boozer and Davis form one of the least-imposing big man rotations in the NBA, so Aldridge should certainly get his looks tonight. He hasn't really had a big night in two wins over the Lakers so far this year, but he hasn't been needed much, either, as point guard <span>Damian Lillard</span> played lead in both contests.</p>
<p>Lillard dropped 39 points on L.A. just over a month ago on 12-for-21 shooting, then followed that performance up less than a week later with 34 points on 13-for 23 shooting against Los Angeles.</p>
<p>That second matchup with the Lakers also brought this from Lillard:</p>
<p><iframe src="http://i.imgur.com/Jt9Kw4P.gifv#embed" class="imgur-embed" frameborder="0" height="404" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p>Lillard's posterization of L.A. finished the Lakers off for good that game, as they had hung around all night and were within striking distance of Portland up until that point. The Blazers finished off Los Angeles, <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400578854" target="_blank">106-94</a>.</p>
<p>Lillard, who's had some shooting struggles of his own recently, hit six of his 10 shots and 10 of his 11 free throws against the Rockets Sunday night. Still, he made only a third of his threes in Dallas and Houston and hasn't gotten back to the solid outside shooting he displayed for much of the early season. L.A.'s backcourt should help with that.</p>
<p>Guard Wesley Matthews picked his spots against Houston, putting up nine shots and making only two of them. Outside of the Rockets game, though, he's been reliable from outside. <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2015/02/trail_blazers_wesley_matthews_having_a_tremendous.html" target="_blank">Matthews also continues to refine his post game</a>, where he's able to back down smaller guards and either hit the turnaround jumper or pass out to an open man when help comes.</p>
<p>Wing Nicolas Batum was pretty quiet in Dallas and Houston following a good night in Phoenix. He just can't seem to string together solid shooting outings, but Batum continues to be active on the boards and in setting up his teammates, with much credit given to center <span>Robin Lopez</span>' return to the lineup. In four games since coming back from injury, Lopez has <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/9/8003707/portland-trail-blazers-robin-lopez-master-basketball-geometry-synergy-sports" target="_blank">changed the dynamics of Portland's offense</a>, providing spacing for his teammates. He's also made 61.8 percent of his field goals in that span, a reliable option down low.</p>
<p>Big man <span>Meyers Leonard</span> and guard CJ McCollum have burst onto the scene lately as scorers off the bench in Portland coach <span>Terry Stotts</span>' offense. Leonard drags his defender out and often gets wide-open looks from the perimeter, popping off his screens instead of rolling to the hoop. He also provided the scoring spark the Blazers needed Sunday night when the Rockets made a late push. Leonard's confidence with the ball, screen-setting and understanding of spacing have all blossomed the last several games and he has, for now, earned a spot in Stotts' frontcourt rotation. McCollum has shown lately that he can come off the bench and also provide instant offense, driving to the rim with success and hitting open outside shots. Like Leonard, he's playing with confidence in himself and it shows.</p>
<p>Center Chris Kaman seems to have hit a wall offensively, injuries and age the likely culprits. The luster has worn off the low-post moves that bruised opposing reserves so often early in the season, and he's barely stepping out for jumpers. He played just 14 minutes and attempted 2 shots against the Rockets. Kaman won't play tonight <a href="https://twitter.com/TrailBlazersPR/status/565285571330076674" target="_blank">due to an ankle sprain</a>.</p>
<p>Point guard <span>Steve Blake</span> has distributed well off the bench, even as inconsistency has plagued his shooting. Wing Will Barton brings up the rear of Stotts' rotation. Forwards Thomas Robinson, <span>Dorell Wright</span> and <span>Allen Crabbe</span> haven't played significant minutes in a number of games.</p>
<p>Portland's defense has managed to bottle opponents up the last few games, for the most part. The Blazers held the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Suns</a> to 87 points last Thursday and the Rockets to just 98 on Sunday, both well below the averages of those teams. The <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mavericks</a> had just 96 points through regulation on Saturday night and needed a 13-point fourth quarter by Portland to steal the overtime win. Lopez' presence down low has really been the difference for the Blazers, as the perimeter defenders have a true rim protector behind them.</p>
<p>The Lakers have actually been among the better rebounding teams in the league lately, particularly on the offensive end. Davis, Sacre and Boozer all get second-chance looks and put-backs from grabbing their team's misses and going back up with the ball. Black is a good individual rebounder, as well. Portland snares a ton of rebounds, and the team's efforts on the defensive glass will be needed tonight. The Mavs picked up 20 offensive rebounds and Houston picked up 15 of its own, so the Blazers will have to put an emphasis on ending Los Angeles' possessions early tonight to prevent extra opportunities.</p>
<p>The Lakers seem like an easy matchup for Portland on paper and, really, they shouldn't be considered a huge threat to pull off the upset tonight at the Moda Center. Still, L.A. managed to keep both previous matchups with the Blazers fairly close until the closing minutes when Lillard flipped the switch. If Portland can come out tonight with energy and build a lead early, the injury-depleted Lakers, coming off a game last night, probably don't have the horses to keep the game close. That said, Los Angeles is a young team that features plenty of streaky shooters, and if they can also get some easy points on second-chance opportunities, the Lakers could again be in this game until the final minutes.</p>
<p>-- Chris Lucia | blazersedgepodcast@gmail.com | <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/ChrisLucia_BE" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Twitter</a></p>
<p><i>Note: This preview was started with last night's Nuggets-Lakers game in progress, and all cumulative stats reflect the previous five games.</i></p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/11/8017497/portland-trail-blazers-vs-los-angeles-lakers-previewChris Lucia