Lakers Drop Another One to Blazers as Skid Continues: Player-by-Player Breakdown
There’s no sugarcoating it - the Lakers are sliding, and Saturday night’s loss to the Blazers only added to the growing concern. Yes, the context matters: a tough stretch in the schedule, a banged-up roster, and a team still trying to find its rhythm. But when you’ve dropped five of your last six and nine of your last 14, context starts to feel like background noise.
Just a few weeks ago, the Lakers were sitting pretty at 19-7, squarely in the mix for the No. 2 seed. Fast forward to now, and they’re 24-16, clinging to the sixth seed by mere percentage points - and dangerously close to falling into play-in territory.
Let’s dig into what went wrong in Portland and how each Laker performed in the loss. Grades are based on expectations for each player - a “B” means they played up to par.
LeBron James
32 minutes, 20 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 4 turnovers, 2 fouls, 6-16 FG, 1-3 3PT, 7-7 FT, -16
At 41 years old, LeBron continues to shoulder a massive load for this team. He started a bit slow, and the defensive lapses were noticeable at times, but he still nearly logged a triple-double. Given the circumstances, this was a solid outing - not spectacular, but enough to keep the Lakers afloat for stretches.
Grade: B
Jake LaRavia
28 minutes, 2 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 fouls, 0-2 FG, 0-1 3PT, 2-2 FT, -10
LaRavia’s night ended on the bench with an arm injury - fortunately, it doesn’t appear serious. Still, the Lakers needed more from him, especially with so many rotation players out. He just didn’t make much of an impact on either end.
Grade: C
Maxi Kleber
21 minutes, 11 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 3 fouls, 4-8 FG, 1-2 3PT, 2-2 FT, -19
Kleber came out firing in the first quarter and gave the Lakers a much-needed spark early. Unfortunately, that momentum didn’t carry over into the rest of the game. Still, his early burst was a bright spot in an otherwise rough outing.
Grade: B-
Marcus Smart
25 minutes, 25 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 4 fouls, 9-17 FG, 4-6 3PT, 3-5 FT, -14
If you’re looking for a silver lining, Marcus Smart was it. He stepped up in a big way offensively, knocking down shots from deep and playing with his trademark intensity. He looked like the most engaged Laker on the floor - and arguably the most effective.
Grade: A
Gabe Vincent
23 minutes, 3 points, 1 assist, 3 turnovers, 2 fouls, 1-6 FG, 1-4 3PT, +4
This was a tough one for Vincent. He struggled to find any rhythm offensively and had a particularly rough sequence to open the second half with a blocked three. When the Lakers needed someone to step up, he went the other direction.
Grade: F
Rui Hachimura
19 minutes, 11 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block, 2 fouls, 4-7 FG, 1-3 3PT, 2-2 FT, -11
Rui’s jumper looked smooth, and that’s a welcome sign as he continues to work his way back from injury. He’s still on a minutes restriction, so we may not see him again in the back-to-back, but this was a step in the right direction.
Grade: B
Nick Smith Jr.
10 minutes, 5 points, 3 assists, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls, 2-3 FG, 0-1 3PT, 1-1 FT, -5
Smith had a breakout performance last time he played in Portland, but lightning didn’t strike twice. He had a couple of nice moments, but overall, this was a quieter, less impactful showing.
Grade: D
Drew Timme
29 minutes, 21 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, 4 fouls, 9-12 FG, 3-4 3PT, -2
Now here’s a surprise. Timme, who’s barely seen the floor since signing his two-way deal, got a real opportunity - and made the most of it.
He was efficient, smart with the ball, and even knocked down a few from deep. It’s unclear where he fits in long-term, but he certainly made his case.
Grade: A
Jarred Vanderbilt
18 minutes, 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls, 3-3 FG, -10
Vando’s energy is always appreciated, but this wasn’t one of his more impactful games. He’s worked his way back into the rotation after injury, but hasn’t quite hit the level we saw during last year’s playoff run.
Grade: B-
Kobe Bufkin
22 minutes, 9 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 2 fouls, 3-8 FG, 1-5 3PT, 2-2 FT, +0
Bufkin showed flashes, especially on the defensive end with a couple of nice blocks. Offensively, though, he still looks like he’s trying to find his place. With the Lakers thin in the backcourt, there was an opportunity here - and he didn’t quite seize it.
Grade: C+
Bronny James & Dalton Knecht
Bronny saw real rotation minutes in the first half, which is notable in itself. He didn’t do much with them, but it’s a sign the coaching staff is at least willing to give him a look. As for Knecht, he was passed over in the rotation by multiple two-way players and Bronny - a telling sign of where he stands right now.
Coach JJ Redick
Redick tried to mix things up - zone defense, extended minutes for some young guys, a shuffled rotation. But with a short bench and limited options, there was only so much he could do. The roster just isn’t giving him enough right now.
Bottom Line:
The Lakers are in a rut, and this loss to Portland just adds to the growing pile.
Injuries are a factor, sure, but the lack of cohesion and consistent production is what’s really dragging this team down. With the standings tightening and the play-in looming, it’s time for someone - or several someones - to step up.
Because right now, the Lakers are slipping, and the West isn’t going to wait for them to figure it out.