Deadspin: Luka Doncic Leads Unbeaten Lakers as They Host Improved Trail Blazers

Doncic powers Lakers start

Doncic has quickly become the Lakers’ leading figure following LeBron James’ offseason departure. The six-time All-Star has averaged 34.3 points, 8.0 assists and 7.3 rebounds across the team’s first three games.

In Sunday’s 132-123 road victory over the Utah Jazz, Doncic scored 52 points, dished out 10 assists and grabbed eight rebounds. The Lakers overcame an 18-point first-half deficit, and Doncic said the team stayed engaged and showed character during the comeback.

Doncic led the NBA in scoring last season at 33.5 points per game, earning his second scoring title after averaging a career-best 33.9 with Dallas in 2023-24. His 52-point game was the 10th 50-point regular-season performance of his career.

Teammates praise his scoring

Lakers coach JJ Redick compared Doncic’s performance to a rock star’s show. Redick said Doncic can enter “showman mode” when he is in rhythm. Austin Reaves said Doncic is always ready to score and that teammates benefit by letting him play his game. Reaves added 29 points against Utah and is averaging 26.7 through three contests.

Portland finds early balance

The Trail Blazers began with a 124-83 win over Phoenix last Wednesday, scoring the game’s first 21 points. On Friday, they beat Sacramento 128-120 after trailing throughout the first half and opening the third quarter with a 15-0 run.

Deni Avdija led Portland with 26 points, while Damian Lillard and Toumani Camara scored 19 apiece. Ja Morant had 12 points; reserves Sidy Cissoko, Robert Williams III and Jrue Holiday added 15, 13 and 12, respectively.

Seven Portland players reached double figures against Sacramento. Coach Micah Nori pointed to the team’s depth, noting that Portland shot 29.2% from 3-point range, made 30 free throws and committed 10 turnovers.

Recent history favors Portland

Portland went 2-1 against the Lakers last season, but Doncic missed all three games because of injuries. The teams meet Tuesday with the Lakers unbeaten and the Trail Blazers coming off two wins.