Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel didn't shy away from expressing his disappointment with the outcome of their matchup against the visiting Portland Trail Blazers for their third game of the season on Monday night. The tactician described that his Lakers team was “stuck in the mud” all throughout the encounter, which eventually caused them to snag the second loss of their campaign, per Bleacher Report‘s Adam Wells.
After Vogel's team held a 30-22 lead in the opening frame, the Blazers exploded for a 36-point showing in the second quarter to take over the lead right before halftime, 58-54. The Lakers played in the third quarter with a much better performance than their counterparts, but the Blazers were steadier in the fourth quarter to secure the 115-107 win.
LeBron James spearheaded the team's attack with 29 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, even as he was bothered by a nagging ankle injury he tweaked in their previous game. Lakers guard Dennis Schroder also added 24 points, four rebounds, and four assists for the team. Meanwhile, big man Anthony Davis returned from a right calf contusion and was limited to 13 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.
Despite having a capable offense during the game, the Lakers ultimately failed to contain the high-scoring backcourt of their opponents. The Blazers leaned on Damian Lillard's 31 points, four rebounds, and five assists, while Gary Trent Jr. came out firing with 28 points, three rebounds, and an assist of his own. Trent was especially clutch in the fourth quarter.
The Lakers dropped to a 2-2 tally on the season. The Blazers improved to a 2-1 record after losing their first game of the season in ugly fashion. Lakers head coach Frank Vogel will have to make the necessary adjustments to get his team going as they visit the San Antonio Spurs on Dec. 30.
Follow Us
Subscribe