PREVIEW: The Los Angeles Lakers travel to Portland to face the Trail Blazers at Moda Center , arriving as a team desperately seeking answers after a rough stretch. Los Angeles has lost four of their last five games , with their most recent outing a disappointing 135-117 loss to Charlotte that exposed recurring issues. While the Lakers remain offensively capable, defensive lapses have consistently undermined their efforts, allowing 116.3 points per game on 48.6% shooting . The absence of both Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic complicates matters for a roster already struggling with consistency and rhythm. Portland, meanwhile, continues to trend upward, having won eight of their last 11 games and establishing themselves as an energetic young team. This group has shown an impressive ability to adapt by leaning on pace and ball movement rather than relying heavily on one or two scorers, making them particularly dangerous against veteran teams that struggle with transition defense. The Trail Blazers will again be without Scoot Henderson, Matisse Thybulle, and Deni Avdija , yet they've demonstrated resilience despite their injury challenges. Portland's young squad is heading in the right direction, and playing at home only strengthens their case in what shapes up as a challenging night for Los Angeles.