Lakers Game Preview: Game 4 vs Trail Blazers
An interesting test against Dame, Ja and the new Trail Blazers
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Latest news and updates about the Lakers
Stein/Fischer’s Latest: KPJ, Grizzlies, Nance, Coulibaly, Mara
Kevin Porter Jr., waived by Milwaukee before the season, hopes to stay in the NBA despite overseas interest. The Nuggets and Kings, who previously discussed a trade, could still be options, though salary‑cap constraints make a 15‑man signing tricky. The Grizzlies reportedly wanted a first‑round pick to move on from Walter Clayton, and Pete Nance re‑signed with the Bucks on a two‑way deal after drawing interest from the Sixers and Lakers. Washington’s last‑minute talks with rookie Bilal Coulibaly suggest the Wizards still see him long‑term, while Spain’s Basket Zaragoza claims rights to Aday Mara, who debuted with the Thunder, amid a complex legal dispute.
Lakers Rule Out 2 Players Ahead of Trail Blazers Matchup
The Los Angeles Lakers head into their Oct. 27 game against the Portland Trail Blazers with a clean bill of health except for forward Cameron Carr (right oblique strain) and rookie Adou Thiero (left knee issue), both ruled out and still awaiting season debuts. Coach JJ Redick praised the team’s resilience after a comeback win over the Utah Jazz, where Luka Doncic poured in 52 points and Austin Reaves added 29. With those two injuries lingering, the Lakers aim to maintain their winning streak against Portland.
Lakers vs. Blazers Preview: Who’s taking their first loss?
The Lakers (3-0) host the 2-0 Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 27 at Crypto.com Arena in a back-to-back opener. Los Angeles relies on Luka Dončić’s 52‑point showcase and Austin Reaves’ 29 points, but defensive lapses—52 rebounds allowed and 34 second‑chance points—need fixing. Portland, fresh off a 41‑point win over Phoenix and a clutch victory vs. Sacramento, leans on Damian Lillard’s post‑Achilles form, Ja Morant’s health, and Deni Avdija’s 22‑point, 8.5‑rebond, 5‑assist average. Key injuries: Lakers missing Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero; Blazers out Shaedon Sharpe, with Carlson and Scoot Henderson questionable. The matchup could deliver the first loss for either unbeaten team.
NBA Notes: Lakers, Luka Doncic, Nets, Cavs, James Harden
The Lakers start 3-0 despite injuries to Adou Thiero (knee swelling) and Cameron Carr (oblique strain), thanks to a scorching backcourt – Luka Doncic averages 34.3 points, 8 assists, 7.3 rebounds, while Austin Reaves adds 26.7 points on 63.9% shooting. Both were Western Conference Player of the Week nominees. Meanwhile, the Nets stumble to 0-3, with close losses to the Hornets and Cavs and a blowout by the Pacers, leaving coach Jordi Fernandez scrambling for consistency. Cleveland’s new addition James Harden posts 14 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6 assists in two games, but his 10 turnovers highlight the Cavs’ need for cleaner possession as they chase a steady offense.
Pacific Notes: Acuff, Pedulla, Suns, Brea, Huntley, Castro
Rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. sparks the Sacramento Kings despite a rough start, shooting 32.9% overall and 14.8% from three while averaging 22.3 points in his first three games—a 33‑point debut in the home opener. His 73 shot attempts set a rookie record dating back to 1975‑76, eclipsing Kevin Durant’s 64 in 2007, and give him the team’s highest usage rate (34.0%) and second‑most minutes (36.0 per game). Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns even their record at 1‑1 but still lag in rebounding, and the Valley Suns retain waived two‑way players Koby Brea and CJ Huntley, while undrafted big Rafael Castro is out of the Lakers’ camp.
Henderson Questionable to Play vs Lakers With Ankle Soreness
Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson is listed as questionable for Tuesday’s road game against the Los Angeles Lakers due to left ankle soreness, the team announced Monday night. Reserve center Branden Carlson also sits on the questionable list while still in concussion protocol. All three Blazers two‑way contracts are out because of G‑League duties. The Blazers (2‑0) face a 3‑0 Lakers squad at 8 p.m. PDT on October 27, 2026.
Kings Announce Injury Updates On Murray, Raynaud, Cardwell
The Sacramento Kings say forward Keegan Murray will be reassessed in 10‑14 days after being diagnosed with left ankle capsulitis, which sidelined him against Memphis following soreness in the Portland loss. Second‑year centers Maxime Raynaud (right patellar subluxation) and Dylan Cardwell (left calf strain) also remain out, with Raynaud’s next check in two weeks and Cardwell’s in about a week. Both injuries stem from preseason games (Raynaud on Oct. 10 vs. Golden State, Cardwell on Oct. 8 at the Lakers), opening up minutes for De’Andre Hunter, Precious Achiuwa and Jonathan Mogbo.
“I’mma Bust Somebody’s A**”: James Worthy Recalls Tense Meeting With Dr. Buss After Lakers Nearly Traded Him to Dallas
James Worthy reveals how, in the summer of 1986, the Lakers nearly shipped him to Dallas for Mark Aguirre, Roy Tarpley and a draft pick. Caught off guard by the trade rumor, Worthy confronted the media and demanded answers, only to learn that Magic Johnson hadn’t approved the deal. A tense meeting with owner Dr. Jerry Buss followed, where Worthy warned, “I’mma bust somebody’s a** if they trade me to Dallas.” General manager Jerry West ultimately stopped the trade, allowing Worthy to stay, win back‑to‑back titles in 1987‑88 and earn Finals MVP in 1988.
Draymond Green doubles down on spicy Luka Doncic MVP take
Golden State forward Draymond Green argues on his podcast that Luka Doncic, despite a blistering 34.3‑point average and a 50‑point stint early in the 2026‑27 season, won’t secure MVP honors because voters are fatigued with his sustained greatness. Green favors Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, Nikola Jokic and rookie Victor Wembanyama as likely frontrunners. The take comes as the Lakers, bolstered by Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler, rip through their first three games and prepare for matchups against Portland, Toronto, the Clippers and Warriors.
Luka Dončić already passed LeBron James on this Lakers scoring list
LeBron James may be the league's all-time leading scorer, but he isn't number one on this specific list.
The Stat I’m Watching for the Trail Blazers Right Now
The Trail Blazers open the 2026‑27 season 2‑0 and are poised to face the Lakers tonight, but a new focal point could dictate their success: assisted three‑pointers. While Portland’s 34.7% three‑point rate sits mid‑league, the author argues that kicks from drives—especially by Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara and occasional Ja Morant—force defenses to spread, creating higher‑percentage shots. If the Blazers consistently convert these assisted threes, their offense could evolve from modest to elite, bolstering a defense that already shines. Failure to capitalize would relegate them to a rebuild‑style, hot‑hand reliance.
Trevon Brazile is making Nuggets forget all about Peyton Watson
The Nuggets can put Peyton Watson deeper into the rearview mirror thanks to rookie Trevon Brazile.
Collin Sexton is giving Lakers a needed spark while still rounding into form
The Los Angeles Lakers have only had Collin Sexton back for two games, but he’s already making an impact off the bench.
Austin Reaves only needed three games to show his next Lakers leap is here
The Los Angeles Lakers wanted to feature Austin Reaves as the second star after years of data suggesting he could be. So far, so good.
JJ Redick Praises Mindset That Sets Luka Doncic Apart
Luka Doncic sparks the Lakers’ 3‑0 start with a 52‑point, 10‑assist, eight‑rebound performance in a 132‑123 win over Utah. After the game, coach JJ Redick praised Doncic’s “showman mode” flow state, while teammate Austin Reaves highlighted his readiness to deliver. Donc️ic now averages 34.3 points, 8 assists and 7.3 rebounds, and even placed a full‑page LA Times ad promising fans a championship run. The article captures his early impact and the hype surrounding his leadership on the court.
Luka Doncic's return to form is a reminder not to overreact too much this early
The Los Angeles Lakers superstar is suddenly soaring once more after a 52-point game against the Utah Jazz. Talks about his early struggles are quickly fading.
Lakers’ Luka Doncic apparently loves going off when Lula wins Brazilian runoff elections
Luka Doncic lights up the court whenever Brazil’s Lula wins a runoff election. On Oct. 30, 2022, the then‑Maverick poured 44 points (5 assists) against Orlando after Lula’s victory. Four years later, on Oct. 25, 2026, the newly minted Lakers star exploded for 52 points and eight assists in a win over Utah, coinciding with Lula’s second runoff win. Doncic now leads a 3‑0 Lakers start, averaging 34.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and eight assists per game – the second‑highest scoring pace in the NBA. The pattern fuels the hype surrounding his early‑season fire‑power.
Undefeated Blazers Move Up in Week 2 NBA Power Rankings
Portland Trail Blazers start the 2026‑27 season 2‑0, beating the Phoenix Suns and edging the Sacramento Kings, and jump from No. 19 to No. 15 in John Schuhmann’s NBA power rankings. Their starters — led by Damian Lillard and Ja Morant — outscore opponents by 30 points in just over 18 minutes, highlighted by a 21‑0 opening run and a 15‑point third‑quarter burst. Ranked the "team to watch," the Blazers face tough Week 2 tests: a road game at the 3‑0 Los Angeles Lakers (Luka Doncic expected) and a home clash with the 3‑0 Memphis Grizzlies, plus a Saturday trip to Utah.
Walker Kessler shares emotional message after beating former Jazz team
The Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a first‑half hole to beat the Utah Jazz, marking their third straight win to start the season. New Lakers big man Walker Kessler faced his former team for the first time, scoring just two points in 28 minutes but adding seven rebounds and a block. He admitted the emotional pull of returning to Utah affected his play. The trade that sent Kessler to LA cost the Jazz two unprotected 2031 and 2033 first‑round picks plus 2028 and 2030 pick swaps, and earned him a four‑year, $130 million contract. After a 26‑point debut vs. Golden State and a 22‑point effort against the Clippers, Kessler looks poised to justify the deal as the Lakers prepare for a home game against Portland on Oct. 27.
JJ Redick had fun watching ‘showman’ Luka Dončić against Jazz
Luka Dončić erupts for 52 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in the Lakers' 18‑point comeback win over the Utah Jazz on October 25, 2026, marking his fourth 50‑point, 10‑assist, five‑rebounds game – the second‑most in NBA history. Coach JJ Redick praises Dončić’s “showman mode,” noting his clutch performance in the final seven minutes where he contributed 13 points and two assists, directly influencing 19 of the Lakers’ last 24 points. Austin Reaves also shines with 29 points and a decisive late three. The win gives Los Angeles its third straight victory to start the 2026‑27 season.
Exclusive: Clippers’ Rui Hachimura excited to showcase full skillset after strong seasons with Lakers
Rui Hachimura explains his move from the Lakers to the Clippers, saying he wants to stay in Los Angeles while expanding his role. Over the past three seasons he shot 45% from three, hit 52% overall, and ranked among the league’s top five shooters. With the Clippers battling early‑season injuries, coach Tyronn Lue envisions Hachimura as a versatile scorer and rebounder, aiming for eight boards per game. While he’s been a reliable scorer for the Lakers, he admits his first three games with the Clippers have dipped to 30% shooting amid lineup gaps, and he’s working to find his spot alongside Darius Garland.
Kevon Looney's Lakers issues give JJ Redick a reason to end Jarred Vanderbilt's exile
Jarred Vanderbilt could prove the better option between him and Kevon Looney for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Luka Doncic will never win MVP, Draymond Green says
On The Draymond Green Show, Warriors forward Draymond Green says Luka Doncic starts the 2026‑27 season with an MVP mindset but doubts he’ll actually win the award, citing voter fatigue as a hurdle. Green keeps his prediction despite Doncic’s strong early play, warning that even stellar performances may not sway the MVP vote.
NBA Notes: Timberwolves, LaMelo Ball, Pacers, Ivica Zubac, Lakers
LaMelo Ball sparks the Minnesota Timberwolves with 15 points, eight assists and a head‑up approach that helped the team start 3‑0, while Terrence Shannon Jr. praised his slick three‑point move. In Indiana, the Pacers lose center Ivica Zubac to a sprained ankle (same as last season) but Jay Huff steps up with 14 points, five rebounds and three blocks. Meanwhile, Lakers rookie Walker Kessler admits his emotions got the best of him in a return against Utah, posting two points and seven rebounds as Los Angeles improves to 3‑0 behind Luka Dončić’s 52‑point outburst. The roundup highlights key performances, injuries and early season momentum across the NBA.
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