PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 132-116 on January 17, 2026, capitalizing on the absence of the Lakers’ top scorer, Luka Doncic, who missed the game due to left groin soreness. The Blazers secured their seventh win in nine games, showcasing a strong performance from Shaedon Sharpe, who led the team with 25 points.
The Lakers faced additional challenges, with Marcus Smart contributing 25 points before limping off the court midway through the fourth quarter. His injury status remains uncertain. LeBron James added 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, while Drew Timme provided a spark off the bench with 21 points.
The absence of Doncic, who leads the league with an average of 33.6 points per game, was felt keenly. Lakers coach JJ Redick noted that an MRI on Doncic was clear, and he is considered day-to-day after previously scoring 39 points in a loss to Charlotte. The Lakers also missed center Deandre Ayton, sidelined due to left knee soreness.
Blazers Capitalize on Lakers’ Shortcomings
The Blazers jumped out to an early lead, going ahead by as much as 14 points in the first half. Despite the deficit, the crowd at the Moda Center erupted when James executed a powerful dunk, narrowing the score to 53-47 during the second quarter. However, Portland maintained a solid lead, finishing the first half at 71-61.
In the third quarter, James made a pivotal play, assisting Smart for a 3-pointer that pulled the Lakers within 75-67. Yet, Sharpe responded with a dunk, helping the Blazers regain momentum. As the game progressed, Portland expanded its lead to 24 points, prompting Redick to bench James with 5:40 remaining, effectively sealing the game.
The Trail Blazers also played without their leading scorer, Deni Avdija, who missed his third consecutive game due to a back injury. Avdija averages 26.1 points per game and his absence was a significant factor in the matchup.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers are set to host the Toronto Raptors in their next game on January 18, 2026. With key players like Doncic and Ayton recovering, the team will aim to regroup and improve their performance as the season progresses. The Blazers, on the other hand, will look to build on their recent success as they continue their campaign.
This matchup underscores the unpredictability of the NBA season, where injuries and roster changes can significantly impact game outcomes. As the playoff picture begins to take shape, both teams will need to capitalize on their strengths while navigating the challenges ahead.
