Lakers vs. Trail Blazers: What to watch in NBA Cup rematch

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers scored 129 points the first time they faced the Portland Trail Blazers. Luka Dončić had 41 of them, and Portland still handed L.A. its first loss of the season. 

The Lakers (7-2) get another shot at the Trail Blazers (6-1) on Friday at Crypto.com Arena in their second NBA Cup game. Both teams have won three straight. L.A. is coming off a 116-103 win at Sacramento, while Portland beat Phoenix 132-119.

Here are three things to watch in Game 10 of 82.

Can the Lakers make their shooting edge count?

Portland leads the NBA at 121.9 points per game, just ahead of the Lakers at 121.8. The difference is how they get there. The Blazers take 6.5 more shots per game and attempt 43.4 3-pointers. L.A. shoots better from the field (51.2% to 47.6%) and from beyond the arc (38.8% to 35.5%).

The Lakers’ 17.7 turnovers per game make that shooting edge harder to capitalize on. Keeping the ball moving when Portland sends help at Dončić could give L.A. more chances to turn his scoring threat into clean looks for teammates. 

Dončić has scored at least 40 points in each game of the winning streak and leads the NBA at 38.5 points per game. 

Defend Lillard and Avdija without fouling

The Lakers committed 29 fouls in the first meeting, sending Portland to the line 41 times. The Blazers made 26 free throws in a seven-point win. They enter the rematch averaging 31.1 attempts per game, so keeping them off the line remains a priority.

Ja Morant scored 23 points in the first meeting but is out for the rematch. Damian Lillard and Deni Avdija still pose two different challenges. Lillard’s range forces defenders to meet him high on ball screens, while Avdija can attack the space that opens behind them. 

Lillard scored 21 points and hit a late 3-pointer in the first meeting, and Avdija added 23. The Lakers will need early help on drives and disciplined closeouts when Portland kicks the ball back outside. 

Finish possessions on the glass

Portland averages 47.4 rebounds to the Lakers’ 39.9, including a 13.6 to 10.1 edge on the offensive glass. 

That matters against a team that takes more than 43 threes per game. Even a well-contested miss can turn into an open look if the Blazers recover a long rebound.

Walker Kessler’s matchup with Donovan Clingan is part of that battle. When Kessler steps up to contest a drive, the Lakers’ wings have to help put a body on Clingan, and their guards have to track rebounds outside the paint. 

Those extra possessions could swing a matchup between teams separated by a tenth of a point per game.