Lakers at Blazers Preview: Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves inactive

Lakers (5–2) vs. Trail Blazers (4–2) | Game 9 of 82

📅 Date: Monday, Nov. 3

⏰ Tip-off: 7:00 p.m. PT

📍 Location: Moda Center

📺 TV: NBA TV, Spectrum SportsNet (+)

📻 Radio: ESPN LA 710 / 1330 KWKW

Game Preview

The Lakers head to Portland for the second night of a back-to-back following Sunday’s 130–120 home win over the Miami Heat—their fourth victory in their last five games.

Both teams enter Monday’s contest riding three-game win streaks. Los Angeles recorded a season-high 33 assists and had six players score in double figures against Miami, with the one-two punch of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves combining for 21 assists. The team’s continued growth and chemistry have become its defining traits during this stretch—all without LeBron James.

However, the Lakers announced this afternoon that both Dončić (leg management) and Reaves (groin) will sit out tonight’s game in Portland.

Jake LaRavia continued his breakout stretch Sunday, scoring 25 points on 10-of-13 shooting off the bench, while Marcus Smart reached his 1,000th career steal in the win. They will look to those guys and the rest of the bunch to create an underdog spark with their stars out in Portland.

Portland enters the matchup 4–2, led by Deni Avdija (22.7 ppg), Jerami Grant (20.7 ppg), and Jrue Holiday (18.2 ppg, 8.7 apg). The Blazers are a young, scrappy, defense-first group that ranks fifth in the NBA in defensive rating—a strength that could challenge a short-handed Lakers squad and force early miscues and havoc on the defensive end. 

The Blazers are coming off a narrow two-point home win over the Nuggets, so momentum is at an all-time high for them with interim head coach Tiago Splitter at the helm.

Injury Report

Lakers:

Luka Dončić — Out (leg management)

Austin Reaves — Out (groin)

LeBron James — Out (right-side sciatica)

Gabe Vincent — Out (ankle)

Adou Thiero — Out (knee, South Bay assignment)

Deandre Ayton — Questionable (back spasms)

Maxi Kleber — Questionable (oblique)

Trail Blazers:

Shaedon Sharpe — Probable (calf)

Blake Wesley — Out (foot)

Matisse Thybulle — Out (thumb)

Scoot Henderson — Out (hamstring)

What to Watch For

Ball Security vs. Portland’s Defense:

The Blazers’ league-leading 12 steals per game reflect their aggressive defensive identity. The Lakers—averaging 17.1 turnovers per game (tied for fourth-most in the NBA)—will struggle without nearly all their ball handlers available in Portland (no Dončić, Reaves, Vincent, or James).

So expect more Nick Smith Jr., Chris Mańon and Bronny James as the main playmakers bringing the ball up.

Luka & Reaves Sidelined:

Without Dončić and Reaves, the Lakers lose a combined 72.4 points, 17.6 assists, and 16.6 rebounds per game. JJ Redick’s group will need a full team effort to generate offense and maintain tempo against Portland.

LaRavia’s Hot Hand: 

Coming off a 25-point night on 77% shooting versus Miami, LaRavia’s confidence and off-ball movement could again be crucial. Expect him to play an expanded role with the team’s top creators sidelined.

Fatigue Factor: 

On the second night of a back-to-back, an extra effort, defensive focus, and limiting mistakes will be key for L.A., especially against Portland’s long, athletic wings.

Threads for the Game

The Lakers will debut their purple Statement Edition uniforms, while the Blazers will take the court in their white Association Edition jerseys.

What’s Next

The Lakers return home Wednesday to host Victor Wembanyama and the 5–1 Spurs before heading out on a five-game road trip.