If you were hoping for a late-night West Coast miracle, I’ve got some bad news. The Lakers didn't just lose last night; they got handled. The final Lakers score last night was a rough 116-132 loss against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center. Honestly, the scoreline actually makes it look closer than the game felt for most of the second half.
The Lakers headed into Portland on Saturday, January 17, 2026, already reeling from a blowout loss to Charlotte. They were desperate for a "get-right" game. Instead, they ran into a Blazers squad that looked younger, faster, and frankly, more interested in playing defense. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, JJ Redick had seen enough, pulling the starters with over five minutes left on the clock. It was that kind of night.
The Missing Piece: Life Without Luka
You can't talk about the Lakers score last night without mentioning the massive hole in the lineup. Luka Doncic was a late scratch. The league’s leading scorer (averaging a cool 33.6 points per game this season) sat out with left groin soreness. While an MRI reportedly came back clean, his absence turned the Lakers' offense into a clunky, predictable mess.
Without Luka to warp the defense, everything fell on the shoulders of LeBron James and Marcus Smart.
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LeBron did what LeBron does. He finished with 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. He’s 41 now. He shouldn't have to carry this much of the load in January, but with Doncic out and Deandre Ayton also sidelined with knee soreness, the Lakers were basically playing "King of the Hill" with a depleted hill.
Marcus Smart's Injury Scare
Marcus Smart actually led the team in scoring with 25 points. He was hitting from deep and providing that typical "Smart" energy. But then, the nightmare scenario happened. Midway through the fourth, he limped off the court. He didn't come back. Losing your best perimeter defender while your superstar point guard is already hurt? That's a recipe for a long January.
Why the Defense is Currently a Disaster
Portland isn't exactly the '96 Bulls, but they looked like world-beaters against the Lakers' secondary. Shaedon Sharpe went off for 25 points, including a dunk in the third quarter that felt like a dagger. The Blazers put up 40 points in the first quarter alone.
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Forty. In twelve minutes.
The Lakers' defensive rating has been plummeting. Currently ranked 26th in the league, they are giving up wide-open looks like they’re handing out flyers. Last night, Portland shot nearly 50% from the field. When you allow 132 points to a team that’s barely hovering around .500, you have to look in the mirror.
The Bench Spark
If there was one tiny silver lining in the Lakers score last night, it was Drew Timme. The big man came off the bench and looked like the only guy who knew how to finish at the rim, chipping in 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting. He’s been a bright spot in what is becoming a very dark month for the purple and gold.
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What’s Next for the Lakers?
The schedule doesn't get any easier. They have a quick turnaround with the Toronto Raptors coming to town tonight, January 18. If Luka isn't back, and if Smart’s injury is serious, the Lakers are looking at a potential freefall in the Western Conference standings. They are currently 24-16, sitting 5th in the West, but that cushion is evaporating fast.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors:
- Monitor the Injury Report: Don't even think about a moneyline bet on the Lakers until you see the status of Luka’s groin and Smart’s leg.
- The "Over" is Your Friend: The Lakers' offense is top-10, but their defense is bottom-5. Until Redick fixes the rotations, expect high-scoring games regardless of who wins.
- Watch Drew Timme’s Minutes: If Ayton remains out, Timme’s prop bets for points and rebounds are looking like a solid value.
The reality is simple: this team is top-heavy. When the "top" is in the trainer's room, the "heavy" part becomes a problem. Check back this evening to see if they can salvage the weekend against Toronto.