Lakers fall to the Blazers in the regular season finale

The Los Angeles Lakers, without most of their rotations players, end their regular season with a blowout against the Portland Trail Blazers. They end their season with a 50-32 record and will prepare for a highly anticipated playoff run.

First Quarter

The Lakers start off to a sluggish start with two turnovers and poor defense, allowing Portland to go 8-0 in the first several minutes of the first quarter. Markieff Morris broke the scoring drought for Los Angeles in the game’s first four minutes, but the Lakers struggled to keep up with scoring.

Despite a brief 10-0 run, Los Angeles had several defensive miscues and lazy rebounding, allowing them to capitalize on rebounding and second-chance opportunities.

The Lakers trailed 29-25 once the quarter ended, with rookie Dalton Knecht leading the way with 8 points and Jordan Goodwin adding a pair of threes off the bench.

Second Quarter

We saw more of the same in the second quarter. Jordan Goodwin opened with an easy layup, and Shake Milton sparked some offensive highlights; the Lakers’ defense continued to fail, mainly in the paint and on the glass.

Portland became hot from beyond the arc and went on a 15-5 run prompted by a timeout by head coach JJ Redick, who also lost a challenge on a defensive foul call. By halftime, the Lakers were down 58-43, with Knecth’s 13 points and six rebounds offering a lone bright spot despite the Lakers having seven turnovers.

Third Quarter

The third quarter showcased more disaster as Portland extended their lead while going on a 39-19 run, exploiting the Lakers’ defense to protect the paint or secure any rebounds.

Knecht continued the effort to keep the Lakers pace up with 7 points in the quarter. Alex Len’s lackluster performance ended early as he fouled out in the game with 4:17 left.

The Blazers, at this point in the game, at a total of 27 second-chance points, underscored the Lakers’ defensive woes.

THROW IT DOWN BRONNY 🔨 pic.twitter.com/4B30grAR2V

— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) April 13, 2025

Fourth Quarter

Trailing by 30 entering the game’s final quarter, the Lakers showed a little fight. Bronny James provided a highlight with a steal and dunk.

Still, the team looked checked out, managing only a 24-second violation on Portland’s offense as a defensive “win.” The Blazers cruised to a 28-point victory, handing the Lakers their most lopsided loss of the season.

Dalton Knecht was the leading scorer with 20 points and six rebounds, while Jordan Goodwin contributed 11 points off the bench.

As the Lakers head into the playoffs, they will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. Redick and Co. We will look to regroup and prepare for a long-awaited playoff run with Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves.