A 136‑point night should have been a celebration, but the Lakers’ first defeat of the 2026‑27 season exposed a defense that ranks 22nd in the league.
Key points
- The Lakers’ elite offense alone cannot compensate for a defense that ranks near the bottom of the league.
- Rebounding and box‑out fundamentals are being prioritized in practice to address the costly second‑chance points.
- NBA’s stricter flopping enforcement is already affecting player availability and fines.
The Los Angeles Lakers entered Tuesday’s matchup with Portland holding the NBA’s top scoring offense, yet a 136‑129 loss dropped their defensive rating to 22nd, underscoring a gap between firepower and championship‑level defense, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Luka Doncic poured in 41 points with nine assists, while Austin Reaves added 26 points and seven assists; the duo’s output matched Portland’s, but Trail Blazer guard Damian Lillard’s clutch three‑pointer in the final 43 seconds sealed the win. Portland’s four players scored at least 21, with Deni Avdija and Ja Morant each contributing 23.
Offensive firepower can't mask defensive rating drop
Coach JJ Redick, who is only a week into his tenure, blamed “game‑plan discipline” for the defensive breakdowns, noting that the team failed to execute basic coverages. He also referenced three box‑out drills introduced after the preseason, aiming to curb the rebounding shortfall that persisted despite a narrower 38‑31 margin in the game.
Center Walker Kessler highlighted the rebounding issue, pointing out that the Lakers allowed seven offensive rebounds, half of what they surrendered in the first three games. The lineup saw Kevon Looney play just over five minutes, while forward Sandro Mamukelashvili filled in at center, scoring 17 points and hitting three of four three‑pointers, but the team still struggled to secure the boards.
Rebounding drills and lineup tweaks after the loss
The fourth quarter featured three flopping calls, including a technical on forward Ziaire Williams that resulted in a $2,000 fine. NBA officials have intensified scrutiny on exaggerated moves, and Redick said he did not view Williams’ actions as “theatrical,” though the league’s emphasis on curbing flops remains a new factor for the Lakers.
Reader questions
Why did the Lakers lose despite scoring 136 points?
The loss stemmed from defensive lapses, including a low defensive rating (22nd), seven offensive rebounds allowed and a failure to stick to the defensive game plan, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
What defensive rating did the Lakers fall to after the game?
The Lakers dropped to 22nd in the league’s defensive rating following the loss to Portland.
How is the team addressing its rebounding problems?
Coach JJ Redick introduced three different box‑out drills during training camp and has experimented with lineup changes, such as using Sandro Mamukelashvili at center, to improve rebounding discipline.
Source: latimes.com
