The Lakers win two consecutive victories against the Blazers

PORTLAND, Oregon – LeBron James had 28 points and seven assists and the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 114-110, on Saturday night (Sunday, Manila time).

Rajon Rondo gave the Lakers a big boost, finishing with 17 points and 10 assists in 25 minutes.

Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum each scored 30 points for Portland.

The Lakers used a 16-0 record in the third quarter to take a 17-point lead. Josh Hart scored a score at 9:44, which allowed the Lakers to stand out at 95-75, forcing Portland to a timeout.

And the delay could have been exactly what Portland needed to get back into the game.

The Blazers scored 22-8, reducing the Lakers' lead to six points, at 3:34 of the end, following a brace by Jusuf Nurkic.

Sloppy played again to hurt the Lakers in the fourth quarter, but the Blazers could not get much closer, as James and JaVale McGee prepared crucial baskets in the final two minutes.

Portland shot a 6 for 35 (17%) beyond the bow.

The Lakers had seven turnovers in the fourth quarter and 20 in total, but they survived their mistakes.

The Lakers made a good start, but the Blazers quickly regained control. Turnovers and second chances saw Portland score 17-2 in the first quarter.

The Lakers' bench allowed Los Angeles to return to the game in the first period and beat the Blazers 51-26 submarines.

TIP-INS

Trail Blazers: Blazers head coach Terry Stotts said it was hard to pin down the fact that his team was really on the defensive due to the increased speed of the league and its goals registered so far this season.

"It's hard to get an idea of ​​defense in the league," said Stotts. "The numbers indicate that we are 11th but it's not like us, but we are, I think this season has to set up to see where we are, unless you have a team at 80 or 90, you you'll always find things you need to improve. "

Lakers: Phoenix Suns center, Tyson Chandler, will join the Lakers once he has approved the waivers after agreeing to buy out a contract. A person with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed the buyback plan at the Associated Press on Saturday, expressing himself under the guise of anonymity because the Suns did not have him yet revealed publicly.

While Lakers head coach Luke Walton dodged direct questions about the move, Stotts appreciates what Chandler brings to the table for the Lakers. Stotts coached Chandler to Dallas in 2011.

"I love Tyson Chandler," said Stotts. "Excellent teammate, it was obviously a few years ago, but it has an impact on the game on the defensive side.It's a great locker room, an excellent teammate .It's all about winning. any team that has Tyson will be better. "

FOLLOWING

Lakers: At home against the Toronto Raptors Sunday.

Trail Blazers: Home against the Minnesota Timberwolves Sunday.