Portland Trail Blazers 102, Los Angeles Lakers 110 | Game Highlights | February 20, 2025
On February 20, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a crucial win over the Portland Trail Blazers, defeating them 110-102 in a hard-fought game at the Staples Center. The victory was significant not only for the Lakers’ playoff hopes but also for the team’s morale, as they’ve been battling inconsistency throughout the season.
Here’s a breakdown of the standout moments from the game and key performances that helped the Lakers pull off the win.
Key Performances
LeBron James: 32 Points, 9 Rebounds, 8 Assists LeBron James led the charge for the Lakers, once again proving why he remains one of the most dominant players in the NBA, even at this stage of his career. James played 37 minutes and filled up the stat sheet, scoring 32 points on 12-of-22 shooting, including hitting 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. He also grabbed 9 rebounds and dished out 8 assists, narrowly missing a triple-double.
In the closing minutes of the game, LeBron hit several key buckets, including a crucial three-pointer to extend the Lakers’ lead, helping them fend off a late rally by Portland. LeBron’s leadership on both ends of the floor was undeniable, keeping the Lakers in control despite a persistent effort from the Blazers.
Anthony Davis: 24 Points, 12 Rebounds, 4 Blocks Anthony Davis was a major factor in the Lakers’ defensive dominance and contributed significantly on offense. Davis posted a double-double, scoring 24 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. His presence in the paint was felt all night, as he notched 4 blocks and altered several other shots. Davis’ ability to anchor the Lakers’ defense allowed LeBron to focus more on scoring, knowing that AD had his back on the defensive end.
In the second half, Davis was particularly impactful, controlling the boards and hitting timely baskets to keep the Blazers from ever really getting back into the game.
Luka Dončić: 18 Points, 7 Assists, 5 Rebounds Luka Dončić has faced his fair share of struggles since joining the Lakers, but on February 20, he contributed in key moments, showing glimpses of the star power that made him a household name in Dallas. Dončić finished with 18 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. While not his most efficient performance, he contributed when it mattered most, especially with his playmaking, orchestrating crucial offensive possessions in the second half.
Though Dončić has had difficulty adjusting to his new role with LeBron and AD, he showed that he’s starting to find his rhythm within the team’s offense.
Portland’s Effort
Damian Lillard: 33 Points, 6 Assists Portland’s star guard, Damian Lillard, was a one-man wrecking crew throughout the game. Lillard exploded for 33 points, showcasing his elite scoring ability from anywhere on the floor. He hit 5-of-10 from three-point range and was aggressive in attacking the basket.
Lillard’s 33-point performance helped keep the game close, especially in the third quarter, where he went on a scoring run to narrow the Lakers’ lead. Despite his best efforts, however, Lillard couldn’t get enough support from his teammates, and Portland struggled to maintain any consistency on the defensive end.
Jusuf Nurkić: 14 Points, 11 Rebounds Jusuf Nurkić was solid in the post, contributing 14 points and 11 rebounds, but his efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Lakers’ frontcourt dominance. Nurkić did battle with Davis throughout the game, but the Lakers’ big man ultimately came out on top. Nurkić’s inability to effectively slow down Davis or provide more rim protection hurt Portland’s chances down the stretch.
Shaden Sharpe: 17 Points Rising star Shaden Sharpe had a solid showing for the Blazers, finishing with 17 points, including a couple of big dunks in transition that got the crowd excited. However, Sharpe’s performance wasn’t enough to push Portland over the hump as the Lakers consistently found ways to shut down their offensive flow in crucial moments.
Game Highlights
The game was competitive from start to finish, with both teams exchanging runs. Early on, the Lakers jumped out to a modest lead, but Portland quickly countered behind Lillard’s hot shooting. The back-and-forth continued throughout the first half, but it was LeBron and Davis who helped the Lakers gain a slight advantage heading into the locker room.
In the second half, the Lakers’ defense tightened, and Davis became more of a focal point offensively. His dominant play in the post, combined with timely jumpers from LeBron, allowed the Lakers to push their lead to double digits in the fourth quarter.
Portland, despite Lillard’s best efforts, couldn’t put together a sustained run. The Blazers went cold from beyond the arc during critical moments, which allowed the Lakers to maintain control. LeBron hit a huge three-pointer with just under two minutes left, making it a 9-point game and effectively sealing the win for Los Angeles.
Coaching Adjustments
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham deserves credit for his in-game adjustments. He made sure to stagger LeBron’s minutes, ensuring that the offense stayed fluid even when LeBron was off the floor. By leaning more on Davis and Dončić, Ham was able to keep the Blazers from making any major runs that could’ve flipped the momentum in their favor.
For Portland, the coaching staff will need to take a hard look at how they can better support Lillard. Despite his amazing performance, the Blazers weren’t able to get enough contribution from their role players, and their lack of depth ultimately caught up to them. Additionally, their defense struggled to contain the Lakers’ star duo of LeBron and Davis.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers will certainly be pleased with this win, as it not only helped their playoff standing but also allowed them to find a rhythm as a team. With the return of Dončić showing more promise and LeBron continuing to play at an elite level, Los Angeles can feel optimistic moving forward, especially if they can maintain this level of defensive intensity.
Portland, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly. While Lillard’s performance was spectacular, the team needs to get more out of its supporting cast if it hopes to contend in the Western Conference. Their current inconsistency will likely need to be addressed if they hope to make a serious push for the postseason.
Final Score:
Portland Trail Blazers 102
Los Angeles Lakers 110
The win improves the Lakers’ record to 31-25 as they continue to jockey for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, Portland drops to 26-30, struggling to remain relevant in the highly competitive West. Both teams will look to build on this performance as the season moves into its second half.