PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Portland Trail Blazers capped off their season with a strong performance, defeating the playoff-bound Los Angeles Lakers 109-81 on Sunday, April 13, 2025. The Lakers, who had already secured the third seed in the Western Conference, opted to rest several key players, including LeBron James and Luka Dončić, as they prepare for the upcoming playoffs.
Dalton Knecht led the Lakers with 27 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Blazers, who were buoyed by Dalano Banton’s 23-point effort. This victory was a significant moment for Portland, who, despite being eliminated from postseason contention earlier, ended their season on a high note.
The Lakers entered the game with a 50-31 record, having clinched their playoff position with a decisive 140-109 victory over the Houston Rockets just two days prior. However, the team's decision to rest its stars backfired as they struggled against a motivated Blazers squad.
In the first half, the Blazers took control early, with Matisse Thybulle’s three-pointer extending their lead to 48-42. By halftime, Portland was ahead 58-43, showcasing a well-rounded performance. The Lakers, meanwhile, struggled offensively, shooting just 40.5% from the field and being outrebounded 31-20.
As the game progressed, the Blazers continued to build their lead, outscoring the Lakers 31-18 in the third quarter, which saw Portland heading into the final period with a commanding 89-61 advantage. The Lakers' shooting woes persisted, as they fell to 33.9% from the field and committed a staggering 21 turnovers throughout the game.
Bronny James made his first start of the season for the Lakers, finishing with four points, but the lack of experience on the court was evident. Alex Len fouled out early, contributing only four points in 13 minutes of play. The Lakers' depth was tested as they also sat out Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and Jaxon Hayes.
On the other side, the Blazers capitalized on the Lakers' struggles, with Banton and Knecht leading the charge. The Blazers, who finished the season with a 36-46 record, celebrated the end of a challenging season with this much-needed victory. Coach Chauncey Billups, who recently agreed to a multi-year contract extension, expressed pride in his young team's effort despite the season's ups and downs.
"We’ve shown resilience this season, and I’m proud of how the guys fought today," said Billups. "Ending the season with a win means a lot, especially against a team like the Lakers."
The Lakers now turn their attention to the playoffs, where they will face the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in the opening round. The exact date and time for this matchup are still to be determined, but the Lakers are eager to make a deep playoff run, aiming for their first NBA championship during a full season since 2010.
As the Blazers head into the offseason, they will look to build on their young roster, which has shown promise throughout the season. With several key players sidelined, including Anfernee Simons and Jerami Grant, the team will be focusing on player development and potential offseason acquisitions to enhance their competitiveness.
In summary, while the Lakers may have suffered a disappointing loss in their final regular-season game, they remain focused on the bigger picture as they prepare for the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers can take pride in closing out their season with a strong performance, setting the stage for future growth.
