The Lakers wake up 3-0 and second in the conference, with a four-game week that starts Tuesday against a Portland team that is also unbeaten. Sunday's win in Utah was thrilling, but it began with a hole the starters will not want to dig again.
A Week With Teeth
Portland comes to Los Angeles Tuesday night on NBC and Peacock, 2-0 and sixth in the standings today. The Lakers then cross town to face the Clippers Wednesday, the week's only back-to-back. Friday brings Golden State on Prime Video in an Emirates NBA Cup game, and the Raptors visit Sunday. Four games, four different tests, and the Lakers have not yet lost one.
The Forty-Seven
One number from Utah deserves a second look: the Jazz scored 47 in the first quarter and led by 18. They managed 76 over the next three. Los Angeles outscored them 103-76 in that stretch, and Jazz coach Will Hardy's team had no answer once Doncic found his range. One quarter is not a trend. Still, the Lakers posted a 13.5 net rating through three games, and the question for Redick's group is whether it can keep that margin without first spotting an opponent a double-digit lead.
Bodies and Books
Adou Thiero and Cameron Carr are both listed out, with estimated returns on Tuesday, which would deepen a guard group that has leaned heavily on Reaves. Off the floor, the ledger is tight: $201.3 million committed, just $0.9 million past the $200.4 million tax line. Lakers Nation reported that Milwaukee wanted two second-round picks for Jericho Sims and Los Angeles offered one. Whether that gap closes is a story for another week.
When do the Lakers play next?
The Lakers host the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday, Oct. 27, on NBC and Peacock. They visit the Clippers the next night.
Will Adou Thiero and Cameron Carr play against Portland?
Both are listed out, with an estimated return of Oct. 27, the day of the Portland game. Neither has been cleared yet.
