One year ago tonight, Portland came into Los Angeles and left with a 122-108 win. On the same date this fall, the Blazers return at 2-0 to face a 3-0 Lakers club, and one of those unbeaten records ends tonight.
The Calendar's Long Memory
The Lakers have played on Oct. 27 six times, and together those games trace the franchise's history. In 1956 they were still in Minneapolis, two years past George Mikan's last title run, and they lost 97-75 at St. Louis. In 1962, with Elgin Baylor and Jerry West, they beat Detroit 134-118 at home. In 1968, months after trading for Wilt Chamberlain, they won 152-116 at home. In 1972, a few months after Bill Sharman's team won a then-record 69 games and an NBA-record 33 straight, they lost 119-91 at home to Golden State. Being champions did not protect them the next fall.
From Davis to Doncic
The 2019 game is the closest echo. That night the Lakers beat Charlotte 120-101, early in the season that ended with LeBron James and Anthony Davis winning the 17th championship, the title that tied Boston. Both of those stars are gone now. Davis went to Dallas in the February 2025 trade that brought Doncic, and James left for Philadelphia as a free agent this summer. The new lead pair has opened in style. Doncic is averaging 7.3 rebounds and 8.0 assists to go with his scoring, and his 52 points and 10 assists won the game in Utah. Reaves, with 29 that night, has made 61.5 percent of his threes.
Portland's Second Visit
Last fall's loss to Portland is the newest entry on this date, and the Blazers look stronger now. Across two wins they have outscored opponents by 23.0 points per 100 possessions. Deni Avdija and Damian Lillard are each scoring 22.0 a game, and Toumani Camara adds 18.5. Portland comes in with three days of rest. The Lakers had one, and they play at the Clippers tomorrow night. Shaedon Sharpe and Chris Youngblood are out for Portland, and Scoot Henderson is day-to-day. Adou Thiero is still out for Los Angeles with a left knee injury. Silver Screen and Roll this week looked at how Walker Kessler is anchoring the defense, and his 16.7 points and 8.0 rebounds make him the key matchup against Avdija on the glass.
Did the Lakers beat the Trail Blazers on Oct. 27 last year?
No. Portland won 122-108 in Los Angeles on Oct. 27, 2025.
Who is injured for Lakers vs. Trail Blazers?
Adou Thiero is out for the Lakers with a left knee injury. Portland is without Shaedon Sharpe and Chris Youngblood, and Scoot Henderson is day-to-day.
