The Lakers wrapped up their regular season with a 109-81 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday afternoon. With their playoff spot already secured after Friday’s victory over the Rockets, the team opted to rest all key rotation players, making the outcome of the game inconsequential.
Despite the loss, several young Lakers made the most of their extended minutes. Dalton Knecht led the team with 25 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks. Shake Milton contributed 16 points and three assists, while veteran Markieff Morris added 11 points, four rebounds, and six assists. Jordan Goodwin also had a solid performance, finishing with 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
The game began slowly for the Lakers, with the young squad struggling to hit shots. Markieff Morris provided early momentum, helping spark a 10-0 run. Throughout the first quarter, Knecht, Goodwin, and Milton shared the offensive load, each taking opportunities to showcase their skills.
In the second quarter, the Lakers found better rhythm offensively, with Knecht stepping up as the leading scorer. However, Portland seized control late in the quarter, going into halftime with a 15-point lead.
The third quarter mirrored the first, with the Lakers missing shots and failing to mount a comeback. Alex Len fouled out late in the quarter, symbolizing the team’s ongoing struggles. Still, Goodwin continued to provide valuable bench minutes, and his consistent effort could be a key asset in the postseason.
The fourth quarter offered more playing time for the younger players, with Knecht continuing to impress and potentially earning a look for playoff minutes.
Key Takeaways: Markieff Morris remains a steady veteran presence. The Lakers now await confirmation of their first-round playoff opponent.
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