The Portland Trail Blazers looked like they didn’t come out of the All-Star break until the second half Thursday night at home against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Blazers played the first two quarters with a Tin Man-like coating of rust, falling behind by as many as 18. While they rallied to make a game of it in the second half, that slow start ultimately cost them in a 110-102 loss.
The eternal LeBron James stuck the knife in Portland, going for 40 points and eight rebounds. Elite foul grifter Austin Reaves added 12 free throws on his way to 32 points.