Trail Blazers defeat Lakers 136-129, remain unbeaten at 3-0

Portland extended its flawless start to the season with a 136-129 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. Ja Morant and Deni Avdija each finished with 23 points, while Damian Lillard added 21 and made a decisive three-pointer with 43 seconds remaining.

Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 41 points and nine assists, but the team suffered its first loss. Jrue Holiday contributed 22 points for the Blazers, who recorded their second 3-0 start in franchise history. The victory came as Portland closed the game on a 15-8 run under new coach Micah Nori.

Austin Reaves scored 26 points for Los Angeles, and Sandro Mamukelashvili added 17, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer that capped a 13-point first half. The Lakers rallied in the fourth quarter, narrowing an eight-point deficit, but Lillard and Avdija responded with back-to-back three-pointers. Morant's consecutive mid-range jumpers gave Portland a five-point edge, and Lillard's fourth three-pointer sealed the win.

Doncic made six three-pointers and recorded his tenth 50-point game in less than two years, but Portland's balanced scoring and late-stage baskets proved decisive. The Blazers will host Memphis on Thursday, while the Lakers travel to face the Clippers on Wednesday.