
AP Photo/Alex Gallardo
Any optimism the Los Angeles Lakers began the 2022-23 season with has quickly faded away, as the team fell to 0-3 with Sunday’s 106-104 home loss to the Portland Trail Blazers at crypto.com Arena.
After a disappointing campaign last year, Los Angeles had hoped to return to title contention this season. But through three games, the Lakers look like one of the worst teams in the league.
LeBron James led Los Angeles with 31 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in the loss. Anthony Davis added 22 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks.
However, the Lakers’ offensive woes continued as the team shot 6-of-33 (18.2 percent) from beyond the arc. The team’s defense wasn’t much better, as Portland closed the game on an 11-2 run as star point guard Damian Lillard scored 41 points to spearhead the comeback win.
Fans on social media didn’t hold back in their mockery of the Lakers after another disappointing loss.
Kendrick Perkins @KendrickPerkins
Frank Vogel watching the Lakers blow that game!!! pic.twitter.com/Ycy5tWxFDi
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Lakers 0-3. Blazers 3-0. pic.twitter.com/PF9VZm3sgl
Rob Parker @RobParkerFS1
Double wow! @trailblazers go on 16-6 run to beat @Lakers and keep them winless (0-3). Lakers blew a seven-point lead with 1:50 left. Well, at least LeBron will pass Kareem.
The Athletic @TheAthletic
The Los Angeles Lakers are off to an 0-3 start.
Lakers 3PT shooting this season:
◽️ 10/40 vs Warriors
◽️ 9/45 vs Clippers
◽️ 6/33 vs Trail Blazers pic.twitter.com/H08cvIfvEj
Ballislife.com @Ballislife
LeBron’s 1st 3 games of Year 20
31 PTS (46% FG) 15 REB, 8 AST
20 PTS (41% FG) 10 REB, 6 AST, 2 BLK
31 PTS (55% FG) 8 REB, 8 AST, 2 BLKLakers are 0-3 pic.twitter.com/PM06fLpgrZ
Trae Ingram @Traelngram
Russell Westbrook through 3 games this season
10.3 ppg
29% FG
8% 3PTLakers are 0-3 pic.twitter.com/7uX7uQJTpF
𝓜𝓪𝓽𝓽 🎃✈️ @mldiffley
The Los Angeles Lakers are officially eliminated from the NBA Playoffs pic.twitter.com/ieGyZ9HHBo
Le5-6 @deepyy_
my brother in Christ @russwest44
pic.twitter.com/R5rC80f9yQ
Los Angeles has problems on both sides of the ball with no clear solutions. The team’s roster is a questionable combination of mismatched parts, and it’s showing through a lack of chemistry on the court.
The Lakers will have a few days to regroup before they try to notch their first win when they face the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.