Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers NBA Cup game, Digi Mart USA News: The Portland Trail Blazers are playing their first NBA Cup game of the season as they take on the Los Angeles Lakers on the road.
The Blazers already beat the Lakers earlier this season, 136-129 on October 27, and have since gone 3-1. The Lakers have won four of their last five games since that matchup and are currently on a three-game winning streak.
With the game approaching, a Lakers On SI publisher, Ryan Ward, discussed the current state of the Lakers. Despite a setback against the Golden State Warriors, the Lakers have been playing well on both ends of the floor since the loss to the Blazers.
The publisher said things appear to be coming together for coach JJ Redick’s team, which bodes well for Los Angeles being a stronger all-around team in the rematch. He noted that while the 2026-27 season is still early, Luka Doncic continues to show improved defensive play, though his scoring remains the main story.
Doncic has been virtually unstoppable this season, with no team having a clear answer for him, and opponents do their most damage when he is on the bench. Milestones are being set with each game, and the reigning scoring champion has shown no signs of slowing down.
In the publisher’s opinion, Doncic is the current NBA MVP, with Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs as the only potential threat to the Lakers star’s chances of winning the regular-season award for the first time.
The publisher said Walker Kessler is likely the player to watch on the Lakers’ frontcourt. Kessler has had up-and-down performances this season but appears more comfortable as he gets more reps alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Kessler is averaging a double-double and is one of the best rim protectors in the game, averaging 2.7 blocks per game, third-best in the league behind Myles Turner and Wembanyama.
The publisher also highlighted Thybulle, who has exceeded expectations in the first few weeks of the season. He has made an impact on both ends as a lockdown defender and a consistent threat from beyond the arc.
Thybulle was one of the publisher’s favorite offseason additions, with his main concern being whether he can stay healthy. So far, he has been solid as a starter and a key contributor to the team’s early success.
The publisher expects another hard-fought battle, with both teams among the best in the Western Conference. However, he believes the Lakers are the better team this time and will earn their fourth straight win while handing the Blazers their second loss of the season.
