Lakers Honor Kobe With a Win Over the Portland Trail Blazers, 135-115

LeBron James and his teammates defeated Portland Trail Blazers 135-115, in a game which took place on Kobe Bryant’s day.

The world of sports is still in a state of shock because of Kobe’s tragic death, and even though a lot of time passed, the entire NBA community is still mourning.

“Obviously, Kobe is dearly missed. To have a game on 8/24, Kobe Bryant Day, I think all of us in our whole organization, but in particular, our players, felt that and carried that emotion onto the court,” said Frank Vogel, Lakers’ coach.

We miss you every day, Kobe. Happy birthday from your Lakers family. pic.twitter.com/6hzwFXgkwh

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 23, 2020

The purple and gold were inspired, and Portland felt what it is like to face one of the most dominant teams in the league at their best. James spoke about the fact that he and his crew felt an obligation to play extraordinary and to honor one of the best players ever, and one of his role models.

“To be able to continue his legacy is something that hits home for me, and it’s easy for me because I put in the work,” James said. “And if you want to see results you got to work at it. It’s not about the wins and losses.”

Still, this one was about winning, as the LAL pulled away to a 3-1 lead in the series, pushing the Trail Blazers to the brink. And truth to be told, the boys from Oregon have pretty slim chances to come back and make a sensation. Not just because they face Lakers, but also because of all the problems they face.

LeBron after the game the Lakers had dedicated to Kobe Bryant : "When I looked up and saw we were up 24-8, I was like, okay, he's here in the building. It’s a beautiful, beautiful night for our franchise and something we will always remember – this moment.” pic.twitter.com/Q4AekQHNjP

— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) August 25, 2020

Damian Lillard left tonight’s game, due to a right knee problem, and he didn’t return after leaving the floor in the third quarter. Besides him, CJ McCollum, too, has health issues. Portland’s guard is dealing with a lower back injury, which enables him to play at the highest possible level.

Dame had 11 points, while McCollum added 18, yet both of them shot 8-for-22 combined, which was just too low against the pumped up Lakers.

The only one who was resisting the LAL was Jusuf Nurkic with 20 points and 13 boards and a couple of nice moves that ended up on the highlights.

Carmelo Anthony scored 16 points, making just one of his six three-point attempts. Gary Trent added 11, the same as Hassan Whiteside.

Among the Lakers, LBJ had 30 with 10 assists and six boards, shooting 10-for-12 from the field, and 4-for-5 from downtown. All that in 28 minutes. Anthony Davis played 10 minutes fewer, adding 18 points with 5 boards and assists each.

Kyle Kuzma was good off the bench with 18 buckets as well, delivering five three-pointers, while Dwight Howard scored 13 with 8 rebounds. Danny Green had 14, and Caldwell-Pope 12. LAL made 17 threes.

LeBron James on perfect Kobe Bryant score: "I did notice that we were up 24-8." James said. "And when I look up there and see 24-8, I was like 'okay, he's here in the building.' It was a beautiful night for our franchise." #MambaDayhttps://t.co/UoBzyOxagE

— ClutchPoints NBA (@ClutchPointsNBA) August 25, 2020

They would outscore Portland 43-25 in the opening 12 minutes, and gained an 80-51 lead at the halftime, busting the rivals all over the place. There is an impression among the fans that even with Lillard and McCollum completely healthy, the Trail Blazers wouldn’t stand a chance against Vogel’s side.

Lillard had an MRI following the match, but the results were inconclusive, and the star guard will have to undergo the same procedure once again. His status for Game 5 is unclear, and according to the writings from prominent sources, there is a solid possibility to see him skipping this clash. That would no doubt make things much easier for the Lakers.

The next game is set for this Wednesday.