Lakers’ first loss exposes the limits of simply outscoring everybody

Luka Doncic followed a 52-point game with 41 more Tuesday. Austin Reaves added 26.

The Lakers still lost. That should tell you where this conversation is headed.

Scoring hasn’t been a problem for Los Angeles. Getting enough stops against another team with serious offensive firepower proved considerably more difficult in a 136-129 loss to the Trail Blazers.

Coach JJ Redick had identified the challenge beforehand.

“You’re talking about a playoff team that essentially added [Damian] Lillard and Ja Morant so it’ll be a great test for us tonight,” Redick said, per Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times.

It was. Portland handed the Lakers their first loss after three straight wins, outscoring them 34-26 in the fourth quarter.

Redick’s pregame priorities were getting back defensively, getting organized and meeting Portland’s drivers before they reached the paint.

“They’re a heavy drive team, [with a] number of guys that can do it at a high level,” he said.

That variety showed up in the scoring. Morant and Deni Avdija each finished with 23 points, Jrue Holiday had 22 and Lillard added 21. Lillard’s three with 42.8 seconds left provided the separation Portland needed.

For the Lakers, the takeaway goes beyond an undefeated start ending. Doncic and Reaves can generate enough offense to win most nights, but relying on them to keep answering every basket leaves little room for error.

This was one game against a dangerous opponent. It also offered Redick some useful material.

The Lakers already know their backcourt can score. Building a defense that gives those points enough support is the next assignment.