Lakers vs Trail Blazers Picks and Prediction – 2/21/2025

The Lakers (32-20) head to Portland to take on the Trail Blazers (23-32) in a Western Conference matchup at Moda Center. Los Angeles is coming off a tough 131-119 loss to Utah, snapping a four-game winning streak. Portland has struggled recently, dropping three straight, including back-to-back blowouts against Denver. Score big in the NBA with our insider NBA picks.

Los Angeles has been playing solid basketball, winning four of the last five before the loss to Utah. The offense has been rolling, averaging 123.4 points per game over this stretch. LeBron James continues to lead the way, averaging 24.3 points per game on 51.6% shooting. The Lakers will need James, who is listed as questionable, to be at full strength to avoid another slip-up. Luka Doncic gives the Lakers a proven scorer, rebounder, and playmaker who will be a huge plus. 

Defensively, Los Angeles allows 114.6 points per game and will look to contain Anfernee Simons, Portland’s top scorer. The Lakers' interior defense will be tested, but with Portland missing key bigs like Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III, the Lakers should have a rebounding advantage.

Portland has lost three straight, allowing an average of 130.6 points per game in those losses. Scoring hasn’t been a major issue, but the Blazers' defense has been a disaster, ranking near the bottom of the league in efficiency. Simons leads the offense with 18.6 points per game, but with Jerami Grant, Scoot Henderson, and Matisse Thybulle all questionable, depth could be a concern.

Defensively, the Trail Blazers struggle to contain elite offenses, allowing 118.1 points per game. Missing Ayton in the paint could be a major issue against the Lakers, and if Grant can’t go, they’ll have even fewer options to slow down James and Doncic. Portland has played better at home (15-13), but they’ll need a much-improved defensive effort to keep this one close.

The Lakers have won four of the last five and should take advantage of Portland’s injury issues and defensive struggles. If James plays, Los Angeles has too much firepower for the Trail Blazers to handle, and if not, LA still has Doncic, who is one of the NBA’s best all-around players. Portland’s defense has been awful, and with several key players questionable, the Lakers should take care of business. Final Score Prediction: Lakers win and cover 122-110.