The Blazers had lost two in a row, the Lakers had lost four in a row, and the two clashed at Moda Center in an attempt to right their respective ships. Coach Stotts rolled out a new starting-five to combat the Lakers tall lineup, giving Skal Labisierre the start next to Hassan Whiteside. Just three minutes into the action Labisierre motioned to the bench for a sub, fouled LeBron James, and limped back to the locker room.