The Los Angeles Lakers headed into Tuesday’s game against the visiting Portland Trail Blazers riding high, as Luka Doncic and company had racked up three straight wins to start the 2026-27 NBA season, with the Slovenian superstar putting on a show in the scoring department.

Unfortunately, the team’s flawless record came to an end, with Damian Lillard and the Blazers getting the best of JJ Redick’s squad, 136-129.

Here are my three takeaways from what transpired on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena.

No. 3: Lakers' Defense Gets Exposed in First Loss

One of the things the Lakers brass wanted to upgrade heading into the NBA offseason this past summer was the defense, and they seemed to make strides in that area over the first three games, with three wins to their credit.

However, the Blazers may have exposed this new-look Lakers team in that category on Tuesday night, lighting up Doncic and company for a season-high 136 points in Los Angeles in front of the Lakers faithful.

Redick said the following about…